Ah, Springtime. A time when a majority of us are always pondering about the best methods to declutter our spaces – and particularly, our spring wardrobes. Because let’s face it. We all sometimes keep things not because we need them, but because of sentimental attachments to them. Over time, we accumulate a lot of sentimental things and when it comes to decluttering, we are still stuck in the dilemma of whether to let go or hold on. And sometimes, we keep items because we’re unsure if we might need them at some point. We might think, “Well, I might lose weight and fit into this item again.” In the end, what happens is we end up with a lot of clothes that no longer serve us, like ones that don’t fit anymore or are worn out beyond repair. But there comes a time when it’s time to let go and move on. After all, a cluttered house is a cluttered mind. Letting go of unnecessary belongings can bring a sense of relief and clarity to our living spaces. And here are a few ways to help you declutter and reclaim your wardrobe space
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Capsule Wardrobe
This is perhaps one of the most practical and easiest methods to declutter your wardrobe! Invented by Susie Faux author of Wardrobe: Develop Your Style and Confidence —and later popularised by fashion designer Donna Karan — the concept of a capsule wardrobe essentially involves curating a versatile collection of clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits. To create your capsule wardrobe for the season, start by selecting your favourite and most adaptable pieces. These should be high-quality items that reflect your personal style and can be easily coordinated with each other. Think about including essential basics such as a white button-down shirt, a well-fitting pair of jeans, a classic blazer, and a little black dress.
Also, think about the specific needs of your lifestyle and the climate of your region when choosing items for your capsule wardrobe. For example, if you have a more formal job, you may want to include a few tailored pieces suitable for the office dress code. If you live in a colder climate, make sure to include layering pieces like sweaters and coats.
All in all, the key to choosing a successful capsule is choosing pieces that can be dressed up or down and can transition seamlessly. Thus reducing decision fatigue, and of course, always have something stylish to wear!
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KonMari Method
If you haven’t yet indulged in Marie Kondo’s delightful Netflix series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” you’re missing out on a treasure trove of decluttering wisdom! Her KonMari Method, as outlined in her bestselling book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” is more than just a cleaning routine. It’s a philosophy that promises to transform your relationship with your possessions.
It’s a concept that challenges you to imagine a life where every item in your home brings you joy. How about that shirt you haven’t worn in years? If it doesn’t spark joy, it’s time to thank it for its service and let it go. And so in the end by only having things that truly spark joy, you are creating a space for happiness, clarity, and purpose. So use this method to say goodbye to the clutter that is weighing you down. And free yourself from the burden of excess, and possibly unnecessary stuff in your wardrobe.
90/90 Rule
Unlike the KonMari Method, which focuses on finding joy in things, the 90/90 rule offers a practical strategy for decluttering. This is a decluttering method that has been embraced by many in the minimalist movement and encourages you to assess your stuff based on how often they’ve been used over some time.
Minimalist advocates Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus have highlighted the significance of this rule. They say, “Look at your clothes. Pick one. Have you used it in the last 90 days? Will you use it in the next 90? ” If the answer is no, it might be time to let go. That way, you can make more intentional choices about the clothes you keep and free up a lot of space for what truly matters to you.
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The Four-Box Method
This method is exactly as it says on the tin box. It’s all about sorting your belongings into four different categories. popularly known as the Four-Box Approach, this one is a systematic method for decluttering whereby you take four boxes or containers and label them as Keep, Donate, Sell, and Rubbish.
As you go through your outfits, each item is placed into one of these boxes based on its fate. Items you want to keep go into the Keep box. While things you no longer need but are still in good condition can be placed in the Donate box. If you have items that could fetch for a price, put them in the Sell box. Finally, anything that’s too old or torn beyond repair goes into the Rubbish box. This method is as straightforward as a recipe on a cereal box. Giving you an easy-peasy decluttering process!
The Hanger Method
This method of decluttering actually requires that you use your hangers and not just stack your clothes away! Known as the Hanger Method, it’s a practical approach to organizing your wardrobe. And here’s how it works: First, go through your closet and turn all your hangers backwards so that the hook faces towards you instead of away. Then, as you wear pieces, return them to the closet with the hanger facing the correct way.
After a set period, like six months or a year, take note of which hangers are still facing backwards. These represent clothes you haven’t worn during that time. This visual cue makes it clear which items you consistently reach for and which ones you can live without. By identifying unworn pieces, you can make more informed decisions about what to keep and what to donate or discard. It’s a simple yet effective way to organise your wardrobe and ensure that you’re only holding onto items that you truly love and use. Just make sure you have enough hangers before you start, or you might end up with a floor full of clothes!
The One-Year Rule
Similar to the hanger method, this approach recommends assessing the usefulness of items by considering how frequently they’re used within a year. For example, if you find that you haven’t used a particular pair of jeans or that dress in over a year, despite it taking up valuable space, it could be a sign that it’s no longer necessary to keep it. That suitcase under the bed that you haven’t opened in over a year, discard it. Because chances are, whatever clothes you’ve got in there, you won’t need them anyway since you haven’t in over 12 months. So what’s the point of keeping them? Meanwhile, you said you’d lose weight to fit into that little dress you bought. 12 months later you still haven’t and you probably won’t in the coming months. So give it up and donate or sell it.
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The Size Test
As we go through life, our style and body shape naturally change. So, it’s important to update our wardrobe accordingly. One of the key methods to declutter that I find helpful is the Size test. Basically, you try on each piece of clothing to see if it still fits and suits you. While there’s no one person who came up with this idea, it’s widely used because it works. Fashion advisor Stacy London recommends it too. She says it’s a good way to let go of clothes that no longer look good on you. Ultimately, it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear. It’s crucial to take a close look at every item in your wardrobe and ask yourself if it matches who you are and your personal style. Give yourself a pep talk and get rid of items that no longer represent your unique individuality or those that will not turn you into who you want to become.
The Seasonal Switch-Up
Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a place where it’s summer all year round, there’s no point in keeping those winter coats and heavy sweaters hogging up your closet space during the scorching summer months. It’s like holding onto a beach umbrella during a blizzard – just doesn’t make sense, does it! That’s why someone invented the idea of a ‘Seasonal Switch’ in your wardrobe. It’s a game-changing decluttering concept that can help you manage your wardrobe space, especially if you’re working with limited room and aiming for a clutter-free oasis. So, out with the old and in with the new! use this method to make room for your summer essentials and bid farewell to those winter layers.
Embrace a “One In, One Out” Rule
Now, before you rush off on another shopping spree, pause and reconsider. I get it—it’s tempting to grab another pair of those jeans or that dress in a different colour just because you feel like you should. Or maybe you saw a celebrity wearing it and felt the urge to have it too. But sometimes, it’s unnecessary. The more you buy, the less space you have in your wardrobe, and the more cluttered it becomes. So to prevent your wardrobe from becoming overcrowded and unmanageable, try adopting a “one in, one out” rule for new purchases. It’s simple: for every new clothing item or accessory you bring in, commit to removing a similar item from your wardrobe. This approach encourages thoughtful consumption and helps curb impulse buys, ensuring that each addition to your wardrobe is deliberate and meaningful. And by maintaining a balanced and curated collection, you can avoid accumulating clutter and develop a deeper appreciation for the items you already own.
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The 10-Item Wardrobe
The 10-item wardrobe is another one of the popular decluttering concepts that have been made popular by minimalist fashion bloggers and lifestyle influencers. And it’s one that you can see displayed everywhere on TikTok and Instagram reels. Essentially, this method of cleaning up your wardrobe is all about streamlining your closets by focusing on a small number of versatile pieces for each season. Kinda like the capsule method but this one has even fewer items. Its simplicity and effectiveness have therefore made it a go-to strategy for anyone looking to simplify their wardrobes.
So, what would you include in this minimalist wardrobe? Here are some staple pieces:
- A well-fitted pair of jeans
- A classic white shirt
- A versatile blazer or jacket
- The timeless little black dress
- Comfortable yet stylish flats
- Tailored trousers or a chic skirt
- Cosy sweaters or cardigans
- Statement accessories like a colourful scarf or bold necklace
- Basic tops or T-shirts in neutral colours
- Stylish shoes such as ankle boots or loafers.