The Cluttered Closet Boutique is more than just a secondhand store! It’s a labor of love, built by a mother-daughter duo with a dream and a whole lot of determination. It all started on a whim in May of 2022, when my mom, Michelle, and I (Maddie) decided to take a leap and purchase the store, originally located in Yardbirds and later moved to Tower Avenue by the previous owner in January of that year. We didn’t exactly know what we were getting into, but we knew we wanted to create something special.

      When we took over, the shop was bursting at the seams with inventory. We cleared out over 5,000 items from the floor alone just to make the space walkable and that didn’t even touch the 10,000+ items packed into storage bins the previous owner left us. It was overwhelming, but we saw the potential. Our vision was clear: we wanted to create a secondhand discount boutique that felt like a step above your average thrift store. A place where you could find everything from high-end gems to affordable everyday pieces, all while keeping it cohesive, clean, and welcoming.

We spent the next two years working tirelessly to organize, clean, and curate our little shop. Every item that comes in is washed, stain-treated, and held to a high standard of quality. Sure, the occasional piece might slip through, when you’re sorting through thousands of items, it happens, but we’re proud of the standard we’ve set. Anything that doesn’t quite make the cut for our main floor still gets a chance to shine on our sale racks.

      We’re more than just a store, we’re a part of the Centralia community. We host pop-up sales, where shoppers can snag exclusive $2-$5 deals on clothing and accessories. We collaborate with other small businesses and proudly feature products from eight (and counting!) local artists. From handcrafted jewelry and home goods to unique press-on nails and car accessories, we’re always on the lookout for new creators to showcase.

Located in the heart of Centralia’s historic downtown, we’ve made our home on the 500 block of North Tower Avenue, an area that’s often overlooked but full of potential and charm. We’re determined to bring life and beauty back to this corner of town, making The Cluttered Closet Boutique a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, we want people to say, “We have to stop by The Cluttered Closet.”

      This shop wouldn’t be what it is without the help of our family and friends, who stood by us during those long days (and nights) of cleaning, sorting, and moving. My mom still works full-time in healthcare, and somehow finds the energy to clean, organize, and keep this store running with me. We restock weekly, with at least 100 new items hitting the floor every month, keeping things fresh and exciting.

      Fast forward to June of 2024, after two years of making the most of our cramped little space, we finally made the big move, right next door to a larger, more open location. And that’s where the next chapter of our journey begins...

To be continued...