Simple Steps to Declutter Your Wardrobe
I’ve spent the last few weeks going through my wardrobe with a fine-tooth comb, being more honest than usual about what I do and don’t want to wear again. The last year delivered more than a few outfit frustrations, and I’d like to avoid repeating them.
I don’t have a crystal-clear vision of how I want to dress in 2026, but I’m very clear about what I didn’t 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 isn’t just about creating space. It’s 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 you declutter, be sure you don’t just need to reorganize what you own. If your closet is messy, it’s hard to find the right pieces to put together a cohesive look.
I’m 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 that’s 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 it’s not leaving your house. The decision is temporary and allows you to revisit the pieces later, but they aren’t 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 you’re unsure about an item, remember that it can go into your not-sure box #4 above.
Don’t Be Overly Emotional
Is this the scarf 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 doesn’t mean you should keep it. And if you got a smokin’ hot deal on something that doesn’t look great on you, it’s 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 functional wardrobe needs items that serve a purpose, and they don’t all have to spark joy…sorry, Marie Kondo. Wardrobes need functional basics that we may feel neutral about, but that are essential pieces for completing our outfits. That said, don’t keep anything you don’t like!
You Keep Too Many Duplicates.
My hand is raised on this one. It’s so easy to justify another great pair of black pants 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 about finding your personal style here on AWSL. Our style evolves as we learn and grow, so getting rid of large portions of your wardrobe in one fell swoop can lead to remorse. I’d rather have three not-sure boxes than regret donating a piece prematurely. Packing things up and removing them from your daily wardrobe 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 your wardrobe 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 hangers save a ton of room on your rods and virtually double your closet space. The flocked surface helps grip your tops so they don’t slip to the floor.
I like to hang my seasonal clothes, 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-bed storage bins, but I fear I would forget what I own!
Hardest clothing to declutter
Some categories feel easier to declutter 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 isn’t a perfect closet. It’s one that works better. A little space goes a long way, and you don’t have to be ruthless to get there. When something gives you pause, set it aside and move on.
What’s the category that’s hardest for you to declutter?
Jennifer, what a great post! I love the idea of a “not sure” box. My issue is kind of unique. I have Lyme Disease and have been through many years of antibiotic and a type of chemo treatments. My abdomen is extremely swollen and my doctors and nutritionists call me their Unicorn. My swelling fluctuates and losing longed for weight has proven difficult. My point is I hang on to clothes hoping and determined to find “my answer”. I buy what I can wear for now. I’m quite organized but my closet crams up with whatever works for the swelling. It makes it difficult to streamline. I think a box of “not sure” will help weed things out for now. Thank you for the great ideas.
Happy New Year!
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that. Would loose, casual dresses be a good option for you? They would bypass your wasitline and might be more comfy too.
Thanks Jennifer. Dresses are a good option but difficult to find. I either look like I’m trying to be a teenager or I’m pregnant! A lovely dress is a treasure. Any suggestions are most welcomed!
I will keep my eye out for some.
Box #5 – Practical. These are the solid tees and blouses that I may rarely wear but when you need a certain color, it’s there!
All those pieces that don’t spark joy but take up so much “prime real esate” room now go into a box. Often enough, I buy a new piece of clothing and need a certain color shell and rather than start the hunt, I am likely to find something in that box that works!
Great post! So much good advice. Happy New Year!
Great idea Marian!
Obviously this topic was spot on for many of us! Regarding your mention of sentimental items such as gifts, take a photo of the item, it will be easier to donate and still remember the special moment and/or the giver.
One thing I have done is to develop categories of what I wear most and look best in, by style. For example, I am petite with narrow hips, and I know I look best in narrow pants so all but a half-dozen trouser-style or palazzo pants went out. I feel best in tops with collars: I am very fair skinned and in summer they provide more protection and always more comfortable in places that are overly air-conditioned. And as a fair skinned golfer, got rid of almost every sleeveless polo shirt as I always got burned across my shoulders. And I found I really don’t look good in boatneck sweaters/tops: out they went.
Happy New Year! Great post! I love decluttering! Not only closet but everywhere. Love the idea of the see through storage bags. Seasonal/Special occasion clothing can get dusty over time-ordering some of those . My hardest category is jackets – the third piece. Love, love jackets and blazers. Last year I had a good friend come over and take away some I wasn’t wearing and donated some. It’s really made me pause on buying any new after realizing how much I spent in the give aways! 😊
Happy New Year! I actually donated a few scarves this year which surprised me but they were very unflattering colors on me.
Two thoughts: When I purge and am unsure about whether I want to keep something, I hang it inside out and attach a ribbon to the hanger. Black= a fall fall/winter purge; pastel=spring/summer purge. Since all the kids have moved out, I have an extra closet that I use for out-of-season clothes. When I change closets, I leave the inside out clothes only putting them right side out if I’ve worn them. At the end of the season whatever has not been turned right side out gets donated! Secondly, we have a facebook group, formerly called Buy Nothing (city) which is a national group by city or neighborhood. People post #ask or #gift and others respond. I can’t tell you how many items – clothing and kitchen – I have given to people. I recently posted items in a kitchen purge and all were given away. The same w/sweaters I purged from unturned hangers this fall! I really love when others can use things I no longer want or need. Sorry this is such a long post!
That sounds like a great group. I do like knowing someone is enjoying what I’ve donated.
Love the inside out idea. I have done that with clothes that need a repair or hemming.
You are so on the mark. I am retired 3 years now and still have working clothes in my closet as well as Chico leather (real) leather jackets. I don’t wear because they don’t fit but can’t part with. So silly. I too have a Jean issue but I keep trying. I did notice once I take the article of clothing out of my closet I can better part with it. I sell on Poshmark and what does not sell I take to Goodwill. I’m 73 but your style and tips work great for me. Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!
Great Post!.
I need help with wardrobe tools. I like to hang pants and skirts by their waistlines, not their hemlines. I can’ t find hangers wide enough to do the job properly. 14 inches is the widest I have been able to find. Do you know where to find wider hangers? How do you hang skirts and pants?
I hang all my pants, skirts and jeans. I haven’t found wider ones so I just center them on the hanger and let a few inches extend past the clip.
To avoid giving away the critical “black, yet old” pant, I group my pants, skirts, jacket and jeans into mini capsules by color (use a plastic hanger to separate). Then line up the tees, blouses and sweaters by color. This way I know the core neutral color is complete (not large: skirt, pant or 2, topper or 2). And, I can quickly infuse color. Makes packing a breeze, too.
What a great idea! That would make packing so much easier.
Hello, like many women who have transitioned to a new chapter, I have closets (yes, I know!) Of clothes I haven’t worn for years, and many pounds ago. I finally tackled a closet about 4 years ago when one of my daughters started her first “professional” job in the financial services field. After many lectures, head-shaking and laughter we came across one of my very favorite and most expensive suits from 30 years ago. And she loved it! A classic black and white Glen pliad, fully lined, that I distinctly remember buying in Manhatten on one of my monthly business trips to NYC. The skirt was mid calf and a size 8 (sigh!) A little too small for my athletic daughter, but the jacket fit well and she loved it. She did make one adjustment which kind of makes me cringe- cut out the shoulder pads! – but, she looked great in it and still wears it. Often with good jeans , which I never would have thought of, but it makes me smile every time I see her wear it, or when she tells me that someone made a comment on it. Retro and vintage are stylish today! A great investment piece does stand the test of time!! I am still working on the other closets…anyone need any bridesmaid dresses? Love the blog, Jennifer! Happy New Year!
I absolutely love your story Maureen. Thank you for sharing it! I have multiple closets that have been getting edited too. The struggle is real. Now if I could just break down and donate that opera cape I made back in the 70’s 🤣
My dilemma…I value all decluttering advice but have found over the years that my color preferences run in cycles. The past two or three years have been burgundy/cassis/fig and blues/black but two or three years ago it was shades of greens, and the year before that, dark rose. I may find that in six months it is time for greens and rose again. Also, I have gone up and down 10 to 15 pounds for the last 10 or so years. As soon as I give something away based on size, I go back to that size. I have tried getting rid of things. I know I will not wear anymore, such as light pink, which phase has ended for me, permanently, I think. So I save colors so that when my preferences return to that palette, I do not need to start shopping again. It leads to a great many garments and I do try to get rid of duplicates, but I seem to always have more than I should. But I can shop my closet in each subsequent phase.
That is a dilemma but shopping your closet is the best so if you have space, it works for you.
My weakness is t-shirts. I have finally put my really old ones aside to eventually make into a quilt, but I still own a ton of shirts. I’m trying to move away from wearing them all the time by replacing them with comfortable, more stylish blouses but t-shirts are my go-to item.
Thanks for all you do!
A quilt sounds like a clever idea. You’re very creative!
I store my purses in cloth bins from TJX. I line up the large purses in standing position so I can grab them easily. I have been trying to use smaller purses more often and have a few in different colors stored in the front bin. The bins are on a shelf under the shelves where I keep my jewelry
That’s a great idea. I find purses hard to get rid of but did manage to donate a few last week.
This is a great article Jennifer. I clean out my closet at the start and end of each season so I don’t usually have that much to de-clutter, with the exception of evening clothes. It took me many years to finally donate some items that I knew I would never wear again but loved looking at.
My husband is a pack-rat and finally after 2 years of nudging (okay, maybe nagging) he finally tackled his closet and we have many bags to take to the textile recycling centre today. I swear that some of the sweaters he had were from the 80’s!
I can assure you my pack rat husband has many sweaters from the 80’s!🤣 He keeps everything, just in case.
Great post! I am constantly decluttering and evaluating my closet. When the mood hits I fill up a bag and take it to my local assistance league before I can change my mind.
I found Allyson Bournstein’s bok “Wear It Well” very helpful. Most of all she encourages you to dig deeper into the “unsure” pile. Does it need alterations? Do you lack something to wear it with?
Weight changes are the most challenging and what I’m facing now. I also used to love the flowy asymmetrical draped stuff but now it overwhelms. My current words are simple, sporty and modern. I work hybrid and the office is much more casual than the before times yet I still occasionally need a business oufit. I also realized a huge portion of my life is dog walking, working out and camping/hiking/outdoorsy stuff so it’s time to recognize that and incorporate some nicer looking items instead of ratty old ts and fleeces.
Happy 2024 all!
Happy 2024! Nice athleisure wear sounds like a smart move for you. I updated mine last year and I’m so glad I did.
I find that shoes are the hardest thing to part with. I am retired and have knee problems. I’ve tried selling the shoes at Poshmark and consignment stores but I’ve only succeeded with one pair. They are beautiful, expensive and in great condition, but they occupied a big portion of my closet. I would like to donate them to young girls that are trying to find a job and dress for success. I need to find such organization. Thank you Jennifer for all your great tips.
Dress for Success does help women get back on track in the workforce. They might be a good resource for you.
I have a lot of clothes! Organizing my closet by outfit works for me. I hang complimentary top and bottom next to each other. I will also place a necklace or scarf on the shirt/sweater hanger. After wearing the outfit once, each gets placed in separate hampers. I run out of pants first, so that load gets washed and matched with remaining tops in the closet. The necklace and scarf (once worn) will also get matched with unpaired tops. Once all of the tops have been worned, they will be washed and the cycle begins again.
If I recognize that the same top always remains unworn, it will be donated.
Great post, I think everyone should declutter their home at least once a year. Although I do it every time the season changes and I go through my clothes for the season. Well done so keep it up!
Thank you for the post. I’m very inspired to get busy. I struggle with multiple white T-shirts. I use them a lot to layer. The neckline as well as the hemline needs to vary depending on the outfit and jewelry, but labeling to locate when needed is my issue. I also struggle with having the right shoe for the jean type in brown and black. I don’t wear any very much, but want to be prepared. The shoes are out of style before worn out. Thanks!
My two pet peeves that makes items exit my closet: twisted leg seams on jeans and twisted sleeves on knit items. These items weren’t properly cut by the manufacturer but were not apparent at the time of purchase. This is a result of batch cutting in too many layers. The flaws show after laundering.
I agree. Those things make me hate an item too. They feel “off”!
Thanks for all of your advice to improve our beauty, especially for us who are more of a mature age! I love your fit of bootcut jeans. Can you share your source? As a petite, I find it hard to get the right jeans. I’m 5’2”, 113 pounds, but proportionately, my thighs are my heavy point. Some bootcuts are so snug from the thigh to the knee that I look knock-kneed. Thanks for sharing your styling skills!
Hi Barbara. I like NYDJ and Talbots bootcut jeans. It’s really a matter of trial and error to find your best fit.