Looking into a packed wardrobe and feeling like you have absolutely nothing to wear is incredibly frustrating. We all hold onto clothes we don't use, shoes that pinch, and bags that went out of style years ago just because of the guilt.If your wardrobe has turned into a chaotic dumping ground, it’s time to face the mess. Here are some smart ways to sort through the chaos and reclaim your space.
1. Group by Category First
The easiest way to face a messy closet is to group your items by category before you even think about sorting them. Start with your dresses, then move to pants, jackets, denims, and shoes. As you go through each pile, do a quick, aggressive purge. Separate them into things you actually wear, items that need to go to a charity or resale shop, and pieces that just need a quick trip to the tailor for alterations or dry cleaning.
2. Ask Yourself the Hard Questions
A simple way to beat indecisiveness when going through your clothes is to hold up each item and ask yourself these five questions: Do I still wear this? Does it still fit me comfortably? Does it itch, scratch, or feel annoying? Do I actually like it? When was the last time I wore it?
Be completely brutal here. If a piece doesn't pass the test, don't let it steal precious shelf space. Put it straight into the donation pile. Keep the pieces that easily work together, and let go of the "what-if" items you haven't touched in a year.
3. Know What to Fold and What to Hang
For the items going back into your drawers or onto shelves, keep it simple. Stack your lightweight tops and everyday t-shirts, but don't bother folding bulky pieces, those should go straight onto the hanging rack.
A Quick Tip: When you stack your folded clothes, leave a couple of scented dryer sheets tucked between them. It keeps everything smelling completely fresh for weeks.
If you run out of built-in shelving, don’t just pile things on the floor. Slide a few durable woven storage baskets onto the closet floor to corral smaller items, or use our sleek wall hooks on the inside of the closet door to hang daily accessories at eye level.
4. Face Your Shoes and Handbags Honestly
Now, let’s talk about the shoes. Why keep 50 pairs of shoes in your closet when you realistically only ever rotate through the same 10? As you hold each pair up, ask yourself if it pinches your toes, if the heels are too high to actually walk in, or when you last wore them.
The same applies to your handbags. If a bag is completely out of style, damaged, or sitting in the dark collecting dust, wouldn't you rather pass it along to a resale shop or someone who will actually love it and use it often?
5. Don't Hide Your Jewellery Away
Finally, look at your accessories and jewellery. Toss out anything that is broken beyond repair. For the pieces you actually love and wear, keep them visible. If you only have a few items, store them in a simple, beautiful box on your dresser. You can also use your vertical space by installing a row of decorative wall hooks on a bare wall or behind the door to hang your favourite necklaces and statement bags. Keeping them at eye level means you'll actually remember to wear them.
Wrap It Up and Resist the Urge to Re-Shove
Once you're done, put your clothing back into the wardrobe, sorting them by colour with your most-worn items right up front where you can reach them. Immediately put your dirty laundry in the hamper, drop off the alterations at the tailor, and load the donation bags straight into your car so you aren't tempted to pull things back out.
Remember, the more regularly you do a quick sort of your space, the easier it gets. Take it one pile at a time, and enjoy the breathing room in your newly decluttered closet!