How many shopping sprees does it take to fill a closet? Month after month, season after season we are adding new pieces to our wardrobe. But when are we taking things out? It doesn’t take long for your wardrobe to go from organised and functional to a cluttered mess. We found all the top tips to declutter your closet in one day.
Have separate storage for clothes and linens
We know how it goes - you tell yourself those sheets are just temporary on the top shelf. But sooner or later they’re joined by towels and extra blankets for your bed in Winter. The key to decluttering is using every single space to its full advantage. A closet full of other items is not doing you any good. Sort out alternative storage options like blanket boxes for the end of your bed, storage ottomans or a separate linen closet elsewhere in your home. Soon you’ll be amazed how big your regular wardrobe seems.
Go in with a plan
Alexandria Blaelock is the author of Build Your Signature Wardrobe: How to look good and feel confident in four steps. She says it’s important to being the decluttering in your mind before you consider opening any drawers. An empty wardrobe is also an opportunity for redesign from paint to new organising tools so make the most of it.
“Think about how your life has changed over the last year, and what clothes you need now (perhaps with a glass of wine - but not too much wine!). Have you got a promotion or quit work to stay home with your kids? Have you gained or lost weight? Are there any other changes that will impact on your clothing needs?
I also recommend that you gather all of your clothes together and completely empty your wardrobe and drawers for your review. While they're empty, reimagine the space as your favourite boutique and give it a good clean, perhaps a lick of paint or hang some wallpaper. Assess whether you need more storage or are prepared to get rid of more clothing. Could you add double hanging rails or pretty storage boxes? Buy some good quality supportive clothes hangers and something to deter insects and subtly perfume the space such as cedar or lavender.”
Find out more on Pinterest and Instagram.
How the pros do it
Heather Gibson and Sarah Hall are co-owners of Finer Details and have been providing organisation and concierge services for over 10 years. They’ve completed many wardrobe declutters and have found a system that works. Here’s how they tackle even the most cluttered of spaces:
“-Have a drink and snack handy so you are not tempted to stray mid organisation
- Put a timer on to give yourself a small break midway
- Remove all your clothes and accessories from the wardrobe and group into categories as you go, pants, shirts, dresses etc.
- Once in categories, filter one group at a time further, by keep, donate, bin or mend
- Have a maybe pile and return to it at the end, putting some thought into whether it deserves some prime real estate in your wardrobe.
- We suggest using thin flocked hangers for a uniformed look and space saving solution.
- Pocket organisers are also great for flat shoes, scarves, belts, camisoles, tights and other smaller categories.
- Use the one in one out rule – new shoes in, take an older pair out – this keeps your wardrobe in a more manageable condition.
- Checking your phone and wandering off to do other things will not get the job done, if you cannot commit to finishing it in one day, its best to do when you can.
Happy sorting!”
Find more tips on Facebook and Instagram.
Is your closet too small?
At the end of the day you should be able to fit everything neat and tidy back in your wardrobe. If there’s leftover items that tick all your style boxes it doesn’t mean you’ve decluttered wrong. It may mean your wardrobe is now too small for your needs. Browse MyDeal bedroom furniture for a solution. You could try a new larger wardrobe to fit it all in, a tallboy to store PJs and pants or on the smaller side a bedside table to house underwear and socks. No matter what size problem you have, there’s a storage option to handle it.
There’s no closet too messy or person too busy to declutter in a day. First you need the tips (which we provide), then you need the willpower (a tasty treat helps).
