In need of motivation

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Whether you're decluttering a wardrobe, a room or a cupboard, the process can offer immediate satisfaction and long-term rewards beyond just a more organised space.  When you pair that with the reduction of waste, the potential to earn extra money by selling unwanted items and the mental clarity and well-being that follows, the benefits become even more fulfilling.

Start with a Clear Goal

Before diving into your wardrobe, take a moment to think about what you want it to look like. Are you aiming for a capsule wardrobe, (more on capsule wardrobes below) or do you simply want more space and order? Visualising your end goal can motivate you to stay focused.  Before you start, take an image of the room or area you will be working on, seeing the progress you have made will help spur you on and give you the inspiration you need to move to the next room or cupboard that needs your attention.

WHERE TO BEGIN

Sort by Category

Rather than tackling your entire wardrobe at once, sort by clothing type. Remove all of one item and only return the items you want to keep.

Day 1: Dresses

Day 2: Trousers

Day 3: Shoes

This method allows you to focus on a smaller batch of items and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.

The "Going for it" Method

If you really want to make headway and have a couple of hours to spare, take everything out of your wardrobe and only return the items you truly want.  To prepare, it would be a good idea to invest in some hangers if needed.  Having uniform hangers makes the job so much more satisfying and aesthetically pleasing.   Below, you will see four important questions which should help you make your choice whether to keep or sell.  And be honest with yourself when answering these questions!

Consider These Key Questions:

Does it fit me well? 

If it doesn’t fit or flatter, it’s time to let it go.

Do I feel good in it? 

Keep the pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Have I worn it in the past year or so ? 

If it hasn’t been worn in the last 12-18 months, it’s probably not essential.

Would I buy it again today? 

If you wouldn’t buy the item if you saw it in a shop now, seriously consider letting it go.

Still unsure what to let go - Use the Hanger Trick

Turn all your hangers in one direction. After you wear an item and return it to your wardrobe, flip the hanger the opposite way. After a few months, you’ll see which clothes you haven’t touched. Those are great candidates for selling!

Try the 80/20 Rule

Most of us wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. Identify those pieces you wear on repeat and those that always get passed over. Ask yourself why you don’t reach for certain items—are they uncomfortable, outdated, or just not your style anymore?

Limit Sentimental Clothes

It’s okay to keep a few sentimental items (like a wedding dress) but try to limit these to just a few pieces. Ask yourself if the memory is attached to the item itself or if you can remember it without holding onto the clothing.  You can always take some images of your piece to add to the memory.

Create a "Capsule Wardrobe" Mindset

Even if you don’t go fully minimalist, think about organising your wardrobe like a capsule collection.  A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of essential clothing items that are versatile, timeless and comfortable that can be easily mixed and matched. It typically includes neutral colours like black, white, greys, caramel and ivory coupled with classic styles, with a focus on quality over quantity.  The goal is to minimize excess and maximize outfit options, making dressing simpler and more sustainable.  This mindset helps reduce the urge to hang on to “just in case” items, which generally turn out to be the offending pieces that create the clutter.

Sell Guilt-Free

If you have items that are new, still in great condition, that no longer suit you, or it turns out you really don't like the colour, then think of them as having a second life with someone who will love them and put the extra cash towards something that will serve you better. 

Seasonal Switch Out

When transitioning between seasons, go through your wardrobe and pack away off-season clothes. As you bring seasonal items back in, ask yourself if you’re excited to wear them again or if it’s time to say goodbye.

Incorporate the "One In, One Out" Rule

Going forward, try adopting the "one in, one out" rule. Every time you buy something new, let go of something old. This prevents a build up of pieces that you no longer need.

Try to Stay Consistent

Decluttering is an ongoing process. Every couple of months, revisit your wardrobe and re-evaluate your items. Keeping a consistent routine ensures you stay on top of things and it will only take around 20 minutes or so, over time you will become quite adept at spotting what needs to go and what you want to keep.  Set that reminder now!

By breaking it down step by step , you’ll soon have a wardrobe that feels fresh, functional, and filled with only the pieces that truly serve you.

Tackling Cupboards

The dreaded cupboard that you don't want to open.  "Out of sight out of mind" sound familiar!  We all have items stashed in cupboards throughout the house that may need  fixing or have been replaced by new items and we keep them "just in case".

Here is a list of common items found in most cupboards and tips on deciding what stays and what goes...

Dishes & Glassware: Plates, bowls, mugs, and glasses.

Cookware & Bakeware: Pots, pans, baking trays and casserole dishes.

Food Storage Containers: Various food containers, water bottles, jars and reusable bags.

Small Appliances: Toasters, blenders, juicers and mixers.

Spices & Condiments: Jars of spices, oils, and sauces.

Canned & Dry Goods: Canned foods, pasta, rice, and cereals.

Decorative Items: Special dish sets, vintage cups, or ornamental storage boxes.

Bathroom or Personal items: Hairdryers, shaver, hair straighteners and electric toothbrushes.

How to decide what to keep or let go

Usage Frequency: Ask yourself if you’ve used the item in the past year. If not, consider letting it go.

Condition & Functionality: Check if the item is in good condition. If it’s chipped, cracked, or malfunctioning, it might be time to discard or donate, provided it is safe to use.

Duplicates: If you have multiples of the same item and rarely use the extras, keep only one set.

Space & Organization: Consider your cupboard space. If an item is rarely needed or takes up too much room, it might be a good candidate for removal.

Sentimental Value vs. Practicality: While some items hold memories, weigh the sentimental value against how often you actually use them.

Expiry Dates: For food items, check expiration dates. Outdated or nearly expired products should be thrown out or used before the expiry date.

Selling Potential: Items in good condition that you rarely use or no longer need can be sold for a bit of extra cash.

So now it's time to sort those first few items and start listing Now.