In the midst of the modern lifestyle, it’s easy to accumulate a vast array of clothing and accessories we rarely use. From time to time, a wardrobe cleanse is necessary! 

A wardrobe cleanse offers a plethora of benefits than just tidying up. It can positively impact your physical and mental well-being by reducing clutter, improving your personal style by discovering what you love, and even your sustainability effort! Let’s delve into some tips and tricks on how best to navigate a wardrobe cleanse. 

1. Allocate your time

A wardrobe cleanse can take a while. It’s best to allocate a day on your wardrobe, or work in sections across several days! This can depend on the size of your wardrobe or if you also want to cleanse any accessories, either way, anticipate how long it will take. 

2. Cleanse in sections

You’ll want to cleanse in sections where possible e.g. jackets, tops, jeans, skirts, etc. This will make it a lot easier for you to go back and reorganise your wardrobe space.  

3. Use decision piles

As you go through your wardrobe, pile your clothes into different “decisions”. We recommend; a ‘Yes’ pile for all the clothes you will wear again and enjoy adding to your consistent style; a ‘No’ pile for anything you want to get rid of/won’t wear again; and a ‘Repurpose’ pile for anything you love that is damaged or could be altered to fit back into your wardrobe. 

4. Consider sustainability

Your ‘No’ Pile might not get its time to shine in your wardrobe but it might for someone else's! Grab a big, durable bag that you don’t mind giving away, and start sifting through your ‘No’ pile for things that can be donated. Ensure that these items are still in good condition and can be worn again by someone else. If you’ve got some pieces that have some faults, it’s best to look up businesses that can recycle fabrics. That way, everything will still have a new home, one way or another! 

5. Month Rule

The 6 Month Rule for a wardrobe cleanse is as simple as it sounds! If you haven’t worn an item in the last 6 months OR you can’t see yourself wearing it in the next 6 months, it’s time to say goodbye. Often we hold onto clothes because we plan to wear them in the future, but it’s important to consider whether you’ll really wear them or if they’re just causing clutter. 

It’s important to make space for new adventures and to refresh and open your mind to new possibilities. So, as you fold and bid adieu to each garment, remember, that these goodbyes don’t have to be sad, they are merely a chance to transform your wardrobe and yourself into a more curated and true version.