Moving house can be a very expensive and time consuming process, made even more so when you move items that you don’t need or use anymore.
This is why decluttering your home before you move is such a great idea and, with more than 80% of people having wardrobes full of clothes they don’t wear, it’s a great place to start!
There are many things to consider when decluttering your wardrobe. It’s not as easy as just getting rid of your clothes. Knowing why, helps with making good decisions even when you do decide to shop and update once you have moved.
Try these three simple steps to get you started:
Try it on
Take everything out and try it on, even if you haven’t worn it in a while. Do this while standing in front of a mirror so that you can see what it looks like on. Then think about how it makes you feel or why you don’t wear it. If it doesn’t fit or flatter your shape or suit your style then move it on. Don’t look back!
Does it give you joy?
Things to look for when making this decision relate to a feeling. Clothes instantly lift your mood when it looks and feels great. Thinking about how you feel when you try on an item of clothing is so important. It will determine if you keep it or not. When you try it on, pay close attention to how the colour makes you feel, or even the weight of the fabric. Some other great questions to consider are: Can you wear it with 3 other items in your wardrobe? Does it boost your confidence instantly? Can you alter it to fit better and is it worth the investment if you can?
Have you worn it?
When was the last time you wore it? If you haven’t worn it because it doesn’t fit, look good or go with anything else in your wardrobe, then it needs to go. Most of us hold onto things in our wardrobe, making it difficult to part with them. Common reasons for this can include:
- You spent too much money on it
- It was a gift
- You hope it will fit one day
- It has sentimental value
All these reasons are not good enough to keep it. Clothes don’t have feelings, it’s the meaning that we place on the clothes that form attachments. By clearing out that space you make room for better things and a new style. One that is more relative to your life now.
By decluttering your wardrobe before moving into your new home it will allow you to go in with a fresh start. Taking only what makes you feel good. Ready to really appreciate what you have and it means you move less out. It also helps you to really organise that space because you have less. Hang things and take them with the coat hangers ready to hang into your new wardrobe. Everything in drawers can stay in the drawers once you have organised them, meaning less to do when you move in.
Alternately, if it’s all too hard, then I’m here to help!
Toula Vogdanos is founder and head stylist at Style Identity. She offers styling and shopping sessions, including online sessions to anyone in Australia! She can be contacted on 0421 823 012.