Ever thought about cutting down on clothing clutter? Knowing how to minimize your wardrobe for the better can take time, but there are plenty of amazing benefits.
We likely all use wardrobes every day – we alter them frequently – and it’s safe to say that many of us can’t be without them. And yet, very few of us actually take the time to take care of our wardrobes.
By this, we mean taking the time to consider what we actually need and want from our clothing collections. The sad reality is that a lot of us feel underwhelmed and disappointed when we open our wardrobes in the morning.
We can spend ages rifling through clothes trying to find an outfit that will suit the day. Why does finding the ideal set of clothes have to cause us so much stress – and take up so much time?
In this guide, I’ll take you through what you need to know about sorting out your wardrobe for the better. Don’t worry – it can actually be a lot of fun – providing you’re willing to be a little ruthless along the way!
Why should I minimize my wardrobe?
You know you need to minimize wardrobe clutter when you simply have too many clothes spilling out all over the place – and when it feels as though you barely wear any of them.
Sadly, many of us have poor relationships with our wardrobes for multiple reasons, and none of them are the wardrobe’s fault!
Most of us tend to buy things in bulk, too. Some of us shop for clothes to feel good about ourselves, when things are on sale, convincing ourselves we have found a bargain – the list goes on.
Then, when all of these clothes enter our wardrobes, some stay there forever because they never fit, they’re uncomfortable, they fall out of style… and ultimately, many of us find that we can’t bear to part with these items.
Let’s be clear – this can be a very unhealthy habit. It’s not only doing your self-esteem any good, it’s squeezing every last inch of that wardrobe when it’s completely unnecessary.
What’s more, you’re contributing to increasing waste levels by buying up fashion and leaving it to clog up your home.
So, what do you do? The only thing that can be done. Minimize your wardrobe.
This means taking a harsh look at the clothes that you own, deciding what to do with each and every piece, and breaking free from bad habits.
What’s more, if you find an item or two you don’t want to wear any more, you could upcycle them into a fancy cushion or even sell them on to someone who really wants it.
First things first: capsule closets
When looking at how to minimize your wardrobe, you may have come across the term ‘capsule closet’. It’s an increasingly popular way to cut down on clothing excess – it’s a system that’s eco-friendly, hyper-functional, and easily achievable.
A capsule closet or wardrobe is a term that refers to a small collection of clothes that should be functional, comfortable, the perfect size for you, and similar in style. They are deemed to be essential items of clothing that you can keep for years without them going out of vogue, too. Items such as simple white shirts, jeans, black dresses, sneakers, and boots – the list goes on.
The idea behind capsuling is to keep as few items as possible – and to only keep the ones that are essential. It goes a little bit beyond the popular Marie Kondo idea of keeping everything that ‘sparks joy’!
‘Essential’ means just that – the clothes you keep need to meet requirements relating to their size, wearability, style, and condition.
As more and more people are becoming interested in being more eco-friendly with their clothing choices, capsule wardrobes have exploded in popularity online.
However, when you are new to the concept (or organizing at all), this type of idea can seem daunting! This is usually the case for those of us who tend to be very attached to our clothes (and adept at finding new ones).
The idea with the capsule wardrobe is only to buy what you need, when you need it. What’s more, you’d only ever donate or remove an ‘essential’ item of clothing that can no longer be used, usually because it is ruined beyond repair (hopefully due to use!).
Capsule wardrobes have proven to be super-efficient and organizing clothing across the board – this idea can also make things more functional, and budget-friendly. By teaching yourself to only buy what you need when you need it, you reduce frivolous behavior. It’s a great exercise in mindset, too!
Of course, stripping your wardrobe to its bare bones can seem scary. If you have a few favorite dresses, shirts, tops, pairs of shoes, etc – give yourself a little slack if you are just getting started. However, to really minimize your wardrobe, you’ll need to be harsh.
Let’s put this all into practice.
How to minimize your wardrobe
Step 1: Start by taking everything out
No, seriously – clear out your wardrobe completely. Remove all your clothes and accessories, and place them temporarily on the bed. The first step to learning how to minimize your wardrobe is just to get everything out and in the open. It can be a great stress relief!
It can be difficult to work through our wardrobes when everything is piled on top of each other. It can feel overwhelming, which usually leads us to stop and move onto something else – or, we get distracted along the way!
That is why starting by taking everything out of your wardrobe is usually the best idea. As long as your collection is piled somewhere you have space to maneuver around and access, you’re doing great.
Once you have removed everything, it is a good idea to take a look at the space that you actually have remaining. That’s an empty wardrobe, drawers, etc – they will look bare, but this is space you’ll need to maximize.
Think carefully about how you want to use this space. Do you need boxes to store items in? Do you prefer hanging everything up? It’s worth considering what’s in here already, and whether or not you have the space to bring in more useful solutions.
When it comes to coat hangers, be ruthless. If you have any that are old, broken, or unsuitable for your clothes, then get rid of them. These can easily accrue over time, and they are huge wastes of plastic. In future, avoid asking to keep the hangers on any clothes you buy – most clothing retailers give you the option.
It is wise to keep about four extra coat hangers, just in case any new clothes make it into your wardrobe. Otherwise, keep the rest in storage, ask your friends and family if they need any extra, or find a local recycling solution to get rid of any metal or plastic.
You can also donate them if they are in good condition, and if your local charity shop or second-hand shop is willing to accept them. Always check beforehand – as charity shops can get easily overwhelmed.
You could also consider getting baskets for storage in your closet to hold separate items and accessories such as belts, scarves, handbags, hats, gloves, etc. This way, you will have a dedicated space to put all of the items you might just leave about or in the back of a drawer.
Now – before we start putting anything back in the wardrobe, give it a good clean and air it out. Most of our closets gather a lot of dust over time, so ensure that your new space is somewhere you are happy to put your clothes. Grab a duster or a handheld vacuum and get it looking great again.
Now, here’s the fun part – let’s take a look at the contents of your wardrobe.
Step 2: Get rid of the clothes that have never fit
All of us buy clothes that don’t fit us. Either it is due to the fact that we went for something in a size we are aiming for, they happened to be on sale but only in that size, or because we ordered them online or bought them without checking the sizing properly. There’s also the famous line, ‘I’ll slim into it’!
If you’re embarking on a new regime to better fit into your clothes, then great – but you’ll need to think seriously about your commitment. Getting rid of clothes that don’t fit you isn’t the end of the world – and once you are in a shape you are confident with, you can revisit your wardrobe and consider getting some better-fitting outfits.
But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves!
Holding onto clothes simply because we are familiar with them can be destructive. So can buying and keeping clothes that never feel or look good on us. We’re focusing mainly on clothes you may have had for years – but you’ve done nothing with. When you open your wardrobe and see an outfit you’re desperate to get into – it’s easy to get a bit depressed. Why put yourself through such stress?
So, no matter how much you paid for it, how much you like the style, or even how much you want to be able to fit into it, it’s time to get rid of that item of clothing that simply doesn’t fit you. If it’s been three years or more, consider buying more suitable clothes later on in time.
This is a great way to start clearing out your wardrobe – and it’s worth piling up non-fitting clothes to take to your local thrift shop, or selling online.
Step 3: Get rid of – or upcycle – damaged or very old clothes
Many of us keep clothes well past their wearability. This can be because we simply like the way that they look, feel, or maybe they are pieces that happen to mean a lot to us. However, clinging to items that can no longer even be defined as being clothing is never a good idea!
Whether they have holes, stains, threads loose, or anything irreparable, it is time to get rid of them – or, if you’re particularly creative, you could rework an old shirt, dress, or pair of jeans into something brand new. Consider making it into a cushion, a blanket, a bag – this way, you will still get to keep the item and all of the memories that it carries, without having to keep it in your wardrobe.
Of course, for those clothes that hold less sentimental value, you might want to recycle as rags or dusters. These are going to come in very handy!
If your worn items aren’t particularly old, you might be able to replace them. If you search online and describe the item perfectly, then the chances are that there is a similar piece out there that you can buy that will be of much better quality! Try online marketplaces – eBay, Facebook, Craigslist, etc. – as buying second-hand clothing (providing you are comfortable) will help to cut down on your carbon footprint.
Step 4: Pack away any seasonal clothes
A great way of creating more room in your wardrobe is by packing away your seasonal clothes. Are you really going to need that scarf or cagoule in the middle of July? Probably not.
You may be able to easily store seasonal clothing in old suitcases, backpacks, boxes, and even vacuum bags to save on space. Keep them in your garage, in a cool, dry area, a separate wardrobe in the house – just somewhere they will be safe from the moisture, easy to access, but out of the way.
It is best to keep a coat, a scarf, a pair of gloves, and some boots in your closet at all times, just for those oddly cold days in the spring, and the same goes for the winter and lighter clothes.
Step 5: Go through your underwear and socks
One of the biggest problems that many of us have is never sorting through our socks and underwear! Underwear and socks are, for many people, two priority items of clothing that get changed every single day. So, naturally, we go through a lot of them!
It can be easy to think that we will keep them with us as emergency items – however, more often than not, they just clog up our drawers and wardrobes and never really bring much excitement (or, to quote Marie Kondo again, ‘spark joy’).
So – once again, it’s time to be ruthless. Make some room in your underwear drawer, get rid of the items that are long past usable, and take the time to buy replacements that you can rely on for a while. When they start to rub or wear down, repeat the cycle.
The tricky part with underwear and staying sustainable is recycling. Even if you clean your underwear and socks thoroughly, there’s no way you’ll be able to take them to a local charity shop – they will be refused on grounds of health and safety. What’s more, would you happily buy second-hand underwear? Probably not!
Therefore, try and find local resources where you can send fabric to be fully recycled – otherwise, these are items that may just need throwing away – for the sake of not being completely gross.
When considering bras in this conundrum, however, there are some resources that will happily accept donations – some bra retailers and even women’s refuges may be interested in receiving such items.
Step 6: Start making piles
Now, it’s time to get to the real organizing. Now that all of your clothes have been taken out of the wardrobe and you have filtered through most of the junk, it is time to make separate piles based on where your clothes will now go. Here are the key piles that you will need to make (and some of them may sound familiar if you’ve ever been through this before)…
Things to keep
Naturally, the first pile that you should make is one for clothes that you plan to keep. The tricky part about this pile is forcing yourself to take a hard look at your clothes so that the pile does not just become a pile of all of your existing outfits!
The clothes that you keep should be in good condition, comfortable, and make you feel good when you wear them. That goes for your day clothes, evening clothes, and even your pajamas.
Many of us tend to keep older clothes in the hope that we can indeed wear them as pajamas – however, more often than not, they simply end up on a different shelf, still not to be worn.
A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether or not you will miss this piece of clothing if it is gone. If not, then it is definitely time to put it elsewhere. This part of organizing can be very difficult if you have a sentimental attachment to some items.
If that’s the case, simply ask yourself “Will I ever wear this again?” – if the answer is a no, even a reluctant one, consider reusing it for a cushion cover or a craft project. This way, you won’t have to say goodbye, and you’re not cluttering up.
Things to donate/sell
For any items that you really don’t want and that are still in relatively good condition, create a pile to sell or donate. Never throw away items of clothing unless – as mentioned – they are pieces of underwear or socks that no one will want to pick up!
Nowadays, selling second-hand clothing is very easy, with various online stores and apps helping you to do so. It is a great way of getting some extra money for your new clothes and ensuring that the items that you no longer want will go to someone who actually does.
For those you can’t sell, then donating them to your local thrift / Goodwill or second-hand clothes shop is ideal. You could also check with your friends and family whether or not they would like to take a look at some of your clothes to donate, as they may like to take on a few hand-me-downs!
Things to recycle
Not all of your clothes may be in a good enough condition to be donated or sold. However, that does not mean that you should simply throw them away. Many clothes can be reused, more often than not as rags – as mentioned – and you never really know when you’ll need a duster in a pinch.
Simply tear up unsellable clothes into big enough pieces for dish towels, cleaning rags, dusters, etc. You could also re-use them by making them into pet beds, bags, quilts, art pieces and more.
The important thing is to not put them in a box – indefinitely waiting to be reused. Try to keep them out and do take the time to turn them into something else. By doing so, you could save yourself quite a bit of money on buying new things, and you will significantly reduce your carbon footprint!
Get rid of doubles
Look at the clothes that you plan on keeping, and consider those that are very similar – do you really need multiples of the same thing? Maybe not!
Many of us end up with jumpers, leggings, trousers, t-shirts, jeans, and more that are practically identical. While having two of one item can often be helpful, having more is just a burden.
Therefore, choose the better one of the two, or two of the best of something, and get rid of the other(s). Again, it’s worth being ruthless.
In order to choose the best item in the selection, consider the size, the material, the quality, the feel, etc. It can be difficult to get rid of items that you like (and that are perfectly wearable) – however, filling your wardrobe with multiple versions of the same item just limits your tastes – and it seriously reduces space and functionality.
Instead, try to minimize the number of clothes that you have simply by keeping one or two versions of the same thing.
The maybe pile
Then, of course, there is the dreaded maybe pile. Now, some would suggest not creating this pile at all, as it can lead us to not throwing anything away – however, it might still have a purpose.
The truth is that many of us buy things on a whim, whether they just happen to be in the style of the moment, at a good price, or something that we wish we could wear at some point in future.
Sadly, more often than not, either we never wear them, or they only get worn once. The great thing about the maybe pile is that you do not necessarily have to part ways with them immediately – however, this pile is not for everything. What’s more, it’s a pile that’s easy to abuse and to fall into bad habits with.
So, in order to control your urges to put everything on the maybe pile, give yourself this rule – if you vow to wear an item more than once for the year ahead, then you can keep it. It’s worth giving yourself some tough love – and both your wardrobe and your future self will thank you for it!
This forces you to wear certain clothes more often and even take you out of your comfort zone – and if the year, season, or however long you wish to try the piece passes, it is time to donate or sell that item of clothing.
Step 7: Organize the wardrobe itself
Now comes the fun part, putting all of your clothes back in your wardrobe. You should have a lot more room to deal with now that your extra clothes have been taken care of. This means plenty of space for your best clothes to breathe and for you to access easily – it’ll also feel nicer to see your favorite items from day to day, too!
Remember to organize your wardrobe to make getting dressed easier. Keep smaller items such as gloves, belts, tights, handbags, etc, in their own special baskets or boxes. You can easily use simple storage boxes – you can buy them online or in most home stores if all else fails.
The best boxes and crates to use are uniform, as they will give your wardrobe that extra-organized look. You can label them to make it easier for you to get the right one down when you need it. This is especially helpful for those of us who are shorter and have to spend a long time getting a stool and climbing our way up to the high shelves!
Then, dedicate drawers and shelves to specific clothing items. It is a wise idea to look at folding hacks and tutorials online, especially if your clothes are in drawers. That way, when you open them to get your clothes out, you do not have to destroy the pile every time!
Some like to go the extra mile and color-code their clothes – however, this is completely optional and can be difficult to keep up with. If it works for you, then give it a try.
When it comes to your hanging clothes, try to separate them between shirts, dresses, skirts, trousers, coats, and jackets, etc (naturally, not all of us wear skirts!). Again, this will give your wardrobe a more uniform look and will make it much easier for you to get to the things that you need quickly.
When everything is done, it should look organized and leave you with some room to grow if you need to. You’re pretty much done!
Step 8: How to buy the right clothes
…or, are you? Now that your wardrobe is a little emptier, you may feel tempted to buy some new clothes to fill it. However, you should only buy those clothes that you need.
This comes back to the concept of capsule closets – and yes, it might mean being a little ruthless with yourself for a bit longer, but it’s for your own peace of mind and self-care in the long run.
Above all, opt for quality items. In this fast-fashion world, it can be easy to choose clothes that are cheaper and appear to be budget-friendly. However, more often than not, they are of poor quality, and you end up having to buy a new pair of boots to replace the old ones.
What’s more, buying and disposing of extra items is only going to crank up your carbon footprint. You will find yourself buying clothes more frequently and spending more.
Therefore, opt for designers or lines that you know and trust. Even if it means putting in more of an investment at the time, it will be worth it if they last you for longer and feel better.
You should also opt for items that will fit you comfortably. If an item is not in your size, then leave it alone.
What’s more, only choose clothes that you actually need and like! It can be easy to fall into trends – but they never last. If you are interested in an item, take a moment to ask yourself if you will still like it in a few years’ time.
Finally, consider buying second-hand clothes. Thrift shopping is a savvy business, as is shopping for second-hand goods online. You can find some great vintage pieces, and you may even find that some of them are even from quality, well-known brands.
Buying second-hand means that you will reduce your carbon footprint and save yourself some money, too.
Step 9: Try and enjoy the process!
Now you know how to minimize your wardrobe, it’s important to keep an open mind, and to remember that you are doing yourself some long-term good.
What’s more, when you sort through your old clothes, you get to take a stroll down memory lane. We all attach certain items of clothing to experiences and events, and it can be really nice getting to go through them and remember the good times.
However, most importantly, you are making a good change for yourself and for the planet. Therefore, it’s a chance for you to feel great about doing your bit for carbon reduction.
What’s more, looking after your clothes can mean looking after your mental health. Many of us do not realize how badly the clutter in our homes affects the way we feel. Clutter is a prime enemy of happiness – it’s time to cut it out, responsibly and sustainably.
Having an organized wardrobe will save you time, energy, money, and effort every day. It can significantly improve your mood, not to mention the fact that it will have a significant impact on our planet.
So, before thinking of burdening yourself with going through your wardrobe, try and see the lighter side of having a clear-out – and you might just have fun along the way, too!
Originally posted 2022-07-21 08:39:41.