Sort and Declutter Clothing
Reduce Closet Clutter: Organise Clothing and Wardrobes
Sometimes, even with a closet full of clothes, it's impossible to find something to wear. It's time to clean out wardrobe clutter and organise your space.
Messy and disorganised closets can be a constant annoyance. Never being able to find the right item at the right time if frustrating. A disorganised wardrobe can lead to unnecessary clothing purchases and poorly cared for clothes.
Step 1 – Washing, Ironing, Sorting and Mending
Catch up on any outstanding washing, ironing or mending. For the most effective results, all clothes need to be together so that it is easier to assess what there is, what can go and what is needed.
If there are items with persistent stains, decide whether they are likely to be worn again. Consider taking them to a drycleaner to ask whether a professional would be able to remove the stain. If not, then place the item into the discard pile.
If there is a pile of mending but no time or inclination to take care of it personally, take the items to a repairs and alterations service. Fixing hems, replacing buttons and mending minor tears does not require advanced sewing skills and it is possible for someone with limited sewing experience to take care of these minor repairs. Alternatively, a friend or relative might be happy to help. If paying for repairs or taking care of them personally are not options, then items needing mending should be placed in the discard pile.
Step 2 - Sort Clothes and Evaluate Clothing Requirements
Now that clothes have been returned to their correct location, it is time to evaluate what is no longer useful. Start by sorting items into manageable sections, for example work and casual wear or summer and winter clothing. Are there any items that haven’t been worn in the past year or two? Do they no longer fit, are they out of style or do they not co-ordinate with other items? Either place them in the discard pile or put them to one side. If they don’t get worn within the next year, discard them. If there are six pairs of jeans, two of which are never worn because they don’t fit correctly or are out of style, then discard those two. If there are five black skirts, consider whether all of them are needed.
Don't forget to sort through accessories such as shoes, belts, scarves and handbags as well. Any items that are no longer worn should be included with the discard pile.
Step 3 – Buying New Clothes
The clothes remaining should be items that fit and will be worn. Are there any items that are now needed? Are there items that require a co-ordinating shirt or skirt/pants to make them wearable?
Make a list clothing items that need to be purchased. Keep this list in an everyday purse or handbag. When at a sale or clothing store, only search for items that are on the list. If a purchase is made for an item that isn’t on the list, consider discarding an item that is already owned to prevent the wardrobe becoming cluttered once again.
Step 4 - What to do with Second Hand Clothing
There are a few options for dealing with the clothes that have been discarded.
- Give to a local charity.
- Have a yard sale or garage sale and include the clothes along with other household items.
- Offer clothes to friends or family who might be able to use them.
With a six-monthly review and declutter of excess clothing, it is possible to create space, clear unused items and possess a more organised closet, saving time and money.
