Hello, I’m Wren, and I’m passionate about helping people overcome challenges with clutter and creating order at home. In today’s society, with the ease of access to affordable retail, it’s all too common to accumulate items that don’t genuinely enhance our lives or reflect who we are. A calm, functional home contributes significantly to a peaceful and content mind. One of the most transformative spaces to focus on is the wardrobe. I hope you enjoy this guide on how to organise your wardrobe and streamline your clothing collection.
For me, tidying has always been therapeutic a relaxing escape. While some might opt for a massage, I find joy in clearing out a wardrobe! From a young age, I remember feeling inspired to refresh my bedroom decluttering, finding a place for everything, and colour-coordinating my clothes. The result was a sense of inspiration, energy, and security. My home remains my sanctuary today, and I believe everyone deserves a personal retreat.
When working on home organization, I often suggest starting with the wardrobe it’s one of the first and last places you see each day.
Opening your wardrobe reflects a part of your identity.
What you wear can influence your mood, boost confidence, and even shape how your day unfolds.
Your clothes and accessories have a powerful impact on how you feel and present yourself. It’s essential to have reliable outfits that not only make you look good but are also practical. Efficient storage solutions are vital so you can easily view what you own, alongside habits and routines that help maintain order.
Maximize Your Wardrobe Space with Smart Storage Solutions
When it comes to wardrobes, storage should be your starting point, not an afterthought. Unlike other spaces in the home, wardrobes have clear physical limits, making it easier to visualize what will work best. There are only so many storage solutions that truly complement a wardrobe’s structure, so choosing wisely is key.
Drawer dividers are essential for keeping smaller items like socks, underwear, and accessories organised and easy to access. For shoes, clear, stackable boxes are an excellent choice especially if placed at the bottom of the wardrobe, provided there’s room. Alternatively, consider shelves or cubby holes for a practical and tidy solution.
Seasonal clothing can quickly overwhelm your space, so storing ‘out of season’ items in enclosed boxes on top of the wardrobe or under the bed is a smart move just remember to label them clearly for quick identification.
Invest in skinny hangers, which save up to 30% of space while giving your wardrobe a streamlined, cohesive look.
Choosing the right storage isn’t just practical it’s also an opportunity to introduce beauty and tranquillity into your home. Natural materials are ideal for this purpose; for example, a beautiful oak bedside table can add warmth and calm to a space. Opting for untreated or minimally treated natural materials enhances your connection to your home’s environment through touch, sight, and even scent. While synthetic materials like plastic or chrome may be cheaper, they often lack the same sensory satisfaction and calming effect.
Take an objective look at all available wardrobe space drawers, shelves, and the surrounding area. Could you benefit from adding an extra hanging rail? Maybe additional shelves or wall hooks for bags and scarves? Are you using every bit of space efficiently? While a walk-in wardrobe is a dream for many, making the most of every inch you have is essential for most homes.
For longer garments like dresses or suits, consider using a long garment bag. Not only does this help maximize space, but it also keeps your clothes protected from dust, ensuring they stay fresh and ready to wear.
Choose Joy Through Decluttering
Decluttering isn’t about sacrifice or losing cherished items it’s about embracing what truly brings you joy. When tackling your wardrobe, every piece you keep should make you feel good and spark positivity. This holds true even if you’re not entirely happy with your body well-chosen clothes and accessories have the power to uplift your mood and boost confidence.
Set aside uninterrupted time for decluttering, but avoid trying to conquer everything in one go it can be mentally exhausting. Break the process into categories and complete one before moving on to the next. Start small perhaps with your underwear drawer, socks, jeans, or shoes. Categorizing allows you to compare similar items, making it easier to spot duplicates and decide what stays.
Prepare charity bags, bin bags, and an ‘action pile’ for items that need mending or cleaning. As you sort through your clothes, ask yourself:
- Does this make me feel good?
- Is it comfortable?
- Does it fit well?
- Does it reflect who I am?
- Will I realistically wear it?
- Do I have other items to pair it with?
- Does the color flatter my skin tone?
- Would I buy it again if I saw it today?
- Do I own something similar that I prefer?
Get Organised for Good
Once you’ve refined your wardrobe down to the essential items that you genuinely love and wear it’s time to get organised.
It’s a common belief that hanging clothes saves space, but even with slimline hangers, you’ll likely fit more into drawers than on a rail. However, avoid stacking folded clothes on top of each other, as this often leads to wrinkled, forgotten garments. Instead, try the Marie Kondo folding technique fold each item so it stands upright, making everything visible and easy to access.
If you have shelves or cubby holes, consider stacking jumpers or t-shirts, but don’t overload limit each stack to four or five items to maintain easy access and avoid clutter.
Focus on how to organise your wardrobe. Would separating clothes into categories like workwear, occasion outfits, and casual wear suit your lifestyle? For some, this system simplifies daily decision-making, though it’s not essential for everyone.
Color coding can also be effective, depending on your personality and how you choose outfits. Since many of us select clothing based on color, arranging your wardrobe from dark to light hues can streamline your routine and create a visually appealing space. A simple system starts with dark shades on the left, progressing towards lighter tones and whites, with patterned garments neatly placed in the middle. This method also helps you avoid purchasing unnecessary duplicates, especially those extra black tops!
Develop Habits and Routines for an Organised Wardrobe
For many of us, especially those with children, laundry becomes a daily ritual. Yet, one common stumbling block is putting away clean, dry clothes. It’s all too easy to let piles of laundry build up, waiting to be folded or hung. A simple yet effective rule is to ensure that one load of dry washing is put away before starting another. Ideally, integrate this step into the same task fold and store the clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer or off the washing line. While it might extend the chore from five minutes to ten, treating it as one complete task can make it feel far less burdensome. As for ironing? My best advice is to minimize it wherever possible.
Another helpful routine is selecting and laying out your outfit for the following day. This small habit reduces the number of decisions you need to make in the morning, freeing up valuable mental space for the day ahead. Consider using a hook or a clothes horse to prepare your outfit avoid using a chair, as it can quickly become a catch-all for clutter. Before heading to bed, ensure your bedroom is tidy, with everything back in its proper place. This small act can help set the stage for a restful night’s sleep.
I hope this guide has inspired you to approach your wardrobe with fresh motivation. It’s not about achieving perfection organisation allows for a little flexibility. Once you’ve streamlined your space, you’ll find that letting things slide for a day or two won’t feel overwhelming, as you can easily regain order.
Remember, decluttering isn’t about deprivation it’s about creating space for what truly brings you joy. When done mindfully, decluttering can leave you feeling as though you’ve gained more than you’ve lost.
If you need further assistance with organizing and streamlining your living space, feel free to reach out for expert advice and support.