As a professional organizer, I have organized quite a few wardrobes. If you are struggling to keep your closets and dressers organized I can tell you exactly what the problem is. You have too much stuff. Most of us do. We shuffle clothes, shoes and accessories around instead of getting to the root of the issue – too much stuff. Stuff shuffling will never get you organized. Decluttering will get you organized!
Wardrobes can quickly become overwhelming
Our closets and dresser drawers are full of items we never wear because we don’t love them or they don’t fit. It’s crazy how emotionally attached we can become to our clothing. They become a part of our identity and express how we feel on certain days. However, I can assure you that parting with some of your out-of-control clothing stash will make you feel lighter.
Get rid of what doesn’t fit
When I see something in my closet that no longer fits, I kind of feel like it’s judging me. Tell me I need to be a certain size. I don’t have any room in my life for judgmental clutter! If it doesn’t fit, get rid of it.
Get it out of your wardrobe if you haven’t worn it in a year
If it hasn’t been worn in a year or more, you can safely say that it can go. It’s just taking up valuable real estate for some other fabulous outfit you’ll actually wear. It’s okay to out-grow a style or season of life. If you know you are never going to have more children, donate the maternity clothes. I know they are comfy, but get rid of them and make room for clothes that represent who you are now.
Let your clothes breathe
It sounds silly, but give your poor wardrobe some space to breathe! Cramming clothing tightly together in a closet or jamming items into drawers isn’t ideal. Your clothes will look more appealing when you can easily shift them around and actually see what you have. Having few clothes takes away the overwhelm. You’ll be able to find the perfect outfit and you’ll know it fits.
When you get a chance, take a look at the rest of the family’s wardrobe and help them downsize also.
Today’s assignment:
- Go through your dresser drawers and purge anything that no longer represents the person you are (doesn’t fit, uncomfortable, out of style, poor quality, etc).
- Do the same in your closet.
- Upgrade: Instead of having tons of clothes, have less really nice clothes.
- When you get a chance, take a look at the rest of the family’s wardrobe and help them downsize also.
Make decluttering your wardrobe a seasonal routine, and try not to over-shop and buy clothes you don’t need. Shop your closet first! If you do buy something new follow the one-in/one-out rule. Get rid of something else you aren’t wearing. Remember: the more clothes you bring into your home the more laundry you are going to have to wash-dry-fold-put away….that leads us into tomorrow’s challenge!