Have you ever seen someone’s wardrobe and thought, “I could live in here” and then looked at yours and wondered, “How did I get here?” Or perhaps you rummage through a jam-packed wardrobe, only to find that nothing gives you that “Yes!” spark? You’re not alone.
According to Shop Your Wardrobe, women wear only 20–30% of their wardrobes. This means that 70–80% of their wardrobes are truly wasted, and the most proactive way to deal with this is to declutter. Yes, decluttering your wardrobe can be daunting, but with a clear plan and simple strategies, you can transform your cluttered closet into a haven of style and tranquillity.
Is decluttering your wardrobe necessary?
From overwhelmed to zen
Are you tired of spending minutes or even hours in front of a packed closet, feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to wear? Decluttering your wardrobe transforms and simplifies your routine. With a curated collection of your favourite pieces, you’ll spend less time deciding and more time conquering the day.
Goodbye decision fatigue, hello personal style
A cluttered wardrobe drains your mental energy, making it harder to define your personal style. By editing out unnecessary items, you’ll discover what truly makes you feel confident and stylish. Also, with a streamlined wardrobe, you’ll make smarter purchases, reduce waste, and enjoy a more defined approach to style and fashion. Say goodbye to decision fatigue and hello to effortless chic!
Reveal your true self
A cluttered wardrobe can hide your true personality. By letting go of items that no longer serve you, you’ll uncover your authentic style, your favourite colours, and fabrics and also unlock creativity and experimentation.
Let’s get into it
Now that you know the benefits of having a functional wardrobe, let me help you get there. Follow these simple steps to declutter your wardrobe:
Step 1: Prepare for battle
Schedule a dedicated block of time because you will need it. The more distractions you have in between, the more likely you are to give up on the entire process, so ensure you have enough time.
Gather supplies—boxes, bags, and a donation bin. Everything you might need to store clothes without losing sight of what’s meant for what.
Put on your favourite playlist—I recommend something upbeat—to keep your energy flowing and ensure you’re dressed in very comfortable clothing because we’re getting down to serious business.
Step 2: Take everything out
Empty your wardrobe, drawers, shelves, and every piece of clothing you have and sort items into categories—tops, bottoms, dresses, etc. While it’s all cleared out, take the opportunity to sanitise the space.
Step 3: Purge the unwanted
Be ruthless. If it’s stained, torn, or unworn in a year, let it go. The best way to do this is to consider the 80/20 rule—80% of the time, you are likely to wear only 20% of your clothes.
To find what’s worth keeping, evaluate each item using these criteria: Does it fit? Is it flattering? Does it bring you joy? If the answer to two or more of these questions is no, consider donating the item if it’s still in good condition or discarding it if it’s beyond repair. Also, implement a “maybe” box for uncertain items and revisit them in 6 months. If you haven’t worn or thought about them by then, let them go.
Step 4: Organise what’s left
Categorise and group similar items together. You could consider grouping by seasons or specific use (work clothes, lounge wear, church outfits, etc.). Another option is to group your clothes by colour.
Arrange your wardrobe with your most used items within close reach and fill up the space neatly.
Decluttering is a breath of fresh air
Decluttering your wardrobe isn’t just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about uncovering your best self. With a clutter-free closet, you’ll feel more confident in your choices and authentic in your personal style.
Decluttering your wardrobe is a journey, not a destination. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll transform your cluttered closet into a serene sanctuary that sparks joy and inspires creativity. So, take a deep breath, put on your favourite playlist, and get ready to create space and serenity in your wardrobe.
