Decluttering Clothes: Simple Steps Without The Stress
There comes a time when you know decluttering clothes is necessary, but you can’t get motivated to take the first step. Don’t worry; it happens to us all, and there’s a way out. I promise you it works.
Did you ever open your closet intending to declutter, look around, and shut it quickly? I have many times, and all with good intentions. The task of decluttering clothes seemed too daunting, and I didn’t feel like ruining my day thinking about doing it.
Well, I finally found a way to do it without stress, and instead, I found joy in the task.
Below, you’ll discover how I decluttered three closets of clothes. The results brought me a sense of peace and transformation. I also love using these steps when organizing my shoes.
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Decluttering Clothes: A Ritual of Release and Renewal
Our closets can quickly become like the Twilight Zone. A place where, once you enter, you feel like it’s another realm. Have you asked yourself how long it’s been since decluttering clothes was on your to-do list? Like many of us, I’m sure the answer is far too long.
Of course, there are many reasons why we accumulate clothes. There’s a concept called the 80/20 rule. I think it’s very fitting and explains why we tend to hoard things, especially clothes.
Wayne Dyer used the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. This principle makes a lot of sense. It suggests focusing on the most important 20% of your clothing to create a more effective, less cluttered wardrobe.
This principle applies to many areas, including personal finance, business, and even relationships. Still, in the context of clothing, it means identifying the 20% of your clothes you regularly wear and use and focusing on those pieces while letting go of the 80% that are underutilized.
This short TikTok video below is great and explains the principles.
Wow, what a light bulb moment! Think about it. Look at your closet and ask yourself, what clothes do I wear? What pieces bring me joy, and what don’t?
So, with that said, let’s dive into some practical steps you can take to decluttering clothes in your closet that will bring you release and renewal.
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1 – Sort Items By Category
So, if you have a closet that doesn’t organize by type, you’ll want to start there. Typically, you can sort on your bed or any flat surface. Start by sorting like items into neat piles—short-sleeved tops, long-sleeve tops, pants, etc.
Moreover, you don’t want to miss this important first step. It’s essential so you know what you have and how many. Once you do this, decluttering clothes goes much faster and easier than this step.
Oh, grab a “let it go” box or large plastic bag—whatever you have handy. This comes in during the next step. You’ll also need a donation box.
2 – It’s Time To Ask Yourself Essential Questions and Be Honest
Now, it’s time to ask yourself some essential questions. Start with one category item and ask yourself if you love it and how often you wear it. What worked for me is if I didn’t wear it at least twice a month during the season, I placed it in the let-go box.
Basically, If you don’t love it or use it, it’s time to let it go.
3 – Don’t Obsess Over Single Items
When I find myself hung up on deciding on an item, I try not to obsess over it and put it to the side. I try not to do this because you can easily get wrapped up doing this for way too many things.
For the pieces you do put aside, wait a day and revisit them. You can always ask a family member or friend their opinion on it.
Sometimes, I try the item on and see how I feel once it’s on. Typically, my first reaction is the one I go with. If it doesn’t feel good wearing it, it goes into the let it go box.
4 – Sort What You Decide To Let Go
So, now that you have decided and have loads of things you want to let go, it’s time to sort. With your three boxes, decide which one they go into. If you have some expensive clothes, you can always sell them. Poshmark is a great place to sell things. I sold many things there, and it always goes super great.
If you have a lot to donate, ensure they are in good condition and take them to the nearest Goodwill center as soon as possible. Conversely, you can also donate them to a friend in need.
5 – Putting Your Closet Back Together – Decluttering Clothes Mission Accomplished
Now, it’s time to put your closet or dresser back together again. Start by sorting like items together. Of course, you’ll want to keep things organized and color-coordinated.
Make sure you do this for your closet and dressers. Keeping all like items together and sorting them by color is a great way to stay organized and find what you need quickly.
6 – New Hangers – You Deserve Them!
I went and bought new sets of hangers. Since I have a new(ish) wardrobe, I deserve new hangers. I love these Velvet, Non-Slip Clothes Hangers.
They are affordable, have a slim profile, and help me maximize closet space. The velvet surface and notched shoulders prevent items from shifting and slipping.
Additionally, I love these drawer organizers for my dresser drawers. I use them for so many things to organize around my home. After all, it’s not only about decluttering clothes; it’s also about keeping them that way.
Decluttering Clothes – The Wrap Up
So, to reiterate, these simple steps will help you when decluttering clothes without stress.
Remember, look at this process as a ritual of release and renewal. When done, you’ll feel like you have a new outlook on your clothes and know each piece is loved and wanted.
💡Step 1: This first step, Sort Items By Category, begins the process. While it takes a little time, the rest of the steps go quickly and smoothly once done.
💡Step 2: It’s Time to Ask Yourself Essential Questions and Be Honest. This step is essential and one of my favorites. Typically, your first thought about a particular piece is the right one. Go with your gut and always be honest with yourself.
💡 Step 3: Don’t Obsess Over Single Items. This is a huge step in the process. Try your best not to obsess over one piece and rather go with your gut feeling. You can always try it on and see how you feel in it.
💡Step 4: Sort What You Decide To Let Go. You are almost there with this step. I always feel good at this point because I know the pieces I don’t want will go to a needy person.
💡Step 5: Putting Your Closet Back Together. Now, your closet is ready for the final step. Remember, try color-coding your clothes and sorting them by category. It’s a great way to stay organized and find what you need quickly.
💡Step 6: New Hangers – You Deserve Them! Remember, you deserve this small investment. I promise you will love your new hangers and these awesome drawer organizers.
So, with these six easy steps, decluttering clothes is easy, and the benefits are unending.
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