I for one love a good clean out of my wardrobe. As it is the start of the new year and a time for reflecting on where we’re at, this is something that is a great activity to do on a day where you have no plans but feel like doing something productive.

I must admit I probably clean out my wardrobe a few more times a year than actually needed. It just has this decluttering feeling both physically and mentally that always leaves you with a sense of accomplishment that this thing in your everyday life is organised and edited down to your liking.

Plus being able to make room for upcoming purchases isn’t bad either…

So from a serial wardrobe cleaner outerer, here are some pieces of advice that I would recommend when tackling your own cupboards:

1. Get in the zone:

Before you even go down the organising route make sure you’re ready. Decide if you are going to give anything of good quality to charity. If so what? Make sure you have some bags to put clothes/ other pieces into so that you can work quickly and I know it sounds weird but make sure you have had something to eat and drink. Often we tend to make bad decisions when we’re hungry, tired, overemotional or a combination of the three. Cleaning out your wardrobe doesn’t need to be impacted by these three things and it is a process that is most effective when approached logically. So prep yourself, put on a good playlist and get started.

2. Be brutal yet optimistic:

There’s this rule that if you haven’t worn something in the last twelve months and know deep down you won’t wear it in the future then off it can go to someone else. I like this rule, but I would say allow yourself two items in that pile to keep. After all, you may need a ball gown in the next six months. This is the time in the exercise where you may need a second opinion from the tough parent/ friend/ pet, in case you’re feeling doubtful. The more the merrier I say. Also remember that when you throw out something you felt attached to but never wore you will most likely find yourself not missing that item in your wardrobe as time goes on.

3. Think about what you need:

It’s great to have four t-shirts in black (I may have more than this..) but at the same time it’s good to have a little bit of everything and not limit your wardrobe to one colour or style. There are no rules saying you can’t experiment a little and try new prints or silhouettes. So maybe cut down to two black t-shirts in order to make room for new shiny stuff. Also, reflect on what you feel like you were needing in your wardrobe over the past year season by season. Yes you had a great leather jacket but your old knit jumper is falling apart and it didn’t excite you as much to wear it. Plus it’ll be cold soon, so maybe it’s time to look for a new one.

4. Try things on:

This can make a big difference as to whether you keep something or throw something out. Having watched some cleaning out wardrobe video’s on youtube, (which are really interesting by the way!) the most common phrase you hear is that “I thought I’d lost this” or “I forgot this was in here, I love it!”. There will be things in your wardrobe that you haven’t seen in ages and are little hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered. So try stuff on, see if it serves you and your sense of style right now.

5. Be kind:

This one goes for both yourself and your clothes. It applies to your clothing because as fun as it is to throw/ give away heaps of items, this shouldn’t always be an excuse to rush out and buy the first pieces you see. If something is good quality, if it fits you well and you are satisfied with it, then keep I say! In terms of why this point applies to you is that for some of us cleaning out a wardrobe can be a tough exercise. It’s a lot of decision making and you see how you have changed in the last few years but that is also an amazing process in itself. Find moments to celebrate all the things that you’ve achieved.

So good luck with your cleaning and if you’re too into this activity like me, I would strongly recommend colour coding the clothes after your all finished. Then you can move onto shoes…

xxx