A couple of years ago, after a big decluttering mission, I managed to whittle my closet down to a mere 54 items. I went from an overflowing closet (one about 4 times that size) to a clean and tidy closet filled with only the things I actually wore.
Fast forward and, despite good intentions, that number has slowly crept back up.
My drawers are getting harder to shut, and I’m noticing items that are tucked in the back that haven’t been worn in a long time.
It generally doesn’t get to this stage, but for whatever reason, it’s slowly crept back to almost overflowing. And it doesn’t feel good. It reminds me of why I got rid of so much in the first place.
I used to think that having a ton of clothes to choose from would be wonderful, and exciting. But it really isn’t. Instead, the overflow makes me feel overwhelmed. When there’s too much to choose from it takes longer to decide. But more importantly, how I look becomes more of a focus than I want it to.
It’s time to declutter!
Here are the 9 things I’ll be stripping from my overflowing closet immediately;
1. Clothes that don’t fit
Now that I’m in my forties, my body shape is changing. Despite being an avid runner, I’ve put on a little bit of extra weight around the middle in the last few years. Instead of dieting to try and lose weight and fit back into everything, I’ve decided on a softer approach.
I am simply going to let go of anything that doesn’t fit anymore. The emotional toll of keeping those clothes because of some unreasonable effort to get to my pre-baby shape is too much. My mental health is more important than losing weight.
Imagine going to your closet and not having to bypass items because they don’t fit? Or not feeling pangs of despair and guilt because you don’t fit those jeans anymore?
If keeping clothes that don’t fit you causes any kind of emotional discomfort – pack them away.
2. Anything worn once
There won’t be many in this category. I’ve become a reluctant shopper over the years, so most purchases I make are thought through carefully. I used to do alot of impulse buying, resulting in things either not getting worn or only being worn once.
My nemesis in this category though is second-hand items. Over half of my closet is second hand. I love second-hand clothes shopping because it saves money and is better for the environment. But if I’m short on time and the t-shirt is $5 – I don’t even bother trying it on. It’s time to get rid of those purchases!
3. Things that don’t suit me
Okay so basically just never come to me for fashion advice. I’m probably the least stylish person you know 😅
That said, I do tend to stick to my colours, which are anything in the Autumn spectrum. If you ever see me in hot pink you’ll know something is seriously wrong.
But occasionally I’ll get my hands on something outside of this and be tempted by the cut, fabric or price. Those items never last longer than a season in my closet.
I’m not saying you need to go and spend loads of money on a colour assessment – just note what makes you feel comfortable and good and let the rest go.
4. Unused accessories
For me, it’s hats and scarves. I just don’t wear them. Even when it’s a cold day here in New Zealand. But because I like the idea or look of them on others, I am often tempted to try again with a snuggly scarf.
I should know better. There are now two chunky knit scarfs, and a snood sitting in my drawer that I didn’t wear last winter. Into the donate bin they go!
5. Exercise gear
Do you have a drawer of unrequited New Years’ eve promises to yourself? You know what I mean right? Those yoga pants that are still in their packaging, or the gym clothes you swore you’d use 3 times a week?
For me, it’s my road cycling clothing. Last year I made the tough decision to declutter my road bike. I am now left with a bunch of ugly padded lycra that absolutley doesn’t belong anywhere but on a road bike 😅
6. Anything that’s uncomfortable
Maybe you can skip reading this one if you are still in your twenties (or even early thirties), but if not, hear this. You don’t have to wear uncomfortable clothes anymore. Period.
I will be combing my wardrobe for anything scratchy or woollen, and tight or restrictive. As a highly sensitive person, these kinds of clothes make me feel claustrophobic.
There was once a girl who wore skinny jeans on a long haul flight from LA to Paris. She got so uncomfortable and had a mini panic attack resulting in her undressing midflight and requesting emergency blankets from the flight attendants. Yeah, that’s me. Lesson learned. I only wear what I feel comfortable in from now on.
7. Stained or ripped items
I generally keep one old pair of pants and a top for painting or gardening. Anything that comes up stained or holey and can’t replace these goes in a special donation bin.
I normally donate all my decluttered wardrobe items to charity shops, but if they are beyond resale they go to an organisation that turns them into industrial rags. (If you can find out who does this in your neck of the woods it’s a great idea. Textile waste accounts for up to 13% of what’s in our landfills and is a significant contributor to greenhouse emissions.)
8. Shoes that hurt
Look, I get that you might have a thing for heels and think that maybe your calves look great in them (maybe they do!), but for the love of your body – please stop wearing them!
Actually, you don’t have to listen to that at all, I have reserved a special place in hell for heels after they gave me a particularly bad sprained ankle back in the 90s.
However, if you have any footwear in your closet that hurt your feet, or don’t fit quite right, let them go!
9. All the t-shirts
I have a thing for comfy, funky t-shirts. But I don’t need 12 of them! This is always the first drawer to get to the overflow mark in my closet. I am a sucker for a sale or a cute vintage tee at the op shop.
Maybe it’s not t-shirts for you – maybe it’s yoga pants! Whatever it is that you have a soft spot for, and multiples of, choose your favourite and donate the rest.
I cannot wait to put my overflowing closet back in order. If you are wanting to do the same and declutter your own closet I want to tell you about my friend Jennifer’s amazing program.
The One Day Closet Cleanse is an easy to follow roadmap for finally dealing with your overflowing closet!
The One Day Closet Cleanse is a roadmap that will empower you to finally follow through on your closet decluttering plans. When you join, you get access to the proven Style Standard Method, a unique two-part approach that includes:
A PRACTICAL STEP-BY-STEP STRATEGY Decluttering can feel overwhelming and sometimes just getting started is the biggest challenge! But not when you have a step-by-step plan for you to follow.
All you need to do is show up and you’ll get walked through the tough decisions, like deciding where to begin, what to keep, and how to dispose of your unwanted clothing.
EMOTIONAL DECLUTTERING SUPPORT If you’ve made even a half-hearted attempt at closet decluttering in the past, then you’ll know that one of the biggest challenges is learning how to let go.
It’s about so much more than just “clothes”—isn’t it? You also have to declutter guilt, shame, insecurities, memories and so much more. Learn how to tackle these emotional challenges head-on so you can say goodbye with grace.
By the end of the program, you’ll …
- Feel confident about your personal style and wardrobe goals.
- Know how to declutter your closet (even the challenging items, like clothes you don’t fit or expensive pieces you never wore)
- Have a clear plan for letting go of your unwanted clothes
No more tears and frustration. It’s time for you to conquer your closet.
Amazing!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
