Do you often find yourself with closets full of clothes but nothing to wear? Are you constantly making impulse purchases, only to have them pile up in a corner, never to see the light of day again? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with the habit of clothes hoarding, but there is a simple solution that can help you break free.
After months, or even years, of keeping clothing items that no longer serve a purpose in your wardrobe, it’s time for a change. My mom’s easy 4-step decluttering technique helped me finally clear out my closets and get over my clothes hoarding habit.
“Just because something is making space in your closet, it doesn’t mean you have room in your life for it.”
This simple, yet effective technique is based on four steps: keep, remove, donate, and sell. The first step is to go through your clothing items one by one and ask yourself if you have worn it in the past year. If the answer is no, then it’s time to let go.
Next, remove the clothing items from your closet and sort them into two piles – donate and sell. It can be helpful to use a hanger frame to make this process easier. Clothing items that are still in good condition can be donated to charities or individuals in need, while items that are in excellent condition can be sold to make some extra cash.
Once you have cleared out your closet, it’s time to tackle the items that have been piling up in other areas of your home. This includes your dresser, storage bins, and even your inbox. Use the same four-step process to declutter these areas as well.
The benefits of decluttering your clothing are numerous. Not only will you have more space in your home, but you will also find that you have more time and mental clarity. When your living space is clear and organized, it is much easier to keep it clean.
Spring cleaning is often associated with clearing out the old and making room for the new. By following this decluttering technique, you’ll be able to do just that. You’ll have a fresh start for the new seasons ahead, and you’ll be able to enjoy a clutter-free home.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. Remember my mom’s advice, “Even if you only declutter a little each day, it will eventually add up to a big difference.”
So why not give it a try? Put on some music, set aside a few hours, and start decluttering. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and happier you feel once you let go of all those unworn pieces of clothing.
And if you’re looking for more advice on decluttering and organizing your home, be sure to check out our website. We have tips and tricks to help you create a space that is not only beautiful, but also functional.
1 ‘Only do it when you’re in the right mood’
One of the key tips my mom shared with me when it comes to decluttering clothing is to only do it when you’re in the right mood. This piece of advice may seem simple, but it has helped me tremendously in making the decluttering process much more effective.
If you’re not in the right mood to declutter, you may find yourself keeping items that you don’t need or even adding more to your already cluttered closets. It’s important to approach the task with a clear mindset and the determination to let go of unnecessary clothing pieces.
When you’re in the right mood, take the time to go through each clothing item and ask yourself if it still serves a purpose in your life. This means considering whether you have worn it in the past year, if it fits well, and if it matches your current style and preferences. If the answer is no to any of these questions, it’s time to let go.
One strategy that has helped me is to create different piles for each season. As you go through your clothing, directly sort them into piles for spring, summer, fall, and winter. This way, you can easily identify which pieces you haven’t worn in a while and which ones are essential for each season.
Pro tip: Decluttering doesn’t have to be a daunting task that you tackle all at once. If you only have a few minutes, focus on decluttering one specific area, such as your sock drawer or accessory collection. This will make the task more manageable and easier to accomplish even when you’re not in the mood for a full-blown decluttering session.
2 ‘Sort your clothes into seasons then take a deep dive’
One simple but effective technique my mom taught me for decluttering clothes is to sort them into seasons. This has been a game-changer for me, as it helps me stay organized and ensures that I only keep what I actually need and wear.
Every few months, usually during spring and fall, I take all of my clothes off the hangers and create four separate piles: spring/summer, fall/winter, uncertain, and donate.
I start with the spring/summer pile, which includes lighter and more breathable clothing items. As I go through each piece, I ask myself a few key questions: “Have I worn this in the past year?”, “Does it still fit me well and flatter my body?”, and “Does it match my current personal style and mood?”. If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it goes into the donate pile.
Once I finish sorting through the spring/summer items, I move on to the fall/winter pile. This includes warmer clothing like sweaters and coats. Again, I ask myself the same questions and make decisions accordingly.
The uncertain pile is for items that I’m not sure about. These are pieces that I haven’t worn recently or haven’t had much occasion to wear, but I still feel hesitant about letting go of. Sometimes, I put them aside for a few weeks and try to challenge myself to wear them. If I find that I still don’t reach for them, then it’s a sign that they can be donated.
The final pile is the donate pile. These are items that no longer serve me and can be given away to someone who will use and appreciate them. It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m not only clearing out space in my closets, but also helping others in need.
By sorting my clothes into seasons and taking a deep dive into each item, I’ve been able to break my clothes hoarding habit. This technique has helped me create a clear and organized wardrobe, filled with pieces that I truly love and wear.
3 Try your clothes on to ensure they fit and make you feel good
Another key step in the decluttering process is to try on your clothes and evaluate if they fit you well and make you feel good. This step is crucial because it helps you determine which items in your wardrobe are worth keeping and which ones you should let go.
When going through your closet, take the time to try on each piece of clothing. This will give you the opportunity to see how they look on you, if they still fit properly, and if they make you feel confident and comfortable. If something no longer fits or doesn’t make you feel good when you wear it, it’s time to let it go.
It’s important to keep in mind that our bodies can change over time, which means that some items may no longer fit as well as they once did. By trying on your clothes regularly, you’ll be able to keep track of any changes and make the necessary adjustments to your wardrobe.
Another benefit of trying on your clothes is that it can help you assess your current style and mood. As fashion trends change and our personal style evolves, certain pieces may no longer align with our current preferences. By trying on your clothes, you can determine if they still match your current style and if they represent the mood you want to convey.
To make this process easier, consider organizing your try-on sessions by seasons. For example, you can set aside a specific time every year to try on your spring and summer clothes, and another time for your fall and winter items. By doing this, you’ll be able to assess your wardrobe more effectively and make informed decisions about which pieces to keep and which ones to let go.
A helpful tip is to have a full-length mirror nearby when trying on your clothes. This will allow you to see how the garments fit on your entire body and make it easier to evaluate their overall appearance.
Remember, the goal of decluttering is to create a clear and organized space, not just to get rid of items. By trying on your clothes and only keeping the ones that fit and make you feel good, you’ll be able to create a wardrobe that truly reflects your style and boosts your confidence.
4 ‘Use the reverse coat hanger trick’
Another helpful tip to declutter your clothing is to use the reverse coat hanger trick. This simple technique can prove to be a useful tool in your decluttering process, helping you make decisions about the pieces you actually wear and the ones that just take up space in your closet.
Here’s how you can use the reverse coat hanger trick:
- Start by turning all your hangers in your closet the opposite way, with the open end of the hanger facing towards you. This means that instead of hanging the clothes with the hanger opening facing away from you, you’ll hang them in the opposite direction.
- Once you wear an item of clothing, when you hang it back up in your closet, make sure to hang it the usual way, with the hanger opening facing away from you.
- After a few months or a year, take a look at your closet. You’ll notice that the items of clothing that you haven’t worn in that period of time are still hanging on the reverse hangers.
- By using this technique, you can easily identify the clothing items that you haven’t worn, and you can make a clear decision about whether to keep them or not.
This trick has helped many people declutter their closets and get rid of clothing they no longer need or wear. It provides a visual representation of the pieces that are often neglected or forgotten, making it easier to let go of them.
By following this advice, you’ll be able to keep your clothing collection in check and avoid hoarding unnecessary items. The reverse coat hanger trick is a simple yet effective way to declutter your wardrobe and create a more organized and streamlined clothing collection.
So, if you find yourself struggling with a clothes hoarding habit, give the reverse coat hanger trick a try and see how it can help you finally declutter your closets.
The moral of this story
The simple four-step decluttering technique that I tried based on my mom’s advice has been a game-changer for me. It has helped me overcome my clothes hoarding habit and clear out my closets effectively. This method not only made the process of decluttering easier but also ensured that I can maintain a clutter-free home in the long run.
The first step of this technique is to make a frame of time, which means setting aside a specific period for decluttering. I found that choosing a spring cleaning period worked well for me, as it aligned with my yearly cleaning ritual. By dedicating this time every year to decluttering, I ensure that my clothing items are regularly assessed and organized.
The second step involves going through each piece of clothing and asking myself if I have worn it in the past year. If the answer is no, then it’s time to let go. This policy helped me let go of items that I kept just in case I might wear them someday. It was liberating to realize that keeping clothing items that I never wore only added to the clutter in my closet.
The third step is to keep only the clothing items that you love and wear often. This step requires you to be honest with yourself about your style preferences and the pieces that make you feel good. By keeping only the items you love, you prevent the accumulation of unnecessary clothing and ensure that your closet reflects your personal style.
The final step is a direct result of the previous steps: keeping your closet organized using a simple system. This can be as easy as organizing clothing by seasons or using hangers to separate different categories. The key is to find a system that works for you. Having an organized closet not only makes it easier to find what you need but also sets a positive mood when getting dressed in the morning.
After implementing this four-step technique, I have seen a significant transformation in my clothing habits. I no longer hoard clothes, and I am more mindful of the items I bring into my home. This process has even extended to other areas of my life, such as my inbox and digital files. The advice to declutter and keep only what you need and love has become a guiding principle in my life.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by clutter, I highly recommend trying this technique. It may take some time and effort, but the results are worth it. By following these simple steps, you’ll not only clear out the physical clutter but also create a sense of clarity and peace in your surroundings. So go ahead, start decluttering, and enjoy the benefits of a simplified and organized life.
How often should I declutter clothes
Decluttering your clothes is an important step in maintaining a clean and organized home. But how often should you declutter your clothing items? This depends on a few factors, including how much clothing you have, your personal style, and your lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you determine how often you should declutter your clothes:
Assess your closet
Take a look at your closets and see how much clothing you have. If you find that you have too many items, it may be time to declutter. One of the best ways to do this is by using the 4-step decluttering technique mentioned in the article. This simple method helps you clear out your clothing and keep only what you love and wear.
Consider the seasons
Seasonal changes can be a good time to declutter your clothes. When spring arrives, for example, you can go through your winter wardrobe and remove any items you didn’t wear. Do the same when transitioning from summer to fall or any other season. This way, you can ensure that you only have the clothes you need for the current season, making it easier to find what you want to wear.
Ask yourself some questions
When deciding whether to keep or declutter a clothing item, ask yourself some questions. How often do you wear it? Does it still fit you well? Does it match your current style? If the answer is no to any of these questions, it may be time to let go of that piece.
Set a decluttering schedule
Creating a decluttering schedule can help you keep your clothing items in check. For example, you can designate a day or weekend every six months to go through your clothes and declutter. You can also choose to declutter every season or even every year, depending on your needs and preferences.
Keep a clear mindset
Decluttering can be a liberating process, but it can also be challenging. It’s important to keep a clear mindset and remind yourself of the benefits of decluttering. By letting go of clothing items that no longer serve you, you create more space, reduce clutter, and make it easier to find and wear the pieces you love.
In conclusion, the frequency of decluttering your clothes depends on various factors, including the amount of clothing you have, your personal style, and your lifestyle. By following a decluttering schedule, asking yourself the right questions, and keeping a clear mindset, you can maintain a well-organized wardrobe and a clutter-free home.