Is your wardrobe bursting at the seams with clothes you barely wear? Do you find yourself struggling to see what’s actually in your closet, surrounded by clutter and unworn items? It’s time to take control! Sorting out your wardrobe can be a game-changer for both your space and your daily routine. Not only will it help you declutter, but it will also make getting dressed easier and more enjoyable.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through top tips for sorting and organising your wardrobe, with a special mention of how self storage in Winchester can be a lifesaver when you need extra space to store seasonal clothes or items you’re not ready to part with.
1. Start with a Clean Slate: Empty Everything Out
The first step to sorting your wardrobe is to take everything out. Yes, everything. Lay your clothes, shoes, accessories, and bags out in front of you. This may seem overwhelming, but it’s the best way to really see what you have. You might be surprised by how much you’ve accumulated!
Tip: Use this time to wipe down the shelves, vacuum the floor, and freshen up your wardrobe space. A clean closet makes the organising process much more enjoyable.
2. Sort Your Clothes Into Categories
Once everything is out of your wardrobe, start sorting your items into categories. Group similar items together—think tops, trousers, dresses, outerwear, shoes, etc. This will help you assess your collection more effectively and make it easier to decide what stays and what goes.
Tip: Create a “maybe” pile for items you’re unsure about. You can revisit them later once you’ve gone through the more obvious yes/no choices.
3. Assess Each Item: Keep, Donate, or Toss
Here’s where the real sorting begins. As you go through each item, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I wear it regularly? If it hasn’t been worn in the past year, it’s time to let it go.
- Does it still fit? If it doesn’t fit or isn’t comfortable, it’s probably best to part ways with it.
- Is it damaged? If it’s too worn out to repair or isn’t worth fixing, toss it.
- Does it still match my style? Sometimes, clothes don’t align with your current taste or lifestyle anymore—donate or sell them if that’s the case.
Tip: Be honest with yourself during this step. It’s easy to hold on to clothes out of guilt or nostalgia, but your wardrobe should be a reflection of who you are now, not who you were.
4. Create a Seasonal Rotation
One of the best ways to keep your wardrobe organised is by rotating clothes based on the season. For example, keep your summer clothes easily accessible during the warmer months, and store away winter coats and sweaters when it’s hot outside. This helps free up space in your wardrobe and makes it easier to find what you need.
Tip: Consider investing in clear storage bins or under-bed storage to store off-season clothes. This will keep them safe and make swapping out seasonal items a breeze.
5. Maximise Your Storage Space
When it comes to organising your wardrobe, space optimisation is key. There are several ways to make the most of your closet space:
- Use slim, velvet hangers to save space and prevent clothes from slipping off.
- Install additional shelves or hooks to store shoes, bags, or accessories.
- Use drawer dividers to keep smaller items like scarves, belts, or hats neatly separated.
- Utilise the back of the door for hanging accessories, belts, or jewellery.
Tip: Consider double-hanging rods for shorter items like shirts and jackets. This creates more space for longer items below, such as trousers or skirts.
6. Invest in Storage Solutions for Limited Space
Storage solutions like hanging organisers, storage baskets, or shoe racks can work wonders if you’re struggling with limited wardrobe space. These options can help you keep items neatly stored and easily accessible without taking up extra room. You might even consider an over-the-door organiser or a freestanding wardrobe if you’re short on closet space.
Tip: Use labelled bins or boxes to keep things like winter hats, gloves, or seasonal accessories neatly tucked away.
7. Store Sentimental or Rarely Used Items in Self Storage
If you have sentimental items or clothes you don’t wear every day, such as special occasion dresses, keepsakes, or seasonal items, self storage is an excellent solution. It can help you free up space in your wardrobe without having to part with things you might need in the future.
Why use self storage?
- Extra space for bulky items: Winter coats, ski gear, or out-of-season clothing can take up a lot of space. Store them in a self storage unit to make more room in your home.
- Safe and secure: Self storage facilities offer a secure environment for your clothes and other valuable items.
- Easy access: You can access your stored items when you need them, without the hassle of having them take up closet space year-round.
Whether it’s off-season clothing, sports gear, or treasured family heirlooms, self storage is a convenient and practical solution for keeping your wardrobe organised and your home clutter-free.
Adopt the ‘One In, One Out’ Rule
To maintain your newly organised wardrobe, consider adopting the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item of clothing you bring into your closet, donate or discard an old one. This helps prevent your wardrobe from becoming overcrowded again and encourages mindful shopping.
Tip: Take a moment to assess each new purchase, will you wear it, or is it just another item you’ll regret keeping? Thoughtful shopping leads to fewer items and a more functional wardrobe.
Maintain Your Organised Wardrobe Regularly
Once your wardrobe is sorted, make it a habit to check in every few months to ensure it stays organised. A quick tidy-up every season or after a big shopping spree will help prevent clutter from building up again.
Tip: Set a reminder on your phone to check your wardrobe every three months to keep things fresh and decluttered.
Sorting out your wardrobe doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little planning and these simple tips, you can transform your closet into an organised, functional space that makes getting dressed each day a breeze. If you’re running out of space or need to store items that you don’t wear regularly, consider renting self storage to keep your wardrobe tidy and stress-free. Whether it’s for seasonal items or sentimental treasures, self storage is a practical way to create more space at home without sacrificing the things you love.
Ready to take control of your closet? Start sorting, and organising, and enjoy a more streamlined, clutter-free wardrobe today!