How to Declutter your Wardrobe

Ladies the oh so common scene of standing in front of your wardrobe and screaming ‘I’ve nothing to wear’ is very seldom due to a shortage of clothes. The big issue is lack of wearable clothing, AND - you’re not going to like this - an un-organised wardrobe. 

Most wardrobes are overflowing with clothes that, don’t fit, need altering or items which you have nothing to team with. You’ll probably have noticed that your messy bulging wardrobe also means you tend to only wear what’s at the front of your wardrobe over and over again!

Purchasing more clothes is never going to be the solution to having nothing to wear. We need to start making the most of what we already own by becoming familiar with our wardrobes. I know this is going to sound mind-numbing but the only answer is to clear out declutter your wardrobe.....only clothes you wear should take up valuable hanging space.

My Walk-in-Wardrobe

It's extremely important before you take on the task of decluttering your wardrobe that you clear lots of free time to carry out the task to completion. Make sure you are free from all commitments. If you can only spare 2-3 hours at a time, then break down the task. If you have more than one wardrobe then take one wardrobe at a time. If your wardrobe is too big to tackle in one session then take one area at a time. You do not want to spend 2/3 hours removing clothes, trying them on, dividing them into what you want to keep and what you don't, only to have run out of time and end up throwing everything back in. Also remember it will get worse before it gets better, you will get to the stage where you've piles of clothes on the floor and you feel you've made a bigger mess than you began with. Do not get overwhelmed grab a cuppa and a treat and keep going. It will be completely worth it I promise.

My Walk-in-Wardrobe

Okay so to begin take everything out of your wardrobe one item at a time. Each item of clothing needs to be placed in 1 of 3 clothing piles

Pile 1​ Clothes you wear regularly 

pieces that compliment your shape and colouring

Pile 2 ​Clothes you might wear 

items you love but need altering or customising.

Pile 3​ Clothes you don’t wear 

pieces that don’t fit, have lost their shape or look, or items you have never worn.

TIP

As you work your way through your wardrobe you will come across pieces you would love to wear but you haven't been wearing them simply because you have nothing to match them. So make yourself a little shopping list as you go. This list should stay in your purse or put it in the notes of your phone. The next time you’re about to make an impulse purchase – check your list – if it’s not on it then don’t buy it. However if this purchase can be worn with at least three of your existing items of clothing then it is a valuable addition to your wardrobe. The key to remember from now on is – every purchase you make should increase your outfit choices. You are now ready to begin growing a wearable wardrobe :)

Pile 1 goes back into your wardrobe. Never hang clothes in organised outfits as this only limits the amount of looks you can create. Instead hang all tops together, jackets with jackets, dresses with dresses etc.. This will make creating outfits much easier.

Pile 2 only returns to your wardrobe once altered.

Pile 3 is NOT to go back in your wardrobe. Anything that is not in wearable condition should go to a clothing bank. The remaining items that are in good condition could be material for money making there are many sites and even pages on Facebook that allow you to sell your un-wanted's. Another option is, the option I always choose, to donate them to a local Charity shop.

My Walk-in-Wardrobe

What to Hang - What to Fold

Knitwear - Fold

Blouses/Shirts - Hang

Jackets & Coats - Hang

Jeans - Fold

Dresses - Hang

Trousers & Skirts - Hang

Basic Tops/Tees - Fold

Of course this all depends on how much space you have for hanging and for folded items. If you don't have room to hang everything that I've suggested above, then filter through your tops first and hang the tops that crease easier. Then do the same for Trousers & Skirts hang the pieces that crease easier and fold the rest. Don't hang things on each other (one item per hanger) you need to be able to see your clothes or you won't wear them!

If you feel this is something you could never do without help, then contact me for more information. Wardrobe Restyle (re-organisation, weeding whatever you prefer to call it) is one of my professional services. During a Wardrobe Restyle with me not only will we clear out and re-organise your wardrobe, you will also learn how to dress for your shape and what colours suit you. You will receive endless tips on putting together outfits and shopping for clothes. You will Look Fabulous, Feel Confident and most importantly enjoy being You.

Hope you enjoyed reading this post.

Happy De-Cluttering!!

Elaine xx