A step-by-step guide on how to successfully declutter your wardrobe.

What you need:

There’s that age-old saying that ‘being unprepared sets you up for failure’ and I especially stand by that phrase when having a wardrobe declutter. So, to take part in this task, you will need:

• One or two bin bags
• A full-length mirror
• Your phone to take photos
• Some feel-good music
• Snacks
• Most importantly – some stamina!

All done? OK, brilliant. Now turn on that music of yours, chuck on your favourite underwear that makes you feel sexy but also, works with most outfits, and then we can begin.

Firstly, tip your wardrobe out onto your bed

Yep, I really want you to take every single item of your wardrobe, drawers and chair-drobe if you have one, and make a large pile onto your bed. Make sure that everywhere that you currently store clothes is clear. I’ll be honest – this a lengthy (but rewarding) process which may take up a full afternoon, so it’s best to do it properly the first time.

Next, assess every item

Now, I want you to pick up every single item – one at a time – and assess how you feel about it.  Your decision will decide its fate. And luckily for you, I’ve had enough wardrobe clear-outs in my time to know that there are seven possible fates for each item of clothing – all of which I have listed below.

Now, when you decide the clothing items fate, place it into a pile. Each ‘fate’ should have its own pile.

Pieces that you’re unsure about:

Now, every person owns items of clothing that leave them on the fence. However, whenever you stumble across one of these items, I suggest that you try it on and see how it fits. Now, look at yourself in the mirror. How does it make you feel? Can you make at least three outfits out of this item? (This is my general clothing rule.) This should make your decision easier but if it still doesn’t, then there are the following undecided piles:

The ‘Out of Sight, Possibly Out of Mind’ Pile

Still not sure about a particular item? Another way to see how you really feel about a clothing item is to keep it out of your wardrobe, maybe under a bed or in a drawer. If you think of the piece when you’re choosing an outfit – you’ll go and retrieve it, but if you don’t – it confirms that it’s time to get rid by donating it to charity or selling it on. Give yourself a month to see if you miss it.

The ‘Needs Altered or Fixed’ Pile

We all have items like this in our wardrobe – the jeans that need to be hemmed, a skirt with a zip that needs to be fixed or a dress that needs the hemline shortened. Now, these are good ‘potentials’ – they’re pieces that we know we will love once they have been altered to fit us perfectly. So, once you’ve finished this wardrobe declutter, please find some time looking for a good local tailor. And if you haven’t after a month, chances are that you’re not going to so consider donating these pieces to charity or selling them on eBay.