Wardrobe Detox: Clear the Clutter & Reclaim Your Space
Clear the Clutter and Reclaim Your Space
Many people dread the thought of tackling their wardrobe, feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. If this sounds like you, trust me, taking the time to declutter will make a world of difference. A wardrobe detox isn’t just about getting rid of clothes—it’s about creating a space that makes it easier to dress for joy, reflects your current personal style and makes you feel good every time you open your wardrobe doors.
I prefer to think of it as a Cathartic Clear Out. Being realistic about what’s occupying space in your wardrobe and good clear-out can be incredibly liberating, both mentally and physically. Not only do you have a wardrobe that reflects your style and lifestyle, but you also create space for new possibilities.
Why Wardrobe Detox?
When it’s cluttered and chaotic, it can make getting dressed each day feel like hard work. Whereas a well-organised wardrobe filled with only clothes you love can boost your confidence and start your day on a positive note. By having a cathartic clear out, you ensure that every item you own serves a purpose and makes you feel fabulous.
Getting Started: Plan and Prepare
If you only have a bit of spare time here and there, don’t stress—just tackle one drawer or section at a time. Trust me, even this way the process can be incredibly cathartic, and you’ll feel fantastic once it’s done. And it makes your dopamine dressing goals so much easier.
TIP: Why not make it a social event? In my community, we often schedule a group wardrobe detox session. We set a date, hop on Zoom at set times throughout the day, or create a chat group to share our progress and support each other. It’s much more enjoyable than drowning in a pile of clothes alone!
The Essentials You’ll Need
Before diving in, make sure you have the right tools and a plan in place.
Here’s a checklist to get you started:
Enough Time: Block out a few hours, or even a whole day, depending on the size of the task. Allow longer than you think you need.
Treats: Have some of your favourite snacks and a refreshing drink on hand to keep your energy up. Plan a little reward for when you’re finished—whether it’s a relaxing bath, a glass of wine, or a movie night – whatever floats your boat.
Bin Bags: For the items you’ll be donating, selling, or discarding.
Hangers: Invest in good-quality hangers, as opposed to mish mash shop ones. Matching hangers not only look better, but they make you feel more special. (I like the ‘suede’ effect ones, and they are thin and your clothes don’t slip off them.)
Full-Length Mirror: Essential for trying on clothes and making decisions about what stays and what goes.
Positive and Ruthless Attitude: You’ll need to be honest with yourself about what you actually wear and love. If an item no longer serves you, it’s time to let it go.
The Four Piles:
KEEP: Regularly worn, loved items, and special occasion outfits.
DONATE: Items to give to charity, swish, or pass on to friends.
RAGS: Worn-out items for recycling or repurposing.
SELL: Items for eBay or car boot sales—but be quick, or they need to go in the donation pile.
Different Levels of Wardrobe Weeding
Different Levels of Wardrobe Weeding – depending on how much time you have.
1. Foundation Level: Tidy up, fold everything neatly, and hang your clothes properly. Use the “hangers back to front” method to track what you wear. If something needs washing or dry cleaning, get it sorted.
2. Advanced Level: Upgrade your hangers—no more wire ones from the dry cleaners. Use suede hangers to keep items from slipping and colour-code your wardrobe for easy access. As you organise, take note of any duplicates or gaps in your collection.
3. Best Practice Level: Go all in and take everything out of your wardrobe, including what’s under the bed or stored elsewhere. Channel your inner Marie Kondo.
The Step-By-Step Detailed Process
If you’re going all in here’s the step-by-step detailed process
Step 1: Sort into Categories:
a) Clothes You Wear Regularly and Love: These are your go-to, dressing for joy pieces that you reach for without hesitation. They fit well, make you feel confident, and suit your lifestyle.
b) Blue Moon Outfits: These are the items you wear for weddings, parties, or other significant events. They might not be everyday wear, but they’re worth keeping for those special moments.
c) Items You Never Wear: Be honest here. If it’s been sitting unworn for a year or more, it’s time to question whether it deserves a place in your wardrobe.
Step 2: Organising Your Keepers:
Once you’ve identified the items you love and wear, it’s time to put them back in your wardrobe in a way that makes them easily accessible.
Consider these strategies:
a) Hanger Trick: Hang all your items with the hangers facing the same direction. After wearing something, hang it back the other way. This simple trick helps you easily spot what’s being neglected next time you declutter.
b) Category and Colour Coding: Organise your wardrobe by category and then by colour. Group similar items together, like all your black trousers or white shirts. This not only makes your wardrobe look more visually appealing but also makes it easier to see what you have. You might spot some trends—the first time I did this I once discovered I owned more than 10 black and white patterned tunics!
c) Themed Sections: If you have a large wardrobe, consider creating themed sections—workwear, casual, evening, etc. This makes it quicker to find what you need based on your day’s activities.
d) Filling the Gaps : As you organise, you might notice gaps. Perhaps a navy cardigan or a pink blazer would be perfect with two or three other things. Make a note on your phone and create a ‘wish list’ so you can be more discerning and shop with intention in future. Doing this helps you have a wardrobe with items that go towards creating more of a capsule collection.
Step 3: Be Ruthless: What to Keep and What to Ditch
If something doesn’t fit you or makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s time to let it go. Place these items in the “never wear” pile.
For this pile, ensure everything is clean and decide if it’s worth selling or donating. And please, don’t send dirty items to charity shops—they rely on volunteers to sort donations, and it is horrible sorting through dirty laundry. Anything dirty or stained has to be sold as rags and can’t go on the shop floor.
If you’re unsure about something, ask yourself:
• Does it fit? If it doesn’t fit and can’t be altered easily, it’s better off in someone else’s wardrobe.
• Do I wear it? How often do you actually wear it? If it’s a rare occasion, consider whether it’s worth keeping.
• Would I still buy this today? Your taste evolves, so if an item no longer brings you joy, it’s time to say goodbye.
• Do I love it? Does it make you feel fabulous? If not, it’s just taking up space.
Final Steps
Once sorted, put everything away neatly, with good hangers and a colour-coded system to keep it organised. Don’t underestimate the power of small details—like lining up your shoes or placing accessories where they’re easy to see.
Step 4: What to Do with the Discards
Once you’ve decided what to let go of, it’s time to deal with those items:
• Selling: For higher-value items, consider selling on platforms like eBay, Vinted, or Depop. But be realistic—if you’re not going to list it quickly, it’s better to donate.
• Donating: Charity shops are a great option for clothes in good condition. Or if you and your friends are similar sizes, consider hosting a *swishing party* where you swap clothes.
• Rags: For items that are too worn out, take them to a charity shop marked as “Rags” for recycling or repurpose them as dusters.
Be honest, and sort your clothes into the appropriate piles:
Step 5: Your Reward: A Curated Wardrobe
The effort will pay off when you’re left with a well-organised wardrobe that makes dressing for joy easier each morning.
You’ll no longer waste time wading through clothes you never wear. Instead, you’ll have a selection of items that fit well, suit your current style, and make you feel fabulous.
When you do this, it will feel SO GOOD afterward, I promise.
Make sure you have a treat lined up for when you’re done. Perhaps reward yourself with a little till thrill purchase—a new top or accessory – but ONLY if it fits seamlessly into your newly curated wardrobe.
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