I used to have a wardrobe of clothes but “nothing to wear.” Does this sound familiar? If you’ve been thinking about decluttering clothes but don’t know where to begin, you’re certainly not alone.
As I reflect on how many clothes I had, I realise I was buying them to get a dopamine hit. Quite often, the ‘hit’ would wear off the minute I got the item home. It probably did not suit me and more rarely hit that sweet spot I was so desperately seeking.
Often, I would find that the item in question would not match anything in my wardrobe – hence my feeling pressured to buy something to ‘match up.’ It was a vicious circle.
Why decluttering clothes changes more than your wardrobe
I did not even know that decluttering clothes was a ‘thing’; I was simply in overwhelm. I will never forget finding the same shirt that I had purchased the week before, hanging in my wardrobe – in other words, I had doubled up, forgetting I had already got that shirt. Honestly! It was chaos.
So now I have discovered that decluttering clothes is, in fact, a thing; my life has transformed for the better.
Every item in my wardrobe is wearable, loveable and suits me down to the ground. By having a much smaller wardrobe (just a 6ft copper rail), I find that not only do I have enough to wear, I also have more than enough and even now, there are still items that hang from month to month, unworn, being saved for “just the right occasion.” I have come to realise that I have my favourites, things I wear and wash, wear and wash, and I am okay with that too.
So how did I go from more clothes than I would ever wear in a year, to a small rail? For me, decluttering clothes wasn’t really about the wardrobe. It was changing the way I thought about shopping, confidence and what I needed.
The process was, in fact, quite easy, but first, I had to dig deep. Why did I feel the need to keep buying clothes even though my wardrobe was full?
First off, I had already identified that clothing was my nemesis. I had always loved clothing as a child, but in adulthood, I used it as a crutch, a way to make me feel better. Sadly, it never did make me feel better, as I was living in the permanent mindset of “I don’t have the right clothes.” It did not help that I worked in an industry where there was pressure to look good, and I constantly felt ‘lacking’ compared to others. Lesson No 1: Never compare yourself to others, not in any shape or form. You are enough as you are. You are your own unique person with your own unique style.
Having my colours and my ‘style’ done were an essential part of the process. Discovering that 90% of my wardrobe was in the wrong colour came as a shock but in some ways, was also a release. Having a wardrobe of cool colours that look harsh against my skin did nothing for my self-confidence. I would wonder why on earth my little black dress did not look right on me. Having my colours done made me see clearly that having the right colours, and only buying the right colours in the future, would help me slim down my burgeoning wardrobe. I avoid a lot of shops now on the basis that I can see immediately if their selection has the right colours for me. That stops me spending money on items that are never going to suit me.
Find your style
I also had my style ‘done.’ I came to realise that small handbags were lost of my larger frame and even shoes were given the heave-ho. Being larger of foot, I was never going to look great in spindly shoes (although I gave it my best shot). Instead, I came to see that more ‘substantial’ shoes with wedges and larger heels made me look slimmer. In fact, nowadays, I love ‘funky’ trainers – now that is something I have a few of!
I stopped the shop and found other ‘things’ to do instead. I used to think shopping was a hobby and, in fact, if someone asked me what I did in my spare time, I would reply ‘shopping’ without a smile. It really dominated my life. Now, I rarely go shopping and, in fact, no longer even particularly like it. Hence, the internet has become a godsend for me, as I can carefully select items without making rash decisions, and if something arrives that does not suit, it is immediately packed up and sent back.
Only keep what you love
I love every item in my wardrobe, and I mean ‘really’ love every item. There is not a pair of socks, tights, tops, skirts or dresses that I don’t adore and feel wonderful when I wear them. If there is anything even slightly ‘amiss’, they are popped onto Vinted without a backward glance.
I have taken the ‘value’ out of clothing – what I mean by this is, clothing is material, and the pricing is set by the retailer. A piece of material made in China, but sold to two different retailers, quite often will arrive with a different price tag. I have seen this happen with my own eyes. A nice ‘cloth’ made into a skirt in one shop and set at an economical price, but in the next shop, same material, made into trousers, with a heavier price tag. We are being sold to constantly, and you have to ask yourself: is it really worth it?
Separate yourself and who you are from your clothing and think objectively. Who are you? What is the image you want to present to the outside world? Once you know your style, you are less likely to make common mistakes that a lot of women tend to make.
I do still love clothes, but I buy with more discernment. Just the other day I bought two items from ASOS. One of them was superb; the minute I put it on I loved it; that’s a keeper. I thought to myself, the other top was of poor quality and did not sit well on me. Even I had to fight the urge to “keep it”, but in truth, I was never going to wear it – despite the disappointment that it did not look as it did online, I have, today, packed it up to send back.
I use a mantra that works well for me “I have the most perfect wardrobe of clothing, and I don’t really need anything else.” It really does help, especially after a lunch with a friend and a browse around a shop. Keep telling yourself, “Do I need it? Does it suit me? Will I like it next week? Is it a wow piece or just a “that’s okay kind of piece?”
Material is key. It does not matter where you buy from or what your budget is; what does matter is quality. I always say quality over quantity.
Value what you keep
Value the clothes you have. Keep them clean, ironed and looking good hanging in your wardrobe – that way you will feel more inclined to wear them and will enjoy the experience more.
I always watch my moods when in a boutique. Sometimes you can feel in the mood to buy something (maybe you have had a bad day, and a bit of retail therapy is the answer) but that’s not always a good thing. I have bought the most awful items on a ‘blue’ day and always regret the purchase.
Shop with purpose
I no longer ‘browse’; that is dangerous. Whenever I browse, I come back with items I don’t really want or, indeed, need. Now I shop with purpose. For instance, I like green, a lot, and the other day I was contemplating a new green top for evenings out. It was all I focused on. So, I pictured the item in my mind and went out to find it. Sure enough, I found that top, carefully navigating any ‘rash’ purchases that were tempting but not necessary.
I always ask myself how much I love something before I buy it. It has to WOW me, not just be okay.
Decluttering clothes is something I do on a weekly basis. If I am planning to go out and there is something in my wardrobe that I have not worn, for whatever reason, it goes, either to charity or onto Vinted. I do not hesitate.
How to Start Decluttering Clothes
When you’re decluttering clothes, this part can feel painful, but it’s one of the most important steps in creating a wardrobe you’ll genuinely enjoy wearing.
- Firstly, remove every single item from your wardrobe, and I mean everything.
- Create piles – skirts with skirts, dresses with dresses, etc – this way you can see just how many of one thing you have.
- Look at each piece with a discerning eye – has it worn well, does it fit you/suit you – do you actually like it?
- Ask yourself whether you really like it? It’s not possible to like everything – no-one likes everything – after all, we know what we like when it comes to holidays abroad, people we hang out with, how our home looks. It is possible to do the same with clothing.
- Separate your wardrobe by season – I don’t have my entire wardrobe on display – right now, it’s clothing for our hot Summer with the odd cardigan just in case, and that’s it. Every other Winter item is packed away until I need it.
- Think about what can be hung up and what can be put into drawers. I have separate drawers for t-shirts, gym wear, underwear and thick jumpers that do not misshape. I hang light knitwear and expensive pieces.
- Ask yourself if something works for you now – after all, we all change our lives – I used to wear ‘smart dresses’ for work purposes. I don’t anymore, so they all went.
- Re-hang the items you are keeping on nice hangers that keep your clothes in good order.
- If things need mending, ask yourself if you are going to do this or should they just be donated to charity for them to sell as material?
- Keep reminding yourself – you are Decluttering Clothes! Be brutal – after all, assuming you are going to buy more clothes, you cannot keep buying and buying and filling your wardrobe. You will run out of space – the law of physics dictates that.
- Get your colours done – I am loath to encourage you to spend lots of money on this – I have a presentation which I have prepared which can help guide you as to what colours suit you – it’s about hair colour, eye colour and skin tone. Age does not really play a part. It’s about what suits you and your figure. I worked in the beauty industry for many years along with stylists; I learned a lot and over the years have learned to develop my own unique style that fits my personality and my budget.
- When it comes to Decluttering Clothes, I see lots of different sizes in one wardrobe, time and time again, especially with women. We have all done it, including me. I do not have any clothes that do not fit me; I have no clothes that I might get into one day. Everything fits me now. Neither do I have things that are larger than what I am. Years ago I set myself as a Size 12; I like being a size 12, and that is what I stay at. No more yo-yo dieting and a wardrobe with a mixture of sizes based on “if I put on weight” and “when I lose weight”
- Let go of the value of clothing. It’s easier said than done but imagine how much joy your items will bring to others. I am a big fan of donating and do it regularly. After all, you have had some joy; you have bought it, worn it (hopefully) and had your ‘wear.’ The transaction is over – anything extra you get is a bargain. Once you change your mindset as to how few things you need, your life will be transformed. I guarantee it.
Decluttering clothes can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve been exactly where you are, and I know how freeing it feels to finally open your wardrobe and love what you see.
I now offer a Vinted selling service as part of my professional decluttering service, helping clients not only declutter clothes but also recover some of the value from items they no longer wear.
If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed by your wardrobe, I’d love to help. Book a free consultation to chat about your home, your goals and how we can work together to create a wardrobe you’ll enjoy wearing.