“Do a little homework into the charities in your community,” says Cline. “Do you want to be giving your money to Goodwill or Salvation Army, or to a local women’s shelter, homeless shelter, or church? Really think through what organization you want to support.”
Repair
These are the garments in need of repair, alterations, or professional cleaning, after which they can be sorted into their respective piles. Or, if it’s an everyday staple, return to the keep section.
Discard (responsibly)
Only garments that cannot be salvaged should be junked. Think mismatched socks, old undergarments, and garments beyond repair. Disposal options largely depend on the resources available in your community. Many stores offer recycling for clothing and footwear. Some nonprofit organizations may accept fabric scraps for art projects, and animal shelters often welcome textile donations.
Bonus Pile: Maybes
Singla suggests having a “maybe” pile, for those pieces that haven’t quite won you over. Sorting through this pile can be a toughie, but asking yourself a few essential questions can help kickstart the process. For example, when was the last time you wore that leather blazer? Do you feel confident donning those skinny jeans from 2016? Does that JW Pei purse you impulsively purchased complement your individual style? If an item holds sentimentality, but no longer fits your wardrobe, consider altering it into something new, like a cozy blanket.
Coha, however, calls this a “pile of doom”. “If the wardrobe is beautifully organised, and we are stuck with a maybe’ pile on the floor, it’s more then likely that it will end up as a ‘no’ pile,” she says. “Alternatively, I introduce a ‘one in, one out’ rule.” Be ruthless, be revitalized.
Review your mood board for inspiration, and consider scheduling a one-on-one session with a virtual stylist to brainstorm ways you can integrate those items with your essentials. Or, simply sleep on it and revisit the decision with a fresh pair of eyes.
Still struggling?
As Coha says, it’s okay to feel attached to certain items. But you need to limit yourself to the physical ephemera that accumulates from all the good times. “Time to say goodbye to the dress you wore on a first date 15 years ago!” Coha says. She has a novel tip. “Instead of keeping a physical item, consider taking a photo.”
Step 6: Stow away out-of-season apparel
For those with more spacious homes, transfer these items to a guest room if available. For smaller spaces, a hall closet or under-bed storage are equally suitable options. If your closet space allows, Coha advises to separate your clothes by season. “Keep transitional weather pieces easily accessible while storing out-of-season items away,” she says. It’s also a good way to identify duplicates of staple pieces, and work out which clothing categories are top-heavy (Too many tops? Going hard on skirts?). If space is precious, Coha suggests prioritizing items in your wardrobe that can trascend season, too. “Look for items that can transition between different occasions and seasons, and clothes that are functional for work, and post work gatherings,” she says.
Step 7: Fold sweaters, hang bottoms
Fold most tops, including your t-shirts, tank tops, and turtlenecks. “I see a lot of people not organizing their sweaters in a proper way, so I recommend [folding] anything that’s a chunkier knit or takes up space,” says Thomas. “You’re able to visually see the prints and the chunk of the sweater. Plus, it wears better.”
