How to Declutter your Closet

God, I have a lot of clothes. And I'm sure just like anyone else, it's rather difficult to determine what to get rid of. Whenever you spend money on something, it can feel wasteful to not use it; however, wearing something that makes you unhappy or keeping clutter is equally counterintuitive. Fashion is meant to be an artform for self-expression, thus your style will forever be changing as you do.

So here are my main methods, if not biblical guidelines, to getting rid of clothes:

1. Be willing to maintain the process. There's a drawer in my dresser that I call "the clothing graveyard', which is where I put any piece that I feel indifferent on. If I reach for something, it gets to go back to the closet and survive another day. But if a month passes and I don't retrieve it -- it must go! 

2. Don't keep anything that doesn't fit. If it's too big or small, take it to a tailor or finesse it via a sewing machine or hand-stitch. While it may be tempting, anything that fits poorly won't be reached for. Clothing is meant to fit your body, not the other way around. We are all constantly changing.

3. Clean out your closet at the start of every season. It may be time consuming, but it is beneficial to have an idea of what you have. Take stock of your belongings and consider where you have gaps. Mindless shopping results in a non-cohesive wardrobe due to not understanding what you truly need.

4. Don't buy anything that is cheap fabric or of low-quality stitching. This is more of a preventative measure because being mindful when shopping can minimize post-buyer's remorse. If something has a strap that looks like it can snap, it doesn't matter how cute it is, don't buy it. You won't like it in a week.

Overall, having a well-organized wardrobe requires awareness for both what's currently in your closet and what's coming into it. Donating or selling your clothes are fantastic ways of practicing sustainability as well as giving a new home to your items. To learn more on how to effectively sell on apps like Depop or Vinted, look at my other article for tips.