Have you ever noticed how rare it is to come across a photo of a closet bursting at the seams with clothes? It's almost unheard of! Most of the time, we see pictures of well-organized closets where clothes hang neatly, leaving room for fresh air and positive vibes. While this organized and minimalist approach appeals to many, not everyone takes the time to figure out how to downsize and declutter a wardrobe.
Instead, our closets end up crammed with shirts, pants, shoes, belts, and jackets. We reach a point where there's no space left on hangers or shelves, prompting us to invest in storage solutions just to accommodate even more clothes. Before we know it, our once-tidy closets become a chaotic jumble.
But let's be honest—we're all secretly drawn to the idea of a simplified, minimalist closet.
With this closet declutter checklist, you won't ever say again: "I don't have anything to wear!"
Benefits of Decluttering Your Closet
The benefits go beyond just aesthetic appeal. A minimalist closet saves time in the morning (and sometimes in the evening). It eases stress and frustration, not to mention the savings it brings to your wallet. There's a unique joy in opening your closet and genuinely loving everything you see. So why not embrace the simplicity and reap the rewards of downsizing a wardrobe?
See everything in your closet.
One of the things to love about decluttering a closet is the newfound ability to see and access all clothes easily. No more digging through a jumble of clothes packed in like sardines.
Being able to lay eyes on everything in your closet helps you figure out what you don't usually wear and part ways with those items in a snap. It's like a breath of fresh air for your wardrobe.
Get dressed quickly.
Believe it or not. It's not a myth! Getting dressed can be a breeze with fewer clothes compared to navigating a massive closet filled with endless options. Ever wonder why Steve Jobs, the former Apple CEO, rocked the same outfit every day? Well, it's all about saving time and dodging decision fatigue.
We're not suggesting you go full Jobs with the black top and jeans routine, but embracing an outfit formula can make your life easier when you have a minimalist wardrobe.
With fewer items, you get to know your outfits like the back of your hand – which tops pair perfectly with those bottoms, which dress matches those shoes, and which jewelry or accessories complete the look flawlessly. Say goodbye to those double-take moments when you're getting dressed.
Maintain a small closet.
Revamping your wardrobe isn't an instant fix – it takes some time and energy to pull off. However, once you've invested that effort, you'll find yourself naturally rethinking new purchases.
After decluttering, your approach to adding new pieces becomes more discerning. Your closet, now a curated masterpiece, becomes a no-whim-shopping zone. You'll be more than willing to take those extra steps to keep your space clutter-free in the long run.
Avoid the guilty feeling.
Never underestimate the impact your closet has on kickstarting your day. The moment you swing open those closet doors is one of the first things you do in the morning. How that experience makes you feel sets the tone for your mood and the beginning of your day.
If your closet greets you with jeans that feel too snug, a top that doesn't quite flatter, or that floral dress you splurged on but wore only once – it's not fair to you. Clothes that don't fit, no longer match your style or still have those tags hanging around just add a layer of guilt.
We all go through body and style changes, and, let's face it, we've all made a few shopping blunders along the way. It's all part of the journey. Taking the step to bid farewell to clothes that trigger guilt is the first move to changing the whole vibe in your closet.
Develop your personal style.
Embarking on your wardrobe decluttering journey is like discovering the unique details that make up your personal style.
As you bid farewell to items, you'll likely start noticing a recurring theme in the pieces you choose to keep. Whether it's florals, neutrals, a pop of color, a preppy or edgy vibe, or a minimalist approach – a pattern will emerge.
While many rave about the simplicity of neutral tones in minimal or capsule wardrobes, remember that there's no rule saying a smaller wardrobe must stick to neutral colors. You can totally rock a boho look with vibrant hues or keep it simple with neon colors in a streamlined wardrobe.
Maybe you're into headscarves, funky totes, killer heels, and statement earrings, or you've mastered a specific makeup style. All these little details add up to create a unique signature style that's undeniably you.
Here's the real gem: Fashion trends may come and go, but your style? It's timeless. So, take that time to explore and embrace what truly resonates with you. Your style is your personal masterpiece.
Save money.
Think of a solid closet purge as the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. Once you've truly fallen in love with your wardrobe, you'll notice the perks in your wallet and schedule. Your newfound wisdom in managing your closet means you'll save both money and time. Say goodbye to unnecessary purchases that don't bring you joy or fulfill a real need. Those impulse buys? A thing of the past.
No more cramming your closet with items just because they're on sale. Instead, you'll become a pro at shopping with a clear list in mind. It's like having a superpower for smart and mindful shopping.
How To Downsize Your Wardrobe
If you're eager to declutter and downsize your wardrobe and dive into the world of a more minimalist closet, here are some of our how-to-declutter-your-wardrobe tips.
Begin easy.
Let's kick off by saying goodbye to those stained, ripped, or faded clothes that are beyond recognition. Even if they're not in wearable condition for you, they might still find a new home through donation.
Segregate and put seasonal clothing items in another space.
Start by clearing out those off-season clothes from your closet to make some much-needed space. If you didn't give an item any love last year, it's time to bid it farewell. After that, stash the keepers in a separate closet where they won't be getting in your way, causing unnecessary closet chaos.
Say goodbye to clothes that don't fit anymore.
If you find yourself bouncing between sizes, it totally makes sense to hang onto clothes from both ranges. However, if it's been a while since you gave your closet a good clean-out, chances are there are a bunch of ill-fitting items that can be bid a fond farewell.
Whether your size changed, that shirt did a little dance in the laundry, or it never quite fit perfectly from the start – those misfits are doing a number on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Pass them on to someone who'll rock them with joy.
Exert the conscious effort to curb the need to buy more.
If you're keeping something around in the hope of stumbling upon the "perfect accessory," it might be time to set it free. The Diderot effect, where one purchase leads to another and another, is often the reason our closets start to resemble clothing galaxies.
Moving forward, focus on finding pieces that complement the accessories you already love. Remember, if you're continually adding to your closet, it's a bit like a never-ending loop – not great for your wardrobe or your wallet.
Embrace the idea of having the "one".
Why have a dozen when one can be plenty? Dive into the joy of simplicity!
Instead of hoarding a whole collection, consider owning just your absolute favorite black dress, the perfect belt, that go-to handbag, or a cherished jacket (you get the drift). Imagine a closet filled only with things that bring you joy and get regular use – that's the kind of closet you'll adore using every single day.
Review your trend purchases.
Let's spill a little tea on the fashion industry: it thrives on one simple idea—ever-changing trends. They can't survive if everyone only buys what they genuinely need. So what's their secret sauce? They cook up this illusion of necessity by shouting about new trends and colors every season. But hey, you don't have to dance to their tune. Discover your timeless favorites and start strutting to the beat of your fashionable drum.
Hold and handle every item.
Ready to make some serious strides in simplifying your closet?
Here's a friendly tip: take everything out of your closet, and back in put back only the pieces that truly make your heart sing. If the thought of tackling it all at once feels like a mountain to climb, break it down into bite-sized chunks (maybe shoes today, shirts tomorrow). However you choose to conquer this closet mission, the key is to get hands-on with each item. That physical touch is like a decision-making magic wand.
Pick a number.
Pick out 10 items from your closet. It's like a little closet treasure hunt. Toss them into a bag, and voilà, you've got a donation ready to roll. You might be surprised that once you start finding 15 or even 20 items to part with could be a breeze – all without breaking a sweat.
Have more with less.
Ready for a little wardrobe experiment? Give it a go by stashing half of your clothes in a different room for a couple of weeks. You'll be amazed at how much smoother life gets with a streamlined closet. It's like a shortcut to stress-free mornings!
Fun fact: Most of us rock about only 20% of our clothes a whopping 80% of the time. Testing out a minimized wardrobe might just be the key to unlocking a closetful of happiness you never knew you had.
Baleaf Helps in Streamlining and Downsizing Your Wardrobe
At the core of everything we do at Baleaf is a commitment to sustainability, and we firmly believe that a handful of versatile pieces can be way more satisfying than a closet bursting at the seams.
That's why our All Women's and All Men's collections are about crafting clothing that effortlessly transitions throughout your day. We're talking about high-quality fabrics that make you look good and leave you feeling fantastic inside and out.
Remember, what you wear isn't just a reflection of how you feel. It has the power to impact how you feel. Stick to pieces that make your confidence and beauty shine.