The New Year is perfect for starting new personal projects and working on fresh goals. From physical fitness to mental health, from work strategies to home organization, all of these resolutions when followed through can give you a sense of immense satisfaction.
Well, today we can help you with one such goal to make sure you’re successful throughout the year. That is decluttering and organizing your wardrobe!
A cluttered wardrobe can add to stress and cause decision fatigue, making it more challenging to focus and process information. If your closet is packed but you still struggle with the “I have nothing to wear” dilemma, it may be time to make some changes.
Let’s walk through the process of decluttering effectively and organizing your wardrobe in a way that is easy to follow, and can be maintained throughout the year.
Ways to Declutter Your Wardrobe
Empty It All Out
Start decluttering by taking out every single item in your closet. While this may seem extreme, it allows you to see everything you own without the possibility of missing anything.
This may feel overwhelming, but it is related to the concept of paradox of choice. It is a concept introduced by psychologist Barry Schwartz. He suggests that having too many options can lead to decision paralysis and less satisfaction with the choices we make.
By looking at items in isolation rather than in groups or a crowded context, we can make more confident decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
Sort with Purpose
Divide your clothing into four piles: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Recycle or Toss. For each item, ask yourself these three questions.
- Does this piece fit my lifestyle?
- Have I worn it in the past year?
- Does this piece spark joy?
The “one-year rule” is backed by experts like professional organizer Marie Kondo, who advocates only keeping items that truly bring you joy.
Studies on behavioral psychology also show that we often hold onto items due to the sunk cost fallacy. This fallacy talks about our tendency to continue investing in something, just because we’ve previously put resources into it. We continue to invest even when it is a better idea to let go.
For example, you might hold onto an expensive dress you never wear simply because it costs a lot. Even though it takes up a lot of space and adds no value to your wardrobe or life, you still keep it, just in case. Letting go of such items can free up physical space and save mental energy, helping you focus on what truly matters.
Handling Sentimental Items
Sentimental items are often the hardest to let go of. The key is balance. Keep a few truly meaningful pieces, but don’t let nostalgia rule your decision-making process. If it’s challenging, maybe take a photo of the item to hold on to the memory without keeping the physical object.
Declutter Sustainably
Decluttering can help you be kind to the environment too. Donate wearable clothes to charities, resell quality pieces, or recycle damaged items through textile recycling programs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mentions that textiles comprise more than 5% of landfill waste. So your decisions and actions can make a significant difference.
Organizing Your Wardrobe
Categorize and Prioritize
Organize your clothes into categories such as casual wear, workwear, and activewear. Neuroscience suggests that organizing items into clear categories helps reduce decision fatigue and makes remembering individual pieces easier.
Keep everyday staples like women’s casual dresses in front and center for easy access. Arrange items based on how often you wear them. For example, the items that are used more frequently should be within easy reach.
Rotate Seasonally
If your wardrobe is full of all-season clothing, a rotation system can help. Pieces that are good quality and versatile, for example, the ones found in online stores like Porterist, may be stored for easy access in your daily wardrobe.
You can store off-season items in clear baskets or bags. Rotating your wardrobe not only frees up space but also gives you the excitement of rediscovering seasonal favorites when the time comes!
Invest in Practical Storage Solutions
Storage tools can make organization easier and long-lasting. Here are some tips for efficient organizing.
- Use uniform hangers to maximize space and give your closet a clean look.
- Add drawer dividers for small items like socks, scarves, or underwear.
- Incorporate shelving or stackable bins to keep shoes, bags, or folded clothes in order and tidy.
An organized physical space can have a positive impact on your mind. This makes investing in these organizational tools a worthy investment.
Color Code for Efficiency
Color coding your clothes in each category not only looks good but also helps your brain process the options faster. Research suggests that color-based systems improve memory recall, making it easier to remember and locate items.
Maintain a System
Adopt the “one-in, one-out” rule. This rule suggests that for every new item you add to your wardrobe, you should remove one. You can schedule a monthly or quarterly decluttering session to ensure your closet stays functional and clutter-free.
Decluttering and organizing your wardrobe is more than just a chore. It can turn into a satisfying process of self-care. An organized closet reduces stress, boosts confidence, and saves time in your daily routine. Take one step at a time, and embrace the feeling of rejuvenation that comes with a clutter-free space.