How to declutter your wardrobe without getting overwhelmed

A cluttered wardrobe can be overwhelming and make it difficult to find the clothes you need. It can also lead to impulse buying and a feeling of being stuck in a fashion rut. Decluttering your wardrobe is a great way to simplify your life and make getting dressed in the morning a more pleasant experience. But how do you declutter your wardrobe without getting overwhelmed? Here are some clear steps to help you get started:

1. Start by setting a goal

Before you start decluttering, it's important to set a goal. Having a clear goal in mind will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process. Your goal could be something like "I want to create more space in my closet" or "I want to create a functional wardrobe."

2. Make a plan that outlines specific tasks

Once you have set your goal, it's important to create a plan to achieve it. Here are a few things to consider when creating your plan:

1. Set a date and time: Choose a specific day and time to declutter your wardrobe. It's time to stop putting it off.

2. Break it down: Instead of trying to declutter your entire wardrobe at once, break it down into smaller tasks. For example, you could focus on decluttering your shoes one day, and your tops the next.

3. Make a list: Make a list of the items you want to declutter and check them off as you go. This will help you stay organized and focused on your goal.

4. Set a deadline: Give yourself a deadline to complete the decluttering process. This will help you stay motivated and on track.

5. Be flexible: Remember that decluttering your wardrobe is a process and it may take longer than you expect. Be flexible and adjust your plan as needed.

6. Reward yourself: Give yourself a small reward for completing each task or a bigger one for completing the whole process. It can be something as simple as a cup of your favorite coffee or a piece of your favorite chocolate.

3. Sort your clothes

Now it's time to get started. Start by taking everything out of your closet and dresser. Divide your clothes into categories such as tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. Then, within each category, sort your clothes by color, style, and occasion. This will make it easier to see what you have and make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of.

For example, within the tops category, you can sort your clothes by:

• T-shirts
• Blouses
• Sweaters

As you sort your clothes, ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I worn this item in the last year?
• Does it fit me well?
• Is it in good condition?
• Do I love it and feel good wearing it?
• Is it versatile and can be worn in different occasions?

If the answer is no to any of these questions, it's likely that you won't wear it again, so you should consider getting rid of it.

This sorting method will help you visualise what you have and make it easier to identify what you need to declutter. You'll be able to see what you have too much of and what you don't have enough of, and it will give you a better understanding of what you wear regularly and what you don't wear anymore.

4. Make a Keep, Toss, Donate pile

As you sort your clothes, make three piles: Keep, Toss, and Donate. The Keep pile should include clothes that you wear regularly and that still fit well. The Toss pile should include clothes that are worn out or no longer fit. The Donate pile should include clothes that you no longer wear but are still in good condition.

If you're not sure whether to keep an item or not, there are a few things you can do:

1. Try it on: Sometimes it's hard to tell if an item still fits or if it's in good condition just by looking at it. Try the item on and see if it fits well and is comfortable to wear.

2. Ask yourself if you've worn it in the last year: If you haven't worn an item in the last year, it's likely that you won't wear it again.

3. Consider its versatility: Think about how many different outfits you can create with the item and if it's versatile enough to wear on different occasions. You can find an example of this on our blog post "5 ways to style oversized sweatshirts all year round".

4. Take a break: If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break and come back to the item later. Sometimes it's easier to make a decision when you're not feeling rushed or stressed.

5. If you're still unsure, put it in a "maybe" pile and come back to it later. If you haven't missed it in a month or two, then it's likely you can get rid of it.

Remember, the goal is to declutter your wardrobe and make it easier to find the clothes you need. It's not about getting rid of everything, but about getting rid of what doesn't serve you anymore. Be honest with yourself and take your time. It's better to take your time and make a thoughtful decision than to rush and regret it later.

5. Maintain

Congratulations! You've decluttered your wardrobe, but the process doesn't stop there. Maintaining a decluttered wardrobe is just as important as decluttering it in the first place. Make a habit of going through your clothes regularly and getting rid of anything you no longer wear. This will help you keep your wardrobe clutter-free and make it easier to find the clothes you need.

By following these steps, you can declutter your wardrobe in a manageable way, and make getting dressed in the morning a more pleasant experience. With these steps, you'll be able to simplify your life and make more room for the things you really love.