The Magic of Minimalism: Expert Tips on Decluttering Your Wardrobe
Many of us are guilty of hoarding clothes in our closets – old hoodies from college, outdated pieces we think can be revived one day in the streetwear hype, and multiple variations of the same top. But having a wardrobe full of clothes doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something for any given occasion. Instead, we end up with a cramped closet and an overwhelming mess of items that can be difficult to navigate.
While there’s much to be said about being mindful of your purchases and avoiding impulse buys, there’s a lot of commitment involved in choosing which items you actually need and just reorganising the ones that are already in your closet. But modern problems require modern solutions and decluttering your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean a long, arduous process.
How Do You Start Decluttering Your Wardrobe?
Even though the exact nature of the job may vary depending on the size of your space, there are some universal truths about rearranging your wardrobe that can be applied to any given situation. Many of us face the same trials and tribulations when it comes to finding the right storage solutions and learning how to let go of a few beloved items.
Use Hangers as Smart Storage Solutions
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sifting through your shelves in search of your favourite t-shirt or the perfect pair of jeans, you know how disheartening it is to find something that’s been wrinkled beyond recognition. That’s not to say that you didn’t take the time to neatly fold and organise each item, but these pieces are often subject to gravity’s laws and slowly shift their position. When you have stacks of clothes, this issue is even more pronounced as each shuffle can cause them to topple down.
Despite the seemingly obvious solution, many of us still don’t opt for clothes hangers to keep our garments in place. Whether it’s the lack of space or the mere fact that some of us have the habit of just folding our clothes and putting them in piles, having a sturdy clothes hanger is a simple yet effective way to keep everything in order.
Even though the exact design will depend on the type of wardrobe you have, there are plenty of hanger sizes and styles that are equally suited for use in both narrow and wide spaces. You can also find specialised hangers with adjustable bars, which are especially useful for organising multiple items that have been folded in the same way.
In terms of materials, there are a handful of options to choose from. Depending on what works best for you, you can opt for a sturdy plastic clothes hanger to keep your favourite blazers in place or a wooden version for more delicate items such as knitwear. The former can be particularly useful for heavier pieces that are more difficult to hang, while the latter brings a certain rustic charm to the whole set-up.
Roll Clothes Instead of Folding
You might think this only applies to travel-related situations, but rolling your clothing is actually a great way to save space. Not only does it make the neatest possible arrangement as the items can be stacked on top of each other, but it also makes for a much easier task when it’s time to locate something in particular.
In addition, rolling garments such as jeans or sweaters also help to prevent wrinkles, which can be particularly helpful if you’re storing items for extended periods of time. If you want to go the extra mile in terms of organisation, you can even label the rolled pieces so that you don’t have to unroll them all in order to find what you’re looking for.
Store Shoes Vertically
Despite being a bit more challenging than the typical horizontal arrangement, storing shoes vertically can be a fantastic space-saving tool. Not only does it allow you to have a larger selection of shoes in your closet, but it can also be incredibly beneficial if you suffer from a lack of depth in your wardrobe.
This is especially true for high-heeled shoes as you can easily fit more pairs with this type of storage method. In addition, you can also choose to make the best of your vertically-stacked pieces by displaying them in an aesthetically pleasing way. A few well-placed boxes or shelves can certainly elevate your shoe game while still keeping everything neat and categorised.
Get Vacuum Seal Bags for Off-Season Clothes
There’s nothing quite as space-saving as a vacuum seal bag and this is especially true when it comes to seasonal items. They’re both incredibly practical and functional, with the added bonus of being easy to store away in any given area.
Whether you’re looking to keep your winter coats ready for the drop in temperature or store away your summer dresses until the warmer months hit, vacuum seal bags can help you keep these items in pristine condition and ready for use. Plus, they’re incredibly affordable and available in a variety of sizes, so you can be sure to find the perfect fit for any type of garment.
Leaning On Under-Bed Storage for Lesser-Used Items
Under-bed storage boxes are gaining a lot of popularity and with good reason. These pieces are incredibly handy when it comes to keeping clothes and accessories that you don’t use all the time but still wish to keep close at hand. Many of them have separate compartments, with distinct sections for storing different types of items.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution, however, it’s worth investing in a more permanent structure. You can find models with foldable lids or those that come with multiple drawers, which can be an incredible asset if you don’t have the luxury of a walk-in closet but still want a more structured storage solution.
