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How to declutter your wardrobe step by step

Is your wardrobe full of clothes, but you always wear the same things? Then it's time to go through your wardrobe and sort out anything that you don’t wear anymore. This will create space for new clothes and you can also give your old clothes a second chance by donating them to charity shops or giving them to second-hand shops. We'll show you the best way to sort out your clothes and what methods there are for clearing out your wardrobe.

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Decluttering your wardrobe

The first step towards a well-organised wardrobe starts with the right preparation. Not only will you feel motivated to sort out your clothes, but you will also save time. Keep the following tips in mind when sorting through your wardrobe:

  • Take the time to really clear out your wardrobe. A rainy weekend is the ideal time for this task, as you will be able to concentrate and properly look through your wardrobe without feeling rushed.

  • Motivate yourself to sort through your wardrobe. This can be done either by listening to music or your favourite podcast.

  • Boost your motivation with a reward. If you find it difficult to clear out your wardrobe and sort out your clothes, you can treat yourself to something as a reward afterwards. Think in advance about what you would like to do after you have finished decluttering your wardrobe.

  • Create enough space for your clothes. When it is time to clear out your wardrobe and sort through your clothes, you should make sure that you have enough space for this.

  • Get any boxes, baskets and bags ready. This way you can sort out your clothes efficiently and put them into piles.

Tip

When should you clear out your wardrobe?

It is a good idea to go through your wardrobe every season or at least once a year. This not only helps to create space, but it also allows you to adapt your wardrobe to the current season. However, if your wardrobe is too full and you can barely keep track of everything, it's time to sort through your clothes.

The different ways to sort through your wardrobe

Clearing out your wardrobe can be an enjoyable and fun experience. With the right method, you can effortlessly work through large piles of clothes. Here are three simple ways to sort through your wardrobe:

Clearing out your wardrobe method 1: the KonMari method

This is probably the best-known method for sorting out clothes. To do this, look at each item of clothing and ask yourself: "Do I like wearing this item of clothing?". This way, you can find out which items of clothing you really enjoy wearing.

You can use this method to radically clear out your wardrobe. Instead of throwing your old clothes away, you can give them a second chance by trying to combine them in new ways.

Clearing out your wardrobe method 2: clothes hanger hack

Using this method, you can determine which items of clothing you still wear regularly and which ones you hardly wear. After you have finished sorting out and reorganising your clothes, hang all your clothes up in your wardrobe so that all the hanger heads are facing the same way. When you put on an item of clothing, turn the hanger head around. For the piles of clothes, you can place a sheet of paper on the top of the pile and simply put the next item of clothing that you wear on top of the sheet of paper. Using these methods, you can see which items of clothing you still wear before deciding to donate them to a charity shop or giving them to a second-hand shop.

Clearing out your wardrobe method 3: sorting clothes into 3 piles

Sorting your clothes into 3 piles will help you to stay organised. Put every item of clothing that you are unsure about into a large pile. Once you have tided away your favourite items of clothing, it’s time to go through the clothes you have put into piles. Sort your clothes into the following 3 piles as listed below:

  • Pile 1: clothes you like and wear often

  • Pile 2: clothes you like, but don’t wear as often

  • Pile 3: clothes you are not too sure about

All the clothes in your first pile you can put back in your wardrobe. Go through your second pile and choose 3 – 5 items of clothing that you would like to put back in your wardrobe. Now, check the rest of your clothes in the second and third pile and go through them one by one.

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Tip

Are you unsure whether you should discard an item of clothing?

The following questions below will help you decide whether you should keep a particular item of clothing:

When was the last time you wore that item of clothing?
When or on which occasion would you wear it again?
If you were in a shop would you buy it again?
Could you combine it with other clothes in your wardrobe to create a stylish outfit?

What to keep in mind when decluttering your wardrobe

Decluttering your wardrobe isn't always easy, but with the following helpful tips you will be able to make it easier. The tips listed below will make it easier for you to decide which items of clothing you want to keep and which you want to get rid of:

Clearing out your wardrobe: what should you keep?

  • Items of clothing that you love wearing

  • Items of clothing that you wear often and make you feel good

Clearing out your wardrobe: what should you get rid of?

  • Items of clothing that are worn and cannot be repaired

  • Any clothes that do not have a great fit or have become a bit old and misshapen

  • Any clothes that you aren’t as keen on anymore

  • Any clothes that you don’t wear anymore

  • Items of clothing that are quite uncomfortable or don’t suit you

  • Items of clothing that only have sentimental value

Keep the following points in mind when decluttering your wardrobe

  • For items of clothing that don't go with anything, decide whether you can find possible combinations or whether you would add them to one of your piles.

  • Check how many spare items of clothing you really need.

  • Don't keep clothes that were expensive but you no longer wear. You may be able to sell them and get some of the value back.

  • Think about how much clothing you really need for cleaning, painting, etc. Lots of people often keep too many items of clothing for ‘just in case’, which only ends up taking too much space.

Tip

Find which style of clothes and colours suit you the best. This way you can easily avoid buying any items of clothing that don’t suit you. This will also help you to keep a tidy and organised wardrobe.

Basics essentials for every wardrobe

Helpful tips on sorting out old clothes

You can use the tips listed below to help you successfully clear out your wardrobe:

  • Start by emptying your wardrobe.

  • This is also the perfect opportunity to give your wardrobe a good clean. Once your wardrobe is empty, you can easily hoover, dust and wipe all the surfaces in it.

  • Pick up each item of clothing and decide whether you want to keep it or give it away. This way you won't forget anything and you'll know what items of clothing are in your wardrobe.

  • Try on any clothes that you are not too sure about. This way you can see whether you like them and whether they still fit.

  • In addition, go through any boxes full of clothes that are either under your bed or in another room.

Tip

Would you like to clear out your wardrobe to create more space and perhaps live a more minimalist lifestyle? You can find out more in our guide on how to put together a capsule wardrobe.

What should you do with your old clothes?

Once you've successfully cleared out your wardrobe, what should you do with your old clothes? We'll show you below what options are available:

  • Give them to family or friends: why not ask one of your friends or someone in your family if they need any clothes. Another good idea would be to organise a clothes swap party.

  • Sell: you can find lots of online websites or apps where you can sell your old clothes that are still in good condition.

  • Donate: you can also donate old clothes that are still in good condition to charity.

  • Upcycling: there are lots of creative ideas for giving old clothes a second life. For example, you can make a bag out of a pair of jeans or why not tie-dye your old clothes for a brand new look.

Conclusion: decluttering your wardrobe made easy

By regularly clearing out your wardrobe, you will not only create space, but you will also learn how to keep your wardrobe organised. By choosing the right method, you can complete this task in no time at all and look forward to a tidy and organised wardrobe full of clothes that you love!

More helpful tips for keeping your wardrobe tidy and organised:

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: StockPhotoPro – stock.adobe.com
1. Image in text: rh2010 – stock.adobe.com
2. Image in text: Halfpoint – stock.adobe.com
3. Image in text: StockPhotoPro – stock.adobe.com