How to declutter your wardrobe - ask these questions
Now we’ve looked at why decluttering our wardrobes is worthwhile, let’s look at how to do it. For some of us, getting rid of any item of clothing is not easy! So it helps to have a list of questions to ask yourself so you have a framework to work with. Here are some great questions to start with.
Do I even like it? It sounds like such an obvious question, but often we don’t like items in our wardrobe, but hold onto them because we once liked it, or because someone said it looked great on us, or because we spent loads of money on it, or because it’s on-trend so we should like it… the list could go on forever!
So, the first and most important question to ask about an item in your wardrobe is, ‘do I like it?’ If the answer is no, put it on the out pile.
Does it fit? It’s not unusual to hold onto things that don’t fit us anymore. It might be because our bodies have changed (after having kids for example), and we hope to return to our previous form. However, clothing not fitting comfortably is a good enough reason to let it go. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking ‘one day'. Instead, say goodbye to ill-fitting clothes, and hello to clothes you can wear at present!
Is this my style? Some of us don’t really know what our style is, but are clear on what it isn’t. So, if a garment doesn’t do wonders for your figure, if it sits funny, feels too bold (or not bold enough), does not feel like you, then give it a send off.
Do I enjoy wearing it? Guaranteed, there are items in your wardrobe or drawers you bypass daily. You think, ‘oh, not that. It’s too tight for today’. Or, ‘the fabric is a bit itchy.’ Or, ‘I don’t like the colour on me.’ Items like this are clear candidates for the out pile.
Does this item need a lot of effort to style? There’s items in your wardrobe that require extra effort. It’s the skirt that’s a little too short and only works with tights. The top with sleeves you don’t like, so you can only wear it with a jacket. The pants that sit a little funny at the waist, so you need a long sweater over the top. The jacket in a colour that doesn’t go with anything else in your wardrobe. Be honest with yourself—these clothes aren’t serving you well. Say goodbye.
Does this item need repair? Just because something has a button missing or a dropped hem, doesn’t mean you can’t mend and wear it. But will you? Think about how long that damaged garment has been sitting in your drawer or wardrobe, without you fixing it. It may be a great piece, but if you’re never going to get around to repairing it, then take the obvious next steps and say goodbye!
Would you pack it for a trip? The items you would pack for a trip away are usually the ones that are in good condition, you feel comfortable wearing to most occasions, and that flatter you. So ask yourself if you’d take your item on your next holiday, and if not, consider whether or not you really need it.
Is it a double up? Sometimes we buy more than one of the same thing, especially if it’s a favourite item we think it might sell out down the track. But if your original becomes bedraggled, perhaps it’s time to get rid of it. You have a replacement after all!
Would you have an event to wear this to? You bought a great dress for a party and looked fabulous in it! Would you have occasion to wear that dress again? (Think bridesmaid and party dresses.) If the answer’s ‘probably not’, then let it go.
As you pare back and get to fewer garments, you might find the task becomes more challenging. Remind yourself you don’t need to get rid of everything! Even if you downsize by a few pieces, the reduction you make will be noticeable.
