My Minimalist Wardrobe Confession…and a Decluttering Trick
As part of my reflection of the year just gone, I was thinking about my wardrobe. Or more precisely, the number of items in it. I carried out a wardrobe audit back in August and declared my minimalist wardrobe goal was to reduce the number of items to 100. I realise that 100 items is not particularly minimalist, but I personally feel a lot of resistance to reducing my wardrobe, so this is the first goal. Never fear – the minimalising process will continue once I reach this!
I thought it might be interesting to show you what clothes I bought last year, so that you could see my progress. How proud of me you’ll be, I thought! You’ll see how committed I’ve been. I’ve hardly bought anything…
…There were those exercise leggings and tracksuit bottoms earlier in the year. And the two sports bras (yes, that was a mistake. One is still virtually unworn!)
…There was the top I bought on impulse back in June. Bizarre, because I’m not really an impulse shopper. It wasn’t even a top I fell in love with – I’m not a falling-in-love-with-clothes kinda girl!
…Then I remembered the jeans and jumper I bought new when I was back in the UK. The jeans I needed – my old ones were shredded and extremely drafty! But did I really need that jumper?
…What about the second-hand T-shirt and top I purchased from eBay? The T-shirt was an exact swap for my current one which is almost totally out of shape. The top is a style and colour I’d been after for a while.
…Of course, there was the dress for the wedding.
…The top for cycling.
…The summer hat: the Australian sun is pretty harsh and I need to stop getting sunburnt shoulders (and I hate the chemicals in suncream).
…Plus those new shoes I purchased for work (incidentally, also worn to the wedding).
Suddenly I don’t feel like you’re going to be proud of me at all.
(I could argue that it’s far less than the national average, but that’s not the point really, is it?! It’s far more than an aspiring minimalist who wants to decrease her wardrobe and has committed to purchasing nothing new should be buying!)
So here it is – my Wardrobe Wall of Shame:
New things 2014. Whatever my justifications and excuses are, it’s still a lot of new things for an aspiring minimalist to be accumulating!
…And the other bits and pieces. One pair of shoes, one hat, and one handbag (does the handbag count as a wardrobe item too?).
 My Minimalist Wardrobe Dilemma
I have too many clothes. I know that. Having too many clothes causes unnecessary stress – I know that too.
- Firstly, I suffer from the age-old dilemma of opening my wardrobe every Monday morning and declaring that I have nothing to wear. I can’t see the wood for the trees, so to speak. Having more is not increasing my choice, it’s making me more stressed.
- Secondly, because they don’t fit neatly into my (generously sized) closet, it’s hard to find the things I want. Cue more stress and grumbling.
- Thirdly, the laundry it creates. More clothes definitely creates more laundry. There’s the six gazillion things I try on every time I need an outfit, which then get dumped in a heap – and then it’s hard to fathom what’s clean and what’s not. There’s the extra clothes that get worn because there’s the extra choice. Lastly there’s the clothes that haven’t been worn in so long they need washing to freshen them up.
Could you find anything in here? What about the shelves on the left? No? Me neither.
I’m a total believer in the need to declutter. However, believing in the principles, and agreeing with the reasons doesn’t equate into an action plan, does it?!
My previous excuse has been that I’ll wait for the things I currently own to wear out. Having not bought much in the last 3 years, this is starting to come true.
These T-shirts are exactly the same. I had the first (bought second-hand) for three years before it stretched and the picture faded. I found the second on eBay and bought as a replacement.
However, the fact I bought a replacement isn’t helping the plan to reduce. Plus, clearly if I’m able to take a picture of both of these T-shirts together, I’m still hanging on to the old one. That’s the opposite of decluttering!
If I’m going to allow the odd new thing to slip through the net, and the wearing out isn’t the easy solution I’d hoped for, I’m going to have to be far more ruthless with my decluttering!
My Minimalist Wardrobe Action Plan
What I really need to decide is what I actually wear. Not what I like, but what I actually wear. Because there are things in my wardrobe that I haven’t worn for months, if not years.
Here’s my simple solution. To track this, all I’ve done is tied a scarf to the left end of the wardrobe rail.
When I wear something, it goes back on the rail to the left of the scarf. I can wear things on the left hand side multiple times, but things can only cross from the right hand side to the left hand side once they have been worn.
Tie a scarf to one end of the wardrobe. As items are worn, return them to the wardrobe on the other side of the scarf. As the months progress, the scarf will move along the rail. Set a time limit and see what is still hanging up that hasn’t been worn in that time.
Set a time limit that you think is reasonable. I’m going to give myself three months, and then see what’s still sitting on the “wrong” side of the rail. If everything has been worn, the scarf will be at the far right of the rail. More likely it will be sitting somewhere in the middle.
Of the things that remain unworn, the question is why? If it’s that it doesn’t fit or isn’t comfortable, then it needs to go. If it’s seasonal, like a winter jumper and the temperatures haven’t got that low, it gets a reprieve…temporarily. I’m sure there will be many reasons, and I don’t want to speculate now. I’ll see how the three months go first! I know one thing though – my wardrobe will be smaller!
Now I’d like to hear from you! Are you on a minimalist journey and did you suffer any setbacks last year? Do you struggle with wardrobe minimalism (and if so, would you like to join me in the challenge too)? Or do you simply shake your head in despair at my feeble efforts?! Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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I am in the exact same boat! I love decluttering but somehow my wardrobe always stays very much cluttered. I have done the same sort of thing with my hangers (face them all the “wrong” way and then put them back facing the “right” way) to determine what I am wearing. I gave myself a year (I know, ages) so I could go through each season. My issue is that the clothes I didn’t wear were a bit too tight and if I just lose a bit of weight it will fit…excuses, excuses….
Hi Harriet, it’s so comforting to hear someone else is in the same boat as me! I’ve done the hangers thing but don’t like it as much – the OCD part of me doesn’t like the hangers facing both ways! I like with this linear method that you can track your progress too! I’ve done exactly the same regarding seasons. And yes, I have things in my wardrobe that I don’t fit into and haven’t for months but getting rid of them means giving up hope that I will fit back into them – and I can’t bring myself to do that yet!
some great ideas I am going to try the scarf I think it will help with my kids clothes more than mine.I have trouble with de cluttering 4 childrens clothes as I find it hard clearing out anything that does still fit but they don’t actually wear. I did have a breakthrough last week when my 10 year old son de cluttered his own room and did a great job when usually he hoards and has a room you cant move in . He did such great work that he cleared out grown and also not worn clothes and also his toys all got a good sorting through he then cleaned and hoovered and now has a lovely room.i only wish I could do the same with my 3 year old daughters room , it is tidy but she has so many toys and clothes and I find it hard sorting it all as I said if the clothes fit but she doesn’t wear I still hold on to them . also she has a great memory and in the past I have got rid of toys I thought she didn’t play with and later she asked for them I then feel so guilty and weary of the same mistake , do you have any tips that might help ,I have tried asking for her help but she just says keep to everything as she is still young.
Thanks Julie! I can totally relate to that – keeping things that aren’t worn out but aren’t worn either! I’m impressed that your son decluttered his own room though – means there’s hope!
What about talking to her about other kids that don’t have many toys or clothes? Try selling it to her – did you know? Isn’t it sad? And then…aren’t you lucky! Wouldn’t it be nice if… and then asking her to choose some of her things that she could give to them so they could have more toys to play with? I don’t know her personality of course, but maybe if she was choosing things to help other people she might be more keen?!
thank you I have not thought of that and as she is caring I think it might just work and if that was my mindset it would help me too.
I hope it does – please let me know how you get on!
About a month before Christmas every year or so I make my kids go through the toy boxes and throw out at least 1 box worth, they did an excellent job this year. All the broken stuff went in the bin, the average stuff to the op shop and the good stuff to a friends school. We culled about 1/3. We cleaned out my 7 yr olds books today, getting rid of the baby ones, he wanted to get rid of them all.
Wow, sounds like you are totally onto it! I’m impressed!
Lindsay, check out the 3-33 project. Some people find it quite useful for working out what to wear and stretching how they wear things. It is based round the principle of selecting 33 items (excl. undies) and using them for 3 months. Everything else gets packed away. Then select another 33 for the next 3 months. After about 6-9 months you will have figured out which items you really use, may have discovered some combinations you like but would never have thought and work out which pieces aren’t adding any value. It might be an approach that helps whittle down your wardrobe to a functional capsule (another word for minimalist) wardrobe.
Hi Meg! I’ve checked it out many times before,actually, but something holds me back from embracing it. I wonder if it’s because 33 things just seems a bit beyond my reach just now? Have you tried it? How did you find it?
I’ve not tried it as I have opted for a different approach: wartime clothes rationing. Officially I’m in my third year but it is reality it is nearer four. As a result I have a reasonably well functioning capsule wardrobe. New purchases are mostly limited replacements, but I have to really like the replacements or I don’t buy them. There is also scope for a couple of treats per year as an environmentally / ethically kinder life is not about hair shirts ;-) This rationing approach cultivates moderation rather than minimalism per se but the net effect is probably the same. Real moderation is a philosophy that suits me better, as student of the classics.
PS – Re rationing, I don’t make a song and dance of it but adopt most of the principles of wartime food rationing too. I’ve incorporated it systematically and quietly. Mr M doesn’t even realise we’ve been living with wartime fat rations for the last three years… ;-)
I love your wartime rationing approach, I remember reading about it on your blog a while back. I think it’s really interesting. I’d definitely like to try it. I think anything that makes us think about what we own, and what we need is useful. It’s all about making conscious choices in the end…
The food rationing is interesting too. I think I’d break the wartime fat rations with the copious amounts of chocolate I seem to get through though!
I can feel a rationing-related challenge coming on!
I did a spontaneous quick review of my wardrobe last night. I pulled out a stack of clothes, some of which I bought a decade ago and are now two sizes too small (strangely, I’ve only gained one dress size since then). I realised that one tactic for me is to pull out all the hangers that are dusty! I probably shouldn’t admit to that… *hoarder shame*
Haha, that made me smile! That sounds like a great tactic! Regarding the clothes sizing thing, that’s definitely what holds me back from getting rid of some of my clothes – I don’t want to believe I can’t fit in them any more! So the question is – once you’d pulled them out, did they stay out, or did any sneak back in?!
The scarf is a great idea–I’d like to try that!
I have been going my clothes the past couple of months, and I have gotten rid of a lot, but there’s still more to do. I haven’t gone through any of my spring wardrobe yet, and there are still several things hanging up that I know I haven’t worn recently.
Thanks Elizabeth! Maybe this will inspire you to revisit your wardrobe then?! I find that little and often works best for me – I just keep chipping away and slowly slowly (very slowiy) I’m getting there!
I like the scarf-idea to find out what one really wears :-)
But there are things in “less clothes” idea that I don’t like. The first is: clothes have a kind of maximum washing cycles, the oftner I wear and wash them the sooner they need to be replaced – and I must go shopping again (online, shops, new or second hand, whatever) – ugh.
The other point is also related to washing: Washing maschines are most efficient in water and energy when fully loaded. So the number my clothes must at least match the size of my washing maschine ;-)
Thanks for your comment Jenni! Glad you like the idea : )
Regarding the things that you don’t like about “less clothes” – I hear you regarding the shopping for replacements! I always try to buy the best quality clothes I can so they don’t fall apart. I try to buy Diesel jeans for example because I’ve never had a pair wear out – ever! It’s more that my size has changed and they no longer fit. I still have a pair that I bought whilst at uni – and I graduated in 2003!
Thinking about the washing, I guess it depends how few “less” really means. My wardrobe definitely consists of multiple laundry loads, and I’m sure I’d never get it to less than two…plus there’s my husband’s stuff! I would never run the machine only half full (I’d hate the waste!) but there’s also tea towels, other towels and bedding that I need to wash, so it’s not a problem for me to find a full load (I’m not precious about keeping things like that separate).
Hi Lindsay-enjoying getting acquainted with you on topic etc…(I just fished you outta my Spam box…gah!!) And now I know you are in Perth-yes!!!
I’m currently living in The Land of Plastic—L.A..hahahaha!!! but from Mullumbimby.
I wanted to say-Nudie Jeans are organic, vegetable dyed, & ethically made (living wages) ticking all those boxes-So I made the switch a few years ago…Also, they repair your jeans for their life or give you a discount if you feel impelled to go with a replacement pair.
And I agree totes, buy the best you can/afford even if it means saving up..& from locally made sources, i.e.: Bassike in AU, Lover used to be made there etc…..(I am sure its poss to find out…) Only buy things that look like ‘the bomb’ on you-seriously important, and then you will wear them to death…(Have you tried Bassike-organic cotton etc…loveliest tee’s..!
Warmly Su-lee
Hi Su-Lee, I was in your spam box?! Oh no! : (
Nudie jeans, they sound great! Do they do men’s sizes too? Haven’t heard of Bassike either – you’re full of great tips! We are struggling at the moment because a lot of our clothes are wearing out, and we ideally want to get things made from sustainable fabrics made by ethical companies (and second-hand where appropriate!)
Any more suggestions welcome! : )
Oh Nudie jeans are the bomb all right-cover the mens end of things nicely- I intro-ed my Step-Son to the brand..he loves them..
Ok, I got enthused about all this & found some great stuff…:
AU made clothing Brands:
https://www.cue.cc/Company/Australian-Made
http://www.sustainablefashion.com.au
CHOICE AU SITE:
https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/everyday-shopping/clothing/articles/ethical-clothing
Birdsnest Site: AU made
http://www.birdsnest.com.au/womens/australian-made?gclid=CPGnu5j5ycQCFQWUfgodtIoA-w#_lh=1&page=5
Supporting only AU made:
http://www.thecatsmeow.com.au/home
Bassike-(gorgeous stuff!! ie: wait for their sale stuff, subscribig is good value!)
http://www.bassike.com
OK- I ma roliing now—this looks very lovely, althoh I have not heard of this label:
Trimpapee:
http://www.fashionreview.com.au/trimapee-clothing-fashion/
Kusbi:
http://www.fashionreview.com.au/ksubi-clothing/
& Dion Lee is very gorgeous–
( I know we are not buying MORE clothes!!)
http://www.fashionreview.com.au/dion-lee-clothing/
Apparently all of these brand go with the ethically approach-kool!
http://www.stylewithheart.com/category/organic/
OK-this will have something for everybody!!
And Lindsay do you know ‘Gorman’-rather ‘you’ I am imagining!! (they are listed here)
http://www.the-stockroom.co.nz/ethical-clothing-companies/
You’re my hero. Every now and then I make a swipe through my closets for things I can donate, but I haven’t yet given it full attention (though how nice it would be to have more organized spaces) so far I still have “bigger fish” to take care of. I console myself that as long as I’m just wearing the old stuff out and not buying anything new, at least I’m doing something. Ah — nice thought — one closet has 3 shelves of books! Those I have a plan for donating. As always, I admire your efforts —Sandy
Hey Sandy, thanks – you make me blush! I think my closet is my biggest “fish”, hence it getting all the attention! We’ve had a bit of a run of things wearing out in the last few weeks – my favourite skirt ripped, so I sewed it up – and then it ripped in 8 more places! It would be more sew than skirt, so it has been consigned to the worm farm. Glen put his hand through the back of his shirt where the fabric was so thin. So things do wear out if you give them enough time!
Good luck with your “bigger fish”!
Ah – maybe this means I should put my Grandma’s sewing machine on my list of things to keep?
Haha, only if you intend to use it! : )
I had to purchase three new pairs of pants for myself last fall. And while that isn’t much after several years of not purchasing any, it was because my existing pants either had holes from age, faded so badly from the sun I was embarrassed to wear them in public, or I got paint on them having been lazy and not changing before painting. Three pairs of pants may not sound like much, but I held on to the old ones to wear when I am painting or doing something that could ruin the new ones. Let’s see how long that works.
My clothes are pretty slim, but I blame that on weight gain since I lost my mobility and not liking how anything looks on me. I have enough tops for a week’s worth of changes in the winter and one sweater for those cold days. Where I have more than I need is in coats. I have a denim jacket I took from my ex that I wear almost exclusively. Then I have a heavy fall jacket that I wear from time to time but it only gets worn maybe 2 months out of the year. I have a jacket that was given to me that I would like to lose a bit of weight to fit better but it would be nice to replace the fall jacket. Finally, I have a cape that was a gift. I don’t wear this often but find it’s nice to layer for warmth when I need to be outside as it fits better than trying to cover up with a blanket.
I do hold on to my clothes for a very long time. I form an attachment to certain pieces based on how i feel wearing them. For winter wear if the piece is soft and easy to snuggle up in I will want to keep it because I feel warm and comforted in it.
I like your system for deciding what you’ve worn. I have read some pretty complicated systems such as turning a hanger a certain way, which i would forget to do it it were me.
Hey Lois, that’s one of my current problems. That’s why I kept the old T shirt once I got the replacement – it was comfy and I didn’t want to ruin the newer one! I have a few things that I keep because they are comfy, even though I’m embarrassed to wear them outside the house. (Not too embarrassed, mind, I still wear them out, but I don’t feel good about myself for it.) I know I should get rid of them. Maybe it’s the fear of not having comfy clothes?! Also the guilt in knowing they aren’t fully worn out? Either way, that’s too many negative emotions that I don’t need.
Coats are a tough one. Living in Perth I have two – a lightweight jacket and a warmer jacket – but having lived in the UK I can relate to needing thick wintery jackets. Even if you’ve only wearing them for two months a year, in those two months you really appreciate them!
The hanger method doesn’t work for me. Maybe if you’re closet isn’t already stuffed full it might! There’s also a lot more remembering with the hanger method. The scarf system keeps things simple : )
yes, I too will hold on to clothes and wear them around the house until they literally fall apart, when they then become rags. :-)
I totally understand! It’s been quite difficult to cull my wardrobe, mainly because of the guilty feeling I get in clothes that I do not wear, but are new, almost new, or expensive. I’ve been working on it for months so far (I think I started last year in August too!) and I still have a ways to go. I found one of the best tactics to use in reducing the pain, is to put clothing that no longer suit me (but I still really want to keep for some reason) into a box. So, in a way, mentally they are gone, with the physical safety net of it still being there. Then when I revisit the box again, it is so much easier to finally actually let them go.
Oh, the guilt! I totally agree Marg! There is far too much guilt sitting in my closet and I should just box it all up and give it away, but I can’t – even though I know I should. I feel like I’m waiting and the moment will come – I hope it does!
Because we don’t have a car, the stuff that we box up for the charity shop tends to sit around for a while before we can offload it. I have had a couple of moments where I’ve gone into said box to retrieve clothing items that I’ve already committed to getting rid of! But maybe if the box was sealed it would help. It’s definitely something I should try. Thanks for the tip!
I am really struggling with my wardrobe clutter, I can’t even motivate myself to start. I’m going to try your scarf trick and see if I can do something about it (the backwards coat hangers just won’t work for me), hopefully I can make a dent in it before the big move!
C’mon you gotta start! I’ll be able to come round and check myself! That said, you’ll be able to check on me. Accountability buddies! (There’s no point asking Glen. I’m not sure he’d even recognise half my wardrobe!)
Haha accountability buddies, that will be good! ;)
Hi Lindsay, I don’t have any tips nut I do like your scarf trick!
I think that as long as you use what you have, it’s not necessary to count items.
I just believe that things should not go to waste.
Cheers,
Carol
I totally agree – the issue is, I don’t use many of my items! Things should definitely not go to waste. I’m more reluctant to get rid of things that are no good for anyone else – I feel like I need to see them through. It’s easier to pass on things that are still in good condition as I know someone else will get new life from them. Unless the reason they’re not worn by me is because they no longer fit. I just can’t let these items go… : /
Have you heard of Project 333? Check out the website if not. I thought this was a great approach to a minimalist/capsule wardrobe and have had a complete re-think of how I approach my clothes since reading about it. Some excellent tips of the website too, though I love your simple scarf on the rail idea!
I’ve heard of it, but it wasn’t something that interested me – I’m not sure why! Many people have recommended it, so maybe I should just stop resisting and go look into it some more! It’s good to hear that you think it had some value for you. I’ll put it on my weekend reading list! : )
I did Project 333 for the first time 18 months ago and I haven’t looked back. It’s great! I still do it (with slightly adjusted rules, but Courtney encourages that).
Nightwear, sportswear, loungewear, underwear and your wedding ring do not count in the 33 items.
Accessories (including hat, scarf, jewellery, handbag), and shoes do. I do not count accessories and shoes anymore, but I’ve never really been an accessory person and my shoe collection is modest compared to many other women, I think. I own one handbag. I used to have 27 necklaces, which I pared down to 5. One day, I’ll address the shoes again, I think, but at the moment, I’m can’t see myself living with three pairs (or so) of shoes. Sorry.
When I open my wardrobe, I can see everything I have (this season). Everything gets worn, which means that stuff does eventually wear out and you can replace it with a clear conscience. You don’t accumulate piles of laundry, because you don’t have much. Nobody notices that you wear just 33 clothes all the time. Nobody!
When I change my wardrobe for the summer season (I only switch twice a year, not four times), it’s like getting a whole wardrobe full of new clothes, as I haven’t seen the stuff for six months and almost forgot what I had. Love it.
I’ll have to look into it again! I’ve definitely been paring down my accessories over the last few years. When I moved to Australia I only took half with me – I actually thought I’d donated the others but when I went back to the UK in July, I found them! I was almost tempted to keep them, but decided if I didn’t think i still had them and hadn’t missed them I obviously didn’t need them!
I’ve probably got 2 necklaces that I wear regularly, and maybe 7 in total. I’ve also got a few earrings etc. I barely wear jewellery these days so I should get rid of the rest.
Handbags: I’ve got two. The new one in the pic was because the other one (which is like a small overnight bag really) is very tatty and worn, and I wanted a more professional one for meetings, work etc. The other is great for plastic-free shopping as I can fit reusable containers, KeepCup, water bottle and bags in, and then the shopping afterwards! Two is enough.
I hear you on the shoes! I have more than I need, but I wear them all! I have 11 I think, including flip-flops and trainers. I could maybe get rid of a couple more…
That is why I want a minimalist wardrobe! Exactly those reasons! Being able to open the wardrobe and see what I actually have, and not accumulating piles of laundry. Oh, the dream!
Question – do you box up the stuff that’s not for the other season? So you actually have 66 items? I realise I’m going to have to look into this some more! : )
The stuff I’m not wearing (so that’s currently my summer clothes) are in a suitcase under my bed. Just the clothes, not shoes. The summer wardrobe fits very comfortably into that suitcase. There’s still room.
I own less than 66 items of clothing. There are a few things that I wear all year round, but I haven’t counted exactly.
That’s a good idea! We have two suitcases, a big family/double one and a small hand-luggage size one. The small one fits inside the big one, maybe my 33 out of season items could go in there for 6 months? Not keen to have more boxes.
I’m impressed that you own that few things! I have so much work to do!
Last year I realized there are only a handful of items that I actually wear. However, I tell myself that this is partly because I did not have a wardrobe, so I had no idea what clothes I had. Will eventually sort out all of my clothes, but I first want to get rid of virtually all my books. I love books. I am still emotionally attached to some of them, but I realized that there are only half a dozen of books I actually use to look up something or read again. Some of these are available digitally, which makes a hard copy redundant. So in the end, I think I will only keep a few. Once I get started on minimalizing my clothes, I think I might look up that 33 items project your readers refer to.
Glen says the same about me – I have a wardrobe full, yet I wear the same two or three outfits continuously!
I realised that the books I was keeping the books I had because I thought they said something about me. Definitely as a teenager, I think I chose music and books that reflected my personality, and wanted people to see these physical objects and know who I was. As I got older I realised that I am the same person regardless of my possessions, and having books that “match” is completely unnecessary. Now I have a handful of books I use regularly (mostly recipe books) and it’s so much better!
Once you get to miimalising your clothes, let me know and we can sign up together!
I think I am in that same boat. I have aspired to be a minimalist and have gotten rid of a lot of clothing and other stuff. I am going to take my inventory. i have a lot less then I used to. How much underwear should one have? Socks? these things perplex me. The idea of reducing is pretty awesome though. Hard with kids.
The one main message that I’ve taken from minimalist ideas is that there is no ‘one size fits all’. It’s all about what is ‘enough’ for you personally. I know that if I think I have too much, then I definitely have too much! I also know I will never get to the point where I can fit all my possessions in a single holdall, and I’m happy (and comfortable) with that.
My feeling is that as you reduce, and have less, you’ll reach a point where you feel it’s not practical to go further (or that you are perfectly happy as you are) and that will be your ‘enough’ point. Personally, I’m never going to get to having only 2 pairs of underpants as I really couldn’t be bothered to wash one every day!
Kids must add a whole other dimension that I can’t even begin to imagine!
Your scarf idea sounds like just the trick I need to start truly minimizing my wardrobe! Thanks for sharing! I’ve been wanting to de-clutter my closet for the longest time. I do think it’s important to still allow yourself to purchase new clothes though. Don’t go overboard, of course, but don’t cut back completely.
Good luck with it Vivian! Regarding the purchasing of new clothes – I guess it depends on how many you’re trying to get rid of and how new your others are in the first place, no?! ; )
Hello, hello
I’ve just found your post as I look at minimalising/decluttering my clothes. I went through a partial first sweep today but I definitely feel where you’re coming from.
But I have to admit the real reason I commented is to say I ADORE your straw hat! From whence did you get it? And minimalist approach or not, it was definitely a must have and therefore you’re excused ;)
Hi Christine, hello and thanks for your comment – and your support! ; ) I actually bought it from a department store (!) …David Jones to be exact. It’s their Milana brand and was made in Italy. I find a lot of cheap ones have glue holding them together and I wasn’t keen on that. Of course I would prefer to say it was hand-woven by a women’s cooperative and fairly traded, but you can’t have it all. I’m pleased that it’s natural and not from China at least : )
Very useful tips, love it. Yukova x
Thanks for sharing Yukova! Although I disagree about the thin hangers – I prefer thick ones so I have less! ; )
Hi Lindsay, you might find the book ‘the magic method of tidying’ interesting. It has a couple of tricks for getting rid of things and decluttering. I really like reading your blog not just for the tips but it’s also nice to know there are other people who care too as my immediate circle isn’t that pro-active when it comes to being environmentally friendly.
Hi Jacqui, thanks for the suggestion – I read the book last summer, and did pick up a few tips. My favourite – sock and underwear folding. Who knew?!
Thanks for the lovely feedback : ) I agree – when our immediate friends and family aren’t on board it’s nice to know that there are others who are. You know what though – keep at it and slowly slowly you’ll notice some of your ideas starting to rub off!
I have looked at the Project 333 many times but couldn’t ever come to the point of trying it. I would reach into the wardrobe to start the sorting of the clothes and creating the ‘capsule’ but couldn’t bring myself to do it. I don’t usually have a problem with decluttering, and can get rid of clothes I don’t like or ones that never feel quite ‘right’ when I put them on, but kept finding I was purchasing more. Finally I found a blog called “A Pinch of Yum” and there was an article written about a capsule wardrobe. It immediately made sense and was written in a way that inspired me. I’ve been using a capsule wardrobe since then. I didn’t discard all the rest of my clothes but I am using a capsule for each season and enjoying the process, and loving the ease of getting dressed for the day with less choice. I haven’t bought new clothes since!
Thanks for sharing Janny! I purposefully avoided Project 333 for so long – even though I love the concept. Now I think the reason why is that I hate fitting into boxes or labels. The idea of picking 33 items immediately brings my stubbornness to the front, and I hear myself saying – well what if I want 34?! The same goes for the 3 months… our seasons don’t fit neatly into three-month blocks. Especially in Perth – summer is very long, and the depths of winter when cold clothes are needed is fairly short. Some people love these kind of boundaries but they just don’t work for me!
I’ll search for that blog post and have a read. Thanks for the suggestion. I love reading other peoples’ perspectives on these things!
Ok so I needed some inspiration to clear out my wardrobe, I have over 200 items (not Inc underwear & socks). A lot needs to go I have started with the scarf tip as the coat hangers facing backwards does not work for me. I think cutting my wardrobe in half is a good goal. I didn’t realise how hard it is to let go even just being honest with myself & saying you will never wear that again is hard!?!? The old but it’s pretty, I might wear it one day, oh I spent a lot on that or I have a good memory wrapped up in it…I need to let go….
Hi Sheree! I didn’t like the backwards hangers method either – I would turn them back the right way on autopilot, and everything was jumbled together. This works much better for me.
Yes, it is hard! Realising the problems (and our resistance) is the first step, but that doesn’t mean we can act on it straightaway. It is DEFINITELY a process – but time is on our side :)