A few weeks ago, I stood in front of my wardrobe for twenty minutes trying to find something—anything—I actually wanted to wear.
Hangers were packed so tightly I could barely slide them, and yet nothing felt right. That’s when I realized I wasn’t out of options; I was overwhelmed by too many.
For those of us who take pride in a tidy, peaceful home, a messy closet can quietly undo the calm we’ve worked so hard to create. It becomes a daily source of frustration, even anxiety—one that sneaks into our mornings and steals our time and energy.
If you’re ready to reclaim your space and simplify your routine, these 10 wardrobe decluttering tips will help you cut through the clutter, find what you truly love, and bring a little more clarity and calm to your day, starting right where you get dressed.
Set the Vibe or Whatever
So, before you even start pulling stuff out, just take a second. Open the window if it’s stuffy in here. I usually throw on a playlist—something mellow or, honestly, just whatever Spotify throws at me.
Oh, and coffee. Or tea? Something warm, something cozy. Don’t overthink it. Just get into a headspace where this doesn’t feel like a chore. You’re not just cleaning—you’re, like, mentally clearing space too.
I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s kind of true. And definitely block out some time where nobody’s going to interrupt you every five minutes. Except maybe the dog, because, of course, he has to be involved. Anyway, once you’re kinda feeling it, then you can start.
Get Your Bags and Hangers Before You Forget
This is one of those things I always forget until I’m knee-deep in clothes and yelling “WHERE ARE THE BAGS?” at nobody.
So, yeah—get those donation bags, maybe a box or two, hangers, all of it. Like, before you start. I grabbed some reusable shopping totes the last time, or whatever bags you can get your hands on; you could also order some from Amazon.
The point is, you’re gonna need more space than you think. And good hangers. Not those weird wire ones that stretch your sweaters into triangles.
If you don’t have those velvet ones, honestly, they’re so worth it. Everything just hangs nicer. I know it’s small, but it makes a difference.
Anyway, stock up, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not mid-declutter and taping up a paper bag with packing tape.
Maybe Text a Friend—Make It a Two-Person Thing
This actually goes faster with a friend, like someone who’ll be real with you but not rude. I usually rope in my sister. She’ll grab stuff from the pile and be like “Are you actually gonna wear this?” and…she’s usually right.
Also, it’s just less boring with someone there. You can laugh about that weird shirt you swore you’d wear to brunch (never did), and take turns DJing the playlist. And if they want to “shop” your giveaway pile? Even better. Win-win.
Just make sure it’s someone who won’t distract you too much or suddenly start trying things on like it’s a fashion show. That part is kind of fun, too. Depends on the vibe. Anyway, get someone involved if you can.
Break It Up—Seriously, Don’t Do It All at Once
Please don’t try to do the entire closet in one shot. I did that once and ended up sitting on the floor surrounded by shoes, just staring into space.
Not worth it. Just pick one section. Tops? Go for it. Or shoes. Actually… maybe start with whatever’s most chaotic. I like to do it in categories: jeans, then sweaters, then all the random things shoved in the back that I forgot existed.
It’s way easier to make decisions when you’re looking at, like, five pairs of black pants instead of thirty mismatched pieces at once.
And yeah, stuff will pile up, but that’s fine. It’s part of the process. Take a break when your brain starts to feel foggy. Grab a snack. Come back later. No one’s grading this.
Ask the Real Questions—No Guilt Allowed
Okay, so when you’re trying to figure out what stays, just be brutally honest with yourself. Like—have I worn this in the last year? Would I wear it tomorrow, like, without hesitation? If not, toss it. I mean, not toss it, toss it—but put it in the donate pile.
And please don’t keep things because they were expensive or because your aunt gave them to you in 2014. That’s not a reason. Clothes should work for who you are right now. Not past you, not future you who suddenly wears blazers and heels every day. That’s not happening.
If it doesn’t fit or doesn’t feel right, let it go. Also—if you wouldn’t be excited to see someone else wearing it… it’s probably time. No guilt. Just clarity. Ish.
Snap a Quick Pic—You’ll Forget What You Gave Away Anyway
This one’s low-key genius. Take photos of the stuff you’re donating or selling before it leaves the house. Seriously, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood in front of my closet thinking, “Didn’t I use to have a… whatever?” and then spiral.
Photos help. Especially if you’re planning to resell anything—saves you a step later. Plus, if you suddenly miss something (which happens more than I care to admit), you can scroll back and be like, “Ah, I did donate that sequined tank from 2012… okay.” And then move on. Kind of.
Anyway, you don’t have to do a full-on photoshoot—just decent lighting, a clear shot, and done. Quick and dirty. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re half-asleep trying to list something online and can’t remember what size it was.
Give Your Old Stuff a Second Life
Alright, now you’ve got piles. Maybe even bags. It’s tempting to just leave them in the hallway forever but don’t do it—just… deal with it now.
Get them out. Sell what you can if you’ve got the time. eBay, Vinted, whatever’s your jam. Apparently, there’s this AI thing now that fills in your item details from a photo? Wild. I haven’t tried it yet, but someone told me Depop does it too.
If not, donating is great—just make sure it’s somewhere that’ll actually use the stuff. Also, fun bonus: if you sell some things, you get a little extra cash to buy things you actually need.
Like, if you realize you don’t have jeans that fit right anymore—boom, solved. Oh, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find someone cool selling their old designer stuff. I got a pair of boots once. Still obsessed.
Maybe It’s Time to Rethink How You Organize This Whole Thing
Now that everything’s out (and your room looks like a tornado), think about how you’re putting stuff back. Like… does the system even work for you?
I realized last time that I never wear half my sweaters because they’re stuffed in a bin under the bed. Out of sight, out of mind. I’m more of a “see it to wear it” kind of person, so I need everything visible—tops with tops, bottoms with bottoms, sometimes color-coded if I’m feeling extra.
Some people swear by that whole rainbow thing. I tried it. Didn’t last. But I do keep all my jackets together, and that actually helps.
Do what makes your brain happy. If you always forget what shoes you own, maybe they need to come out of the closet, too. Just don’t overthink it. And if you mess it up, you can always try again.
Fast-Forward Three Months—How’s It Holding Up?
Check back in with yourself after a couple of months. Like… does your closet still make sense? Or did you accidentally go back to shoving stuff wherever? No shame either way. Just be honest.
If you miss something you donated, it’s not a big deal. You’re allowed to change your mind. I gave away this cardigan I thought I was over, and then two months later, I was like, “WHY did I do that?” Still mad. But you live, you learn.
Also, if your wardrobe’s already overflowing again, maybe slow down on the shopping? Just a thought. Seasons change, bodies change, moods change—it’s all part of it.
You’re not supposed to get it perfect. It’s more like… checking in, adjusting, and giving yourself room to grow. And rotate your clothes when the weather changes. Like, actually do it. Don’t just think about doing it and then forget. (That’s me, every spring.)
