I Adore Fashion Yet Dislike Clutter—Here Are 9 Wardrobe Decluttering Tips I Use to Remain Organized.

      Full transparency: I consider myself a bit of a self-designated expert in decluttering wardrobes. My qualifications? I recently moved from Sydney to London, which required me to pack all my belongings into as many checked and carry-on bags as permitted by the airline. In preparation for the big relocation, I dedicated an entire Saturday to indulging in my own version of a "Sex And The City: The Movie" day, trying on almost everything I owned to determine what to keep, store, sell, donate, or revitalize through tailoring, alterations, and deep cleaning. Contrary to my expectations, the process of decluttering my wardrobe was far from the glamorous image of Carrie Bradshaw strutting through her walk-in closet with a glass of champagne. It was dusty, sweaty, and chaotic work. However, with some effort and help from my mother and sister—who took pictures of items for resale—I successfully condensed 25 years of clothes into three large suitcases and a duffle bag.

      After spending eight hours sorting out my “loves” from my “leaves,” the relief of having a clean, organized, and clutter-free wardrobe was incredible. Letting go of clothes that no longer fit—both physically and metaphorically—was a liberating experience that I'm still trying to replicate. Thankfully, I haven't accumulated a pile that needs purification since then. Now that it’s spring cleaning season, consider this a prompt to refresh your space and lighten your life.

      "An organized wardrobe fosters a calmer mind," explains Amy Bannerman, eBay’s Pre-Loved Style Director. "Having piles of jeans that don't fit and items that no longer suit my lifestyle makes getting dressed feel overwhelming," she adds. "When you only maintain items you love, you'll discover combinations you hadn’t thought of before, making dressing actually enjoyable."

      After significantly decluttering my wardrobe, I was excitedly sharing with a colleague how I felt genuinely content with my closet's contents. Everything coordinated well together. There were no items reserved solely for special occasions; all my garments were versatile enough to be dressed up or down. I’m not a strict minimalist or constrained to a specific capsule wardrobe; I still enjoy shopping and frequently add new pieces to my collection.

      What decluttering my wardrobe taught me most was how to refine my sense of style and understand which silhouettes and styles I am most drawn to, ultimately leading to smarter investment choices. It also encouraged me to experiment more with my existing pieces and rekindle my affection for items I had forgotten, previously tucked away or crammed in a drawer.

      Starting the decluttering can be the hardest part. If you're uncertain about how to begin, I’ve laid out a simple, effective step-by-step guide with wardrobe decluttering tips that truly work. You won't find any fluff about what "sparks joy" or bizarre strategies like the “container method” or “10-10-10 rule.” Instead, these are practical tips you can count on to genuinely refresh and clear out your closet.

      **Benefits of Decluttering Your Wardrobe**

      There are numerous reasons to declutter your wardrobe beyond moving to a new home, city, or country. “Decluttering your wardrobe is key not just for maintaining tidiness and organization, but it's also significantly beneficial for our mental health,” says Laura Mountford. Known as @lauracleanaholic to her million followers on TikTok and Instagram, this author, podcaster, and cleaning content creator notes that decluttering can foster a greater sense of empowerment and control over your life.

      “Decluttering your wardrobe simplifies putting together outfits that boost your confidence,” she tells me. A more organized space can provide a calming effect. Personally, I tend to tidy when stressed but often feel daunted by such large tasks. Since we engage with our wardrobes daily, decluttering them creates a more inviting and streamlined environment. After all, getting dressed should be enjoyable!

      **Expert Decluttering Wardrobe Tips**

      1. **Set the Right Mood**: Begin by designating a free day on your calendar to tackle this task without interruptions. I suggest starting early in the morning, putting on your activewear, grabbing a coffee and pastry before facing years of wardrobe clutter. Open windows to improve ventilation and signal the shift you're about to undergo. Most importantly, have some background entertainment. Whether it's a long-awaited album, a podcast, or that popular show you need to catch up on, some enjoyable stimulation can turn the decluttering process into a more pleasant experience.

      2. **Invest in Quality Bags and Hangers**: Though it might not sound glamorous, purchasing durable bags and hangers is essential. You’ll likely need more storage solutions than you anticipate, so stock up on affordable laundry bags, recyclable bin bags, or sturdy boxes for transporting items to donation centers. Good hangers are vital for maintaining your organized space. I prefer hangers with built-in clips for my bottoms, and velvet hangers for my tops and