As much as decluttering your wardrobe might be a burden at first, it will save you a hell of confusion, time and money and will totally change your life and make it easier. You’ll feel better in your clothes by wearing only what you love, and visually it’s so appealing that you will immediately want to tackle the rest of your home. Are you ready? LET’S GET TO IT!
Step #1: TAKE IT ALL OUT
First of all, take everything out of your closet and throw it in a pile on your bed or bedroom floor. And I mean EVERYTHING: winter, spring, summer and fall clothes. Then go around your home and gather all your other clothing, including the following:
- out-of-season clothing
- coats/outerwear
- clothing in drawers
- underwear, socks, bras
- costumes
- uniforms
- scarves
- pajamas, activewear, loungewear
Step #2: GO THROUGH THE PILE
Looking at the pile is overwhelming, I know. But let us break it down, shall we? First, divide your pile into three sets: Love, Maybe and Toss. After doing so, go through each item and put it under the appropriate set. Quick tip: be brutal with your socks, underwear, and bras. They do have a shelf life, you know. You’re not doing yourself any favors by keeping ones that are stretched out and frumpy. Use this as an excuse to treat yourself to ones that make you look (and feel) amazing!
Step #3: TRY EVERYTHING ON IN YOUR ‘MAYBE’ PILE
Here are some questions you need to ask yourself while you’re trying the Maybe pile:
- Have I used this in the last year?
- If I were shopping right now, would I buy this?
- Is the only thing that’s keeping me from disposing this item that I don’t want to waste money?
- Am I holding on to this for sentimental value?
- Do I have a similar item that serves the same purpose?
- Do I have a realistic plan to use this?
- Does it fit me or my living space?
- Am I holding on to the broken item to fix in the future?
After trying and asking these questions, you won’t believe how much items you will discard.
Step #4: FINALIZE YOUR CLOTHING
Your favorites should be back in your closet and your nopes ready to go out the door. From the clothes that you are still keeping, store all your clothing together, don’t store off season clothing in another area! You may need an outer layer in the summer or a fun tank in the winter for going out. Hiding your off-season clothing puts it out of mind and makes it easier to hoard. Trust me, you will love having your entire wardrobe in one spot.
Step #5: HANDBAGS
Now do this with your handbags, totes, and clutches. Remember, what do you really love? Which ones bring you joy? Which do you use often? Keep those. Discard the rest. You can make a little money by selling them on Second Hand Facebook groups and put that towards one you really love.
Step #6: SHOES
Are you ready? Now it’s time to tackle your shoes. Be brutal. As you hold up each pair, ask yourself:
- Do you still wear them?
- Do they fit? Do they feel good?
- Do they work with your (newly decluttered) wardrobe?
- Are they in great condition?
- Are they in style?
Step #7: JEWELRY
This one might be a little tough, because pieces are often sentimental or you think, ‘I might wear this one day.’ So just try to get rid of the ones you are sure you won’t be needing or using. This is also a chance to make a bit of money because you can get a quote selling your ring with diamonds on and see if you want to part ways with it.
Step #8: ENJOY
Take a step back. How does it feel? Does a mostly empty closet make you feel happy? Enjoy your accomplishment.
WE SAID THIS: Go back into your closet and see if anything jumps out as odd to you. Anything not match the others? Often, this is a piece that you don’t really love but kept out of obligation. If that’s the case, get rid of it!