Simple Steps to Declutter Your Wardrobe
Iāve spent the last few weeks going through my wardrobe with a fine-tooth comb, being more honest than usual about what I do and donāt want to wear again. The last year delivered more than a few outfit frustrations, and Iād like to avoid repeating them.
I donāt have a crystal-clear vision of how I want to dress in 2026, but Iām very clear about what I didnāt enjoy wearing in 2025. Since my personal style continues to evolve, staying on top of what no longer works has become part of the process.
Decluttering isnāt just about creating space. Itās a way to remove the distractions that make getting dressed harder than it needs to be and to take a closer look at what still aligns with how I want to live and dress now.
Before youĀ declutter, be sure you donāt just need to reorganize what you own. If yourĀ closetĀ is messy, itās hard to find the right pieces to put together a cohesive look.Ā
Iām updating this post from last year because this is not a one-and-done exercise. Our wardrobes change as we do, and a simple, thoughtful reset goes a long way.
How To Start
Many people like to attack their wardrobe, ala Marie Kondo, but thatās never appealed to me. It’s not realistic for me to take everything out of my closet at one time and toss it into a pile. That process creates a mountain of work, and it would depress me long before I finished it. If the job is overwhelming, decision fatigue can set in, so you end up rushing to finish and start making poor decisions.
I like to make this simple, so I start at one end of the rod or go through one drawer at a time.
Have four bags or boxes at the ready:
1- This box is for items you want to donate or send to consignment stores.
2- This bag is for things that are too worn to salvage or donate. Our landfills are clogged with discarded clothes, so you could also investigate non-profits that will accept textiles in any condition.
3- This bag is for garments you want to keep wearing but they’re in need of repair, cleaning, or alterations.
4- This not-sure box is for anything you’re on the fence about.
The not-sure box is super important! You can bravely place things into this box because you know itās not leaving your house. The decision is temporary and allows you to revisit the pieces later, but they arenāt hanging in your closet to see each day. Tape the box closed and store it in a guest room closet or the garage to examine in 6+ months.
Questions To Ask as You Declutter Your Wardrobe
If your taste and style are evolving like mine, you may find it helpful to revisit the three-word method to find your personal style. I’m in the process of redefining my words this year, so I’m being extra careful about what I donate.
For each item you pick up, ask yourself:
- Does it fit you properly at your current weight?
- Do you have 5 or 6 multiples of the same type of garment?
- Is it expressing who you are now at this stage of life and with your current style goals?
- Is it still in good shape, or does it need repairing or altering?
- Does the color and style flatter your current hair color and body shape?
- Do you feel fabulous wearing it, or does it spark joy per the Konmari method?
- Is it still in style, or has the trend passed so you’ll look dated if you wear it?
- Have you reached for it in the last year or so? Some people recommend getting rid of things you haven’t worn in six months, but I disagree. There are several categories of clothes we need in our wardrobes that are rarely worn but invaluable to have on hand, such as formal wear or what to wear to a funeral.
Closet Cleanout Tips and Mistakes
Take Your Time
Listen to your intuition, and don’t be too hasty. If youāre unsure about an item, remember that it can go into your not-sure box #4 above.
Don’t Be Overly Emotional
Is this theĀ scarfĀ your friend gave you, but you dislike how it looks on you, and never wear it? Is this the suit you wore when you got that fabulous promotion, but you’ve retired and now live a casual lifestyle?
Decluttering Essentials
Have a notepad nearby to jot down items you need to add to your wardrobe. If you discover that your favorite black pants are looking a little worse for wear, make a note to keep an eye out for a new pair. Be sure to replace them before you donate your old ones.
Cost Does Not Equal Value
This is a slippery slope. Just because you paid a lot for something doesnāt mean you should keep it. And if you got a smokinā hot deal on something that doesnāt look great on you, itās not serving you well either. If you did pay a lot for something, sell it at a consignment shop to recoup some of your original investment.
Relying Solely On Joy
A functionalĀ wardrobeĀ needs items that serve a purpose, and they donāt all have toĀ spark joyā¦sorry,Ā Marie Kondo. Wardrobes need functional basics that we may feel neutral about, but that are essential pieces for completing ourĀ outfits. That said, don’t keep anything you donāt like!
You Keep Too Many Duplicates.
My hand is raised on this one. Itās so easy to justify another great pair of blackĀ pantsĀ because I like and wear them so often. Keep a few of the best, and release the rest. Last year, I struggled to declutter my jeans collection. Surprise! I find myself in the same spot again this year, with multiple pairs in a donation bag!
You’re Overzealous
We often talk aboutĀ finding yourĀ personal styleĀ here on AWSL. Our style evolves as we learn and grow, so getting rid of large portions of yourĀ wardrobeĀ in one fell swoop can lead to remorse. Iād rather have three not-sure boxes than regretĀ donatingĀ a piece prematurely. Packing things up and removing them from your dailyĀ wardrobeĀ will help clear your mind so you can get a better idea of how you want to look going forward.
The one category I seldom declutter from my wardrobe is accessories. They take up very little space, and I often change my mind about them.
How To Organize Your Wardrobe
As you go through this process, begin to organize yourĀ wardrobeĀ in a user-friendly way. Some people like to organize by color, and others use categories. I find that categories make the most sense, and then I further refine them by color within each category.
Hang all your shirts on the rod, facing in the same direction. Group all jeans together and all pants together. The same goes for skirts, jackets, sweaters, and knit tops. You can further categorize them by color (light to dark) or formality level (casual to dressy). This helps you see what you have, identify duplicates, and spot the things you’re missing from your wardrobe essentials.
Note – I no longer separate my items by formality because life is too short not to wear the good stuff. It’s fun to wear a silk blouse; add jeans, sneakers, some amazing earrings, and a faux fur vest. I firmly believe we should not save our best pieces. We deserve to enjoy them every chance we can get.
Get a good lint remover and fabric shaver to keep your clothes in good shape moving forward. My favorite is this Gleener and this shaver.
Wardrobe Storage Tools
Velvet hangersĀ save a ton of room on yourĀ rodsĀ and virtually double yourĀ closet space. The flocked surface helps grip your tops so they don’t slip to the floor.
I like to hang my seasonal clothes,Ā sweaters, and woolens in these clear wardrobe storage bags so I can see what I have while they keep the moths at bay. You can also use under-the-bedĀ storageĀ bins, but I fear I would forget what I own!
Hardest clothing to declutter
Some categories feel easier toĀ declutterĀ than others. The pieces you struggle with most will likely be your favorite types of garments. For me…it’s jeans because I wear them most days. Try not to justify keeping too many duplicates because it’ll make it harder to get dressed each morning.
The goal isnāt a perfect closet. Itās one that works better. A little space goes a long way, and you donāt have to be ruthless to get there. When something gives you pause, set it aside and move on.
Whatās the category thatās hardest for you to declutter?
Totally agree with Beverly about Poshmark. I do sell some, but buy way too much. Jeans and J.Jill finds are my obsession. Thanks for the gentle reminders and great techniques for decluttering our closets!! Happy New Year!
Jennifer, great tips! When I retired as an educator in 2016 I disposed of twenty pairs of black pants, really!
After brunch with a friend today I am going into my closet and begin the purge!
Thanks Jennifer, love your blog!
You are humble and by the way your hair looks great.
Have a great lunch and happy closer clean out! I have much left to do in mine.
This is the perfect time of year to de-clutter! My closet is over-full of good t-shirts; the kind that form a base layer for outfits. I have too many that don’t fit well, but I keep them because they are just the right color to coordinate with a shirt or jacket. Or I find a bargain, but it doesn’t fit quite right. These will be my first de-clutter project. Your closet-cleaning ideas are really helpful, Jennifer!
Great post! I did the same thing over the week end, starting with jeans. I decided I do no need 34 pairs of jeans (yes I have an issue but in my defense I buy a lot on Poshmark). We have an amazing buy nothing group in my community so I was able to find homes for all of them. Moving forward, Iām promising myself to do better in the new year. Happy New Year to you!
I plan to be much more selective going forward
I use my old tee shirts, for pajama tops. I have knit bottoms for summer and flannel for winter. I have all hanging and divided by color. All blues together, etc. My off season clothes are in large bins. Only hanging clothes are in season. I had to give all of my beloved jeans away a few years ago when at the end of that summer I couldnāt get any of them to close at my ever enlarging waistline! My hips fit in a size 12, bust also or a Medium but I need about a 16 for my 35ā waist! So I am wearing knit put on pants and leggings with long tunics now. Much more comfortable in the winter.
I do the same thing with tees I no longer wear or like (use as pajama tops if comfy and breathable material). Before retirement I leaned to a boho style…fast forward almost ten I’m years, I’m considering going back to that boho style with some leggings (I just haven’t decided how to incorporate and look stylish).
Great tips. I have way too many pants. Skinnies, slim leg, flare leg, ankle length, full length, denim, colored denim. My weight can fluctuate 10-12 lbs. so I have many of these in 2 different sizes.
The struggle is real.
Iām up 8 pounds and not happy about it so understand completely.
Great post! I have also just completed a major purge of everything…tops, sweaters, jackets, pants, dresses, pajamas, work out gear…except…jeans! Didn’t even try them on! I think I have more work to do.
I went from 138 pounds to 141 pounds but it is the redistribution of weight around my middle that is giving me a fit! I was always slim! This is hard to accept. I am disabled and no longer able to walk for exercise so I am dealing with a thick middle. Ugh!
Ditto here. Where is the solution to this? Always skinny but am not now and cannot take those long walks. Ugh is right.
An expanding waistline is so common for older women and so frustrating.
Much needed post, thank you! I had no trouble getting rid of work clothes when I retired (from a hospital so the scrubs were easily donated) but pandemic weight gain, a more casual lifestyle and being unsure of my personal style has left my closet a mish mash of styles. Your post inspires me to start getting it together today!
Like many other responders, I have a thicker waist than I used to but hips arensame nothingness as always. I am learning to alter waistbands! Really. Often elastic waist woven pants have huge hips so donāt work, and knit pants that donāt cling are few and far between ( Eileen Fisher had some wide leg washable crepe that work). Iām also 4ā11ā so must have petite size.
For dress oants I take off the waistband and open up the darts in the pants. The I either add materiat to make the waistband bigger or shift it so thereās no overlap in the front. Lotsnof work but it works. Of course you can pay someone to do it for you. Here in CT itās very very expensive.
I am a pretty good at decluttering because I buy clothes all the time, but the one thing I haven’t gotten rid of is my work suits. I work from home 100% of the time now, and have for three years, but for some reason those suits are still hanging there. I occasionally will wear a skirt or jacket separately but never together.
I think a lot of people are in your same situation. Working from home requires a very different wardrobe.
The work suits are the most difficult challenge as I attack my closet this weekend. I like a few so much that I could possibly wear them to other occasions. I might have to make a 5th box called “Suits.” heehee
I’m all for decluttering my clothes closet. I don’t have a problem (ha!) with ridding myself of clothes but I get bogged down with where to put my clothes. For example: hang sweaters, t-shirts, scarves or put them in drawers? When I put things in drawers I tend to forget them but do the clothes wear longer/better in a drawer? Any suggestions for this Jennifer? BTW, I read a number of clothing blogs and yours is one of my favourites. Sound, reasonable advice at a price point that regular, everyday people can afford. I’m not going to Paris anytime soon so why do I need to dress like a Parisian to go to the grocery store or other errands! Thanks for the great advice and suggestions.
I often forget whatās in drawers so I hang everything but my pajamas, lingerie and workout clothes. Maybe I should hang my workout clothes š¤£
I kept the jackets but sent on the skirts and matching pants. I find that I wear the jackets often now with jeans or a basic pant. I love knitting and buying lightweight pullover sweaters. Tees not much.
I just ordered a new, updated closet organizer kit for my small closet. I am going to start today by removing everything and at that time, sorting out what to keep. I will donate but I really like your suggestion to have a box/bag for items youāre just not sure about. I will add a fresh coat of paint! My closet became a landing spot for much more than clothing. Why? Because it was just so easy to drop a small bag or surplus supplies.
This is such a timely post! My word for this new year is āmindfulness ā.
I havenāt chosen a word for this year yet! Must get on it.
I chose “muted” for as my word for this year. It’s the feeling I have now, not too flashy and bright but reserved and calming.
Nice!
I retired 2 years ago but have been unable to part with all my beautiful suits. I am making it a priority this year. Thanks for the inspiration.
Another reader will have a great resource for you!
Just an idea Cheryl, when you go through you suits, try them on as separates with your other clothes. Depending on your style, suit jacket(s) May look great with a pair of jeans.
I know office attire can be donated to organizations such as Dress for Success too. Just an idea, it is so easy to donate items and the next year find you need a nice jacket or dress pant.! Yes it happened to me!
We have an org called āClothes that workā which is a 501c3 org. It helps those who are coming off welfare or otherwise financially strapped to āshopā for appropriate attire for job interviews and/or positions that require professional dress. Clients are referred by their social worker, counselor, etc. so you know the right people are using the āstore.ā The volunteers who work there help clients choose the right outfit(s) for the type of job they are preparing for. Your suits would be a great addition! Maybe there is a similar org in your area. The bonus is a tax deduction, but for me it is helping people restart their lives.
What a great organization. Thanks for sharing it with us
I spend the week between Christmas and New Yearās doing the same. For me itās jeans also. Iām tall and lanky so Iām still wearing my skinny jeans. Iāve purchased a couple pair of bootcut, but returned the flares, theyāre just not āmeā and at 71 straight legs, unless fitted still feel like Mom jeans to me ,lol! Have adopted your motto, where what makes you feel comfortable. Happy New Year!
I have needed to de-clutter my closet but have kept putting it off. There is something about a New Year that makes me want to be better, to be more organized and your posts and especially the tips have inspired me to get started today! Surprisingly the things that I have the hardest time getting rid of is the old stretched out pj’s and the comfortable clothes that are just worn out that I usually wear around the house. I’m sure 5 pairs of pajamas are too much! Thanks for the help!! Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year,
Excellent, excellent post Jennifer, I always declutter once a year, but now I have a better plan of attack with your suggestions.
Enjoy the week.
Great articleā¦ It is very difficult to part with clothesā¦though I never give up trying. The world has become so relaxed we no longer need dress up clothes. I have also found inexpensive trendy items are easier to donate after the trend is over. Basic quality items make such a difference to dress up or go casual. And donāt forget comfortā¦ jeans that pinch must be ditched! LOL
Happy New Year Ladiesā¦.
I totally agree. Plus where we live matters. My new hometown is much more casual than my previous one.
Excellent post.
Last year we down sized to a smaller house, but I up sized my closet. My husband designed the house with a huge walk in closet for me. I love it, but have found since I have so much room I hang on to things I havenāt worn in years.
When we moved in I put the hangers all facing one way. As I wore something I reversed the hanger. I found the old saying that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time true for me.
You have inspired me to pass clothing on to someone who would wear and love things I donāt.
I look forward to your blog. You do a great job Jennifer. Thank you.
Iāll have to try that hanger trick. I think Iāll be inspired and enlightened.
I’ve used the hanger trick consistently for tops for a couple of years, resetting them all at the “start” of each season (usually after a major holiday). I force myself to wear each of my tops before returning to something I’ve already worn. It’s a struggle sometimes, so I have a much easier time saying goodbye to the pieces that never seem to spark joy! (Note: I work remotely full-time and don’t like repeating tops too often, making it easier to get through them.)
I love your blog – keep up the great work!
Happy New Year Laura!
I am recovering from a bad cold, so this is a home project I can accomplish while isolating. Thanks for the inspiration, Jennifer. Happy New Year!
What is it about January that compels decluttering? I find myself doing the same thing and really appreciate the tips (& tools) you recommend. Happy New Year!
Your tips to de-clutter are spot on. I utilized pretty much the same theory recently when moving. It was so freeing to remove clothing that was not being worn or had so gone out of fashion that it was shocking to find it still in my closet. Not only that, donating clothing in good shape was so satisfying knowing that someone in need would be able to utilize something of good quality, in good shape, for a small, affordable price. Am loving your blog!
I love donating my new with tags (I have most because of my job) to the battered womenās shelter. It feels so good to help in any way.
I have reread Marie Condo many times. But like you I knew emptying my closet was a failure waiting to happen. I roll the rail that lives next to my washer and dryer into my bedroom. Then just pull out by category and color. This process allows me to leave the rail should I get tired and want to continue the next day?
Brilliant Suzi