5 Signs Your Wardrobe Needs Decluttering
Know the signs, then toss these 5 things to free your closet of the clutter.
Our closets fill up with these 5 types of clutter. Check out what they are then clear out your closet.
1) Lost of unused clothing
According to the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), research reveals that 80% of our items are never used, so chances are you have plenty of clothes you never wear. I don't know about you, but I tend to wear my favorites first and ignore the other stuff unless I need to go longer before doing laundry. And why not? We want to look and feel great. Removing the stuff we never wear will make it easier to find those quality pieces and make decisions on what to wear.
To make sure you wear everything, put clothes in the back of that category when you put away clean laundry and pull from the front. This is called the First In, First Out (FIFO) Method, a method used by supermarkets (and savvy people in their homes) so food doesn’t expire.
2) You have a lot of out-of-fashion clothing
Time to let go of those parachute pants and acid-wash jeans. Those are obvious, but fashion can go out of style rather quickly these days, so you're apt to have plenty of off-trend items that are more recent than that. American women have an average of $550 worth of unworn clothes in their closets, according to a 10 Yetis study.
To save you money and the hassle of cleaning out your closet regularly, fill your closet with quality, timeless pieces and use online services like Rent the Runway to supplement with trendy fashion, so your wardrobe never goes out of style. You can also use these services for special occasion wear, vacation clothing, maternity wear, or even your wedding dress.
3) Your clothes don't make you feel fabulous
It's time to let go of all the unflattering, ill-fitting, worn, and boring items in your wardrobe, including that ripped, stained sweatshirt that you love because it's so comfy and promise to never wear out but do. You should feel fabulous in the clothes you wear, whatever that means for you.
It's fine if that's a colorful tee and jeans. That's my vibe. But if that t-shirt is starting to fade and the collar has lost it's shape, it's time for it to head out the door. Without you this time. Or cycle it down to your inside-only lounge wear or pjs.
If you wouldn't want to run into your ex while wearing it, let it go!
4) You have a collection of old stuff
We all do it. We hold onto the previous worn-out purse or pair of sneakers or keep a stash of unused hangers just in case we need them. But do we really need them? That many?
I will reveal a secret. In my coat closet before I moved a few months ago, we had a full large basket of old, smelly sneakers. That’s too many! One pair each is enough. You may need something to wear to do yardwork, but 5 pairs?!
Time to go through the sneakers, purses, hangers, jewelry, hats and accessories, and any other collections you may have, especially if there's a permanent foul odor. And don't forget to clear out your stray socks stash.
5) You have clothes that don't fit
Clothing that doesn't fit has no place in your wardrobe. It's fine to hold on to things that are a size too big or too small, but box it away in an out-of-the-way place so it's not cluttering your closet.
There's nothing like trying to get dressed in a rush and find that the jeans won't button. It makes you late and feel bad in the process. If it doesn't fit, especially if it's so tight you have trouble breathing, store it away.
While in storage, remove anything 2 sizes or more too big or small and anything you wouldn't wear again, like out-of-fashion items or maternity wear after your last kid.
This is a general rule, of course. There may be some things a few sizes off that may be worth keeping, especially if you are a size difficult to shop for or it’s an expensive piece. As a petite woman with curves, I do have a couple of pairs of 3 sizes too small Petite Sophisticate jeans with the two buttons and hidden elastic to avoid the waist gap. They are like gold. 😉
