5 tips for giving your wardrobe a clear out for 2018

Seem like a daunting task? We’ve got some top tips to help you dive in…

Make an immediate decision
When you’re sorting through your clothes, make three piles – keep, sell and bin. For each item you pick out, make a decision in three seconds about which pile it goes in. If you love it, you’ll put it right in the ‘keep’ box; if it’s damaged, you’re bound to think ‘I should probably throw this away’. Make a quick decision and stick with it – don’t be afraid to be ruthless.

Don’t hang on to those ‘one day…’ purchases
We’re all familiar with it: the dress you bought in the sale that’s two sizes too small and hangs, unworn, at the back of your wardrobe, waiting for the day you lose weight to fit into it. Do yourself a favour and get rid of it – the space is better filled with a beautiful piece you can wear right now.

Host a clothes-swapping party
Decluttering doesn’t mean a bare wardrobe: it’s a way of ridding yourself of the things you don’t need so you can focus on the things you do. Clothes-swapping parties are a great way to fill in the new gaps in your wardrobe and try new styles, too. Ask a few friends to bring a bag of clothes, shoes and accessories, then spend the evening swapping your items. Everyone walks away with a new wardrobe – it’s a win-win situation.

Remember the 12-month rule
One simple question can really help when you’re decluttering your wardrobe. Have you worn it in the last 12 months? If not, throw it away – you’re not likely to wear it again.

Try a capsule wardrobe
If you’ve spring cleaned your wardrobe and it’s looking a bit bare, rather than buying tons of clothes to fill it back up, think about building up an efficient capsule wardrobe. Consisting of 15 or 20 key items, it’s a way of making sure you’ve got the basics so you can mix and match your outfits without overcrowding your closet. Key items include a good pair of jeans and a smart shirt, but take into consideration your own lifestyle, too – if you’re an office worker, you’ll want some formal trousers, while if you’re an outdoorsy type, you might need to invest in a good coat or a pair of walking socks.