If the idea of opening up your wardrobe fills you with dread, it is probably because it’s more of a stuff cupboard than a state-of-the-art system. You see, the solution isn’t buying more storage – it’s generating a few simple spaces and following some rules that are difficult to mess up.
Photo by Amanda Vick on Unsplash
Clearing out and sorting your things
Step 1: Clear The Stuff (Don’t Overthink)
Empty all of it, and do an initial scurry around, placing items into four categories – Keep, donate, sell, or bin. Not sure? For a middle-of-the-road approach, box/bin all your “not sure” items, then put that in a trash bag for 30 days if you don’t go digging inside for things you need.
Setting up zones that work for you
Step 2: Set up 5 easy zones
Zones (all you need to keep organised!)
Dresser/closet for everyday wear, at eye level
Work/work out: grouped so you can get dressed fast
Casual/home: hoodies, joggers, comfy bits
Special/seasonal: back/side shelves or end of rack
Belts, scarves, bags, etc., all at one spot
Put your rail in the same place, half for you and half for your partner (coats can go in the middle).
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Simple rules to keep it tidy
Step 3: Three rules to clean it up
New jumper in, old jumper out.
There is nothing left on the floor: if it doesn’t have a place, then it can not stay.
Quick reset in 2 min: rehang any strays up into neat stacks and fold the messy shelf once a week, max!
Step 4: Keep it simple to clean up
The more convenient it is, the higher the likelihood you will use it and stick to it and be less apprehensive about opening that door!
Summary
This article gives a practical guide to organising a wardrobe you dread opening. It recommends clearing everything out first, sorting into keep, donate, sell or bin categories, with a 30-day box for anything you’re unsure about. It then covers setting up five simple zones, from everyday wear to seasonal items, and following rules such as one item in, one out, and a quick weekly reset.
Questions this article raises
- How do you decide what goes in the 30-day ‘not sure’ box versus donating straight away?
- What’s the best way to divide wardrobe space fairly between two partners sharing one rail?
- How often should the five zones be reorganised as the seasons change?
