Nancy Let’s be honest, we have all been there. We have all stared at a closet full of clothes but feeling like we have nothing to wear. You can be a fashion lover or a minimalist-in-the-making, but a cluttered wardrobe can be very overwhelming, stressful and oddly uninspiring. Here’s the truth: decluttering your wardrobe doesn’t have to be a painful or regret-filled process.
With a little strategy and the right mindset, you can create a wardrobe that reflects your style. But it should also simplify your mornings and spark joy every time you open your closet. This is why I’ve created a step-by-step guide on how to declutter your closet without any of the guilt.
Defining your personal style goals
Before you pull everything out of your closet, you’ll need to take a moment to reflect. What do you want your wardrobe to say about you? Are you aiming for classic elegance, classic minimalism, edgy chic, or even a mix of a few? Having a clear vision of your style will help you guide what will stay and what should go.
You can create a quick mood board. Scroll through your saved Instagram looks. Or you can write down three words that describe your ideal style. When you have a style anchor, decisions will become much easier. You’ll instantly know which pieces align with your fashion goals and which ones are just taking up space.
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Take everything out
It might seem extreme, but taking every single item out of your closet and drawers will give you a complete picture of what you own. You’ll most likely end up shocked at how many similar pieces you’ve accumulated.
As you lay everything out, sort them into quick categories. Like love it, maybe, no way and seasonal. Don’t overthink it. Your first instinct is usually the right one.
Try it on
You’ll need to give a little extra attention to your “maybe” pile. Try the pieces in front of a mirror and be brutally honest. Do you really feel good in it? Does it flatter your shape? Will you wear it today, and not just someday? If the answer is no or a hesitant maybe, then it’s probably time to let go of that piece.
Something you also need to do is check for damage, poor fit and uncomfortable fabrics. If something looks cute but really makes you itchy or rides up all day, then it’s not worth keeping.
Image from: https://www.alifemoreorganised.co.uk/post/wardrobe-declutter-tips-marie-kondo-style
Ask yourself the right questions
When you are evaluating whether to keep something, you need to ask yourself if you have worn the piece in the past. If you would buy it again today. Does it align with your current lifestyle and if you feel confident while wearing it? If the answer is no to most of these, just let them go.
Letting go without guilt
Most of us will get stuck with the emotional attachment. Maybe it could have been a gift, an expensive purchase, or something tied to a memory. But keeping clothes out of guilt only clutters your space and will weigh you down.
You can reframe it, you’re not getting rid of the memory, just the material. Thank the item for its place in your life and let it move on to serve someone else. It will get easier with practice.
Organize with purpose
Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to organize your remaining pieces in a way that makes getting dressed a breeze. You can group your items by category, like pants, dresses, tops, etc. Color-code them to find what you need. Investing in matching hangers for a clean and elevated look. Store your seasonal pieces elsewhere to create more space.
You can also keep a small donation bag in your closet. This way, when something no longer serves you, you can let it go in real time.
Fill the gaps mindfully
After decluttering, you might notice a few gaps in your wardrobe. Maybe you are missing a go-to pair of jeans or a versatile jacket. Instead of rushing to replace everything, permit yourself to pause.
You can make a list of what you genuinely need. Then, show slowly and intentionally. Focus on quality over quantity, and look for pieces that align with your personal style and daily life. This step will prevent rebound shopping. You know,w when you declutter and then fill your closet right back up again.
Image from: https://www.aliciafashionista.com/7-basic-closet-decluttering-tips/
