Does your morning routine involve; prizing open your wardrobe, holding back a tsunami of clothes, grabbing random items and swearing you’ll sort it out later?
Are your cupboards full of clothes that might get worn in the future, were worn in the past or will be worn someday when...
I stop eating for a few weeks and get into those jeans.
I attend a suitable event for a lycra jumpsuit.
I return to Texas, where cowboy boots are acceptable footwear.
Sometimes, our wardrobe needs updating to match who we are now.
Letting go of clothes can be challenging. They can represent our previous selves, unfulfilled possibility, or over buying to compensate for unmet needs.
Imagine a wardrobe, which reflects who you are now and where you want to go. Your clothes are consciously chosen, bringing joy to dressing for any occasion.
Follow these 5 steps to declutter and revitalise your wardrobe:
Are you someone who makes a decision and then wants to get things done quickly?
If so, allow longer time periods for your sessions. Initially give yourself 3-4 hours and see how that works.
You may need 2-3 sessions depending on how many clothes need assessing.
If you prefer to break it down into manageable tasks, use categories such as underwear, jumpers, blouses etc.. Allow 1-2 hrs for each session and see how much you can achieve in a short, focused time period.
Schedule these dates in your diary and you’re more likely to do it.
The brain likes specifics, so treat it as you would an appointment.
2. To get started, make a space on the floor and label a bag for each section:
Give away
Charity
Sell
Repair or alter
Not sure
3. Gather every item of clothing you own (or the category you are working on) and put them on your bed.
Seeing how many clothes you have can be a shock. It’s all part of the process, so let go of the judgement and focus on the outcome.
4. You are now at the decision making stage. Use the following method as a guide:
Hold each item of clothing in your hands and ask yourself:
How do I feel when I wear this?
Imagine yourself in relevant scenarios: walking down the street, in a restaurant or at a work meeting.
Do you feel good? More like yourself? Does it reflect who you are now?
If it’s a no or you’re unsure, give it away or put it in the undecided pile.
If it’s a yes, keep it. The clothes you choose to wear now, are those which align with your authentic self. They will bring you joy and enhance your everyday life.
Use the following criteria to help you make decisions:
Have I worn this recently?
Have you worn this in the last year? Be honest! If you haven’t worn it recently, you won’t wear it now.
Clothes stay at the back of the wardrobe for a reason- give them a new life with someone who will love them.
Is it in good condition?
Is it ripped, stained or hanging by a thread?
These are subtle signs that it’s time to let go.
Remember the good old days you shared and let it go with gratitude.
Does it fit?
This sounds obvious, but sometimes we ignore this minor detail.
If you can’t breath in those skinny jeans, it’s probably time to say goodbye.
Appreciate your body as it is right now, by only wearing clothes you feel comfortable in.
Alterations?
You may also find items you’ve been meaning to get altered.
Before putting them in the alterations pile, take a moment to assess whether you still want to make that investment.
5. Repeat until you’ve assessed all of your clothes and shoes.
If you have an undecided pile, now is the time to try them on.
Having honed your decision making during the session, it will be easier to identify the clothes that resonate.
Lastly, take the bags of clothes to their destinations as soon as possible.
Completing the task will satisfy your brain and prepare you for the next stage.
Read my next blog to find out how to organise your clothes. I will offer practical tips and creative ideas to establish and maintain a flourishing wardrobe.
If you can't face doing this alone, we can do it together!
10% discount gift (December-January) quote REVITALISE when booking.
Start the New Year with focus and clarity.
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