Most of us really want to declutter but we don’t know where to start. Wardrobe decluttering is even more difficult as clothes have a tendency to hold memories. Add to this the fashion cycle and you have a whole lot of “I might need this again someday,” “Oh look! Remember that?” and of course, “That’ll be back in style one day.”
To declutter your wardrobe shouldn’t be painful, it should be liberating. Free up some physical and mental space by taking a hard look at what’s in your wardrobe.
To make the experience easier, follow these 7 steps. Your decluttered wardrobe is just on the other side…
1. Prep
One of the best ways to start the decluttering process is to prep. Before you burry yourself in all your clothes and accessories and give up – we’ve all been there – label a few boxes and bags. Keep / Fix / Toss / Donate / Sell / Memories. Making uneven piles that will probably topple into one another isn’t decluttering. Embrace the boxes.
2.Make everything visible
It’s time to take everything out. Empty your wardrobe, drawers, closet, laundry basket, washing machine… Seriously, nothing should be left to be dealt with later.
3.Sort into categories
Fancy yourself a few piles? Now’s the time! Tops this way, trousers that way, coats, shoes… Putting items in categories means it’ll be easier to see what you have in duplicate. You also eliminate the risk of tossing all your shirts and keeping all your dresses…
4.Try everything on
This is the fun part, or the cringe part, depending on how you look at it. Playing dress up might not have been on your agenda for decluttering day, but it’s all for a good cause – and a few giggles. This step should be combined with the next one for maximum impact…
5. Ask yourself the real questions
You’re now in the thick of it. Ask yourself the following questions for EACH item:
When was the last time I wore this?
We’re all guilty of forgetting stuff at the back of our wardrobes, and that’s ok! Decluttering also means rediscovering things. It’s like shopping within your own home.
Is it in good condition?
If something is torn or stained, you should probably recycle it (if the option’s available) or bin it. But could you actually fix it? Will you take the time, is it worth the effort and money?
Do I love it? Does it fit?
This should be a resounding yes. Anything less and you can start scratching your head as to where it’ll go. Anywhere, really, except back in your wardrobe.
Do I feel good in it? Is it me?
Something can be amazing and fit you but not really feel “you.” If you have an item that doesn’t fit your real style but that you keep “in case I become Beyoncé in a few years”… you know it needs to go.
Is it a duplicate?
How many white shirts does a person need? No really.
Would I buy it now?
This question is extremely important. At one point, you loved all these clothes and accessories, otherwise you wouldn’t have bought them. The real question is whether you would buy them NOW. Remember you’re “shopping” in your home. Would you pay for everything you own, right now?
Do I have memories/is it sentimental?
You might answer no to all the previous questions and still be on the fence. If an item has sentimental value – REAL sentimental value, not just that it reminds you of an amazing night out with your mates a few years ago – it’s completely ok to keep it, but not in your everyday wardrobe. Move it to the Memory box.
6 Organise
All these amazing clothes and accessories you’ve put in the Keep box can now go back in your wardrobe.
For seasonal items like bikinis – unless you live in Hawaii, you probably don’t need them in your everyday wardrobe – or skiwear, create a Holiday box and put it somewhere out of the way but still reachable. You’ll be so happy when you take it out as it’ll mean you’re off somewhere fun.
Find a spot for your Memory box too, and for things that you might really need – like a ballgown if you have an event coming up or super fancy clothes that would be perfect for your cousin’s wedding next year – create a Special Occasion box.
7 Make a habit of it
Clutter just happens. Nobody goes out shopping with a goal of bringing back 14 pairs of black pumps or 7 floral sundresses. To make sure the next declutter isn’t as big an affair as you just went through, find a spot for a Donation box. Every time you find something you don’t like or don’t fit in anymore, pop it in. When the box is full, sort through it. Either sell, donate or toss these items as you go.
Sarah Kante
