The thought of clearing out your wardrobe can be a daunting one.
It is a task that can become stressful and tiresome very quickly and all the energy that we began with can fizzle out in a matter of minutes.
However, with the right approach it can actually be fun and extremely rewarding.
By committing to a closet declutter, we can dispose of the clothes and shoes that we no longer wear, create extra space and rearrange things so that we know exactly where everything is. There is no better time to invest in a wardrobe declutter than the new year and these helpful tips will ensure that the task is straightforward and that the end result is satisfying.
Put time aside
When it comes to clearing out your wardrobe, it is important to put time aside and really do it properly.
Try to get it all done in the one day; if you plan to do a little bit now and a little bit later, often other jobs pop up and before you know it days have gone by and your decluttering session is on hold and unfinished.
That’s when things can start to get a bit messy again – so once you start, stick with it.
Remove everything
The first thing to do is to remove every single item from your closet, including shoes, bags and belts.
By doing this you can work through each item one by one.
Our wardrobe can become so overcrowded that we can’t always see everything that is in there, so you may find a few forgotten items too.
Doing this enables you to place the clothing and accessories that you want to put neatly back in – making sure that they are visible – while folding unwanted items into a bag.
Be honest
The contents of our wardrobes tend to increase very quickly and a lot of the time it is because we don’t want to throw anything out, scared in case we may need it later – meanwhile we continue to purchase.
One of the top decluttering tips is to be honest. Ask yourself: “Will I really wear this particular item again?” If you are unsure, try it on.
This will help you to decide if it is really worth keeping. Some garments stand the test of time better than others and quite often we tend to fall out of love with how we look in particular styles.
Seasonal wear
Our fashion choices in summer are very different to winter, as we opt for comfortable boots, cosy coats and snug hats.
To create extra space in your wardrobe, pack away your seasonal items that are not needed.
There is no point browsing through summery tops and shorts when it is cold outside. If you are struggling for a place to store your summer wear, why not purchase a container that would sit neatly on top of your wardrobe or if you have a suitcase under your bed, pack your summer clothing into it.
Create sections
From work wear to gym gear, occasional attire to casual styles, we dress differently depending on the day and in order to keep things neat and tidy, it is worth dedicating a particular area of your wardrobe to a certain style.
Not only will this help to prevent things from getting messy and mixed, but it also saves a lot of time in the morning when you are getting ready for work or for a special night out.
You will know exactly where everything is and where to find it, and it will keep your wardrobe looking great too.
Shoes
Footwear can be one of the biggest issues when it comes to wardrobe space and in a similar fashion to sorting out your clothing, it is best to be realistic when deciding on what shoes to keep and what to throw away, ie are they comfortable to wear, do you still like them? If you still require extra shoe space after adding a number of pairs to the recyclable pile, it would be worth investing in shoe racks or boxes. This will ensure that your shoes stay together in a neat and tidy fashion and will make your closet a little more spacious. CL
Five ways to dispose of your unwanted clothing and shoes
Check out your local charity shops and clothes banks. This is a great way to recycle and dispose of unwanted items. However, read the specific donating guidelines first. If there are animal shelters in your area, contact them to enquire if your unwanted items would be useful. Many pet rescue centres need fabrics, blankets or towels. Sell your unwanted items online or at car boot sales. Use your unwanted clothing in other ways, eg you could create a patchwork tablecloth.If you have clothing items that are in perfect condition and have been worn only a couple of times (or not at all), would a family member or friend like them?
The thought of clearing out your wardrobe can be a daunting one.
It is a task that can become stressful and tiresome very quickly and all the energy that we began with can fizzle out in a matter of minutes.
However, with the right approach it can actually be fun and extremely rewarding.
By committing to a closet declutter, we can dispose of the clothes and shoes that we no longer wear, create extra space and rearrange things so that we know exactly where everything is. There is no better time to invest in a wardrobe declutter than the new year and these helpful tips will ensure that the task is straightforward and that the end result is satisfying.
Put time aside
When it comes to clearing out your wardrobe, it is important to put time aside and really do it properly.
Try to get it all done in the one day; if you plan to do a little bit now and a little bit later, often other jobs pop up and before you know it days have gone by and your decluttering session is on hold and unfinished.
That’s when things can start to get a bit messy again – so once you start, stick with it.
Remove everything
The first thing to do is to remove every single item from your closet, including shoes, bags and belts.
By doing this you can work through each item one by one.
Our wardrobe can become so overcrowded that we can’t always see everything that is in there, so you may find a few forgotten items too.
Doing this enables you to place the clothing and accessories that you want to put neatly back in – making sure that they are visible – while folding unwanted items into a bag.
Be honest
The contents of our wardrobes tend to increase very quickly and a lot of the time it is because we don’t want to throw anything out, scared in case we may need it later – meanwhile we continue to purchase.
One of the top decluttering tips is to be honest. Ask yourself: “Will I really wear this particular item again?” If you are unsure, try it on.
This will help you to decide if it is really worth keeping. Some garments stand the test of time better than others and quite often we tend to fall out of love with how we look in particular styles.
Seasonal wear
Our fashion choices in summer are very different to winter, as we opt for comfortable boots, cosy coats and snug hats.
To create extra space in your wardrobe, pack away your seasonal items that are not needed.
There is no point browsing through summery tops and shorts when it is cold outside. If you are struggling for a place to store your summer wear, why not purchase a container that would sit neatly on top of your wardrobe or if you have a suitcase under your bed, pack your summer clothing into it.
Create sections
From work wear to gym gear, occasional attire to casual styles, we dress differently depending on the day and in order to keep things neat and tidy, it is worth dedicating a particular area of your wardrobe to a certain style.
Not only will this help to prevent things from getting messy and mixed, but it also saves a lot of time in the morning when you are getting ready for work or for a special night out.
You will know exactly where everything is and where to find it, and it will keep your wardrobe looking great too.
Shoes
Footwear can be one of the biggest issues when it comes to wardrobe space and in a similar fashion to sorting out your clothing, it is best to be realistic when deciding on what shoes to keep and what to throw away, ie are they comfortable to wear, do you still like them? If you still require extra shoe space after adding a number of pairs to the recyclable pile, it would be worth investing in shoe racks or boxes. This will ensure that your shoes stay together in a neat and tidy fashion and will make your closet a little more spacious. CL
Five ways to dispose of your unwanted clothing and shoes
Check out your local charity shops and clothes banks. This is a great way to recycle and dispose of unwanted items. However, read the specific donating guidelines first. If there are animal shelters in your area, contact them to enquire if your unwanted items would be useful. Many pet rescue centres need fabrics, blankets or towels. Sell your unwanted items online or at car boot sales. Use your unwanted clothing in other ways, eg you could create a patchwork tablecloth.If you have clothing items that are in perfect condition and have been worn only a couple of times (or not at all), would a family member or friend like them? 
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