Clutter is the enemy of a functional fitted wardrobe, yet all too often it can be a curse of modern living. Many of us continually acquire more stuff, but lack the time to properly assess what we actually need, or the motivation to sort through the mess and let go of it. 

This can lead to an overstuffed and disorganised wardrobe that just seems to breed more stuff, making it difficult to find the items you need. Here’s a look at the reasons we tend to hoard unnecessary items, and some top tips to help you keep your wardrobe clutter-free for good.

Why can decluttering be so difficult?

For some, having too much stuff is simply the result of being time-poor. If you are juggling a family and career, plus all the day to day demands of running a household, then understandably decluttering is not really at the top of your to do list. However, there may be deeper reasons why we struggle to let go.

Sometimes, hoarding may be a learned behaviour if we grew up in a family that never threw anything away. It can also be a response to childhood poverty, trauma or loss, as some people become attached to their possessions as a kind of protective safety net. 

It can also be related to perfectionism, because this makes it harder to make decisions about what to keep and what to throw away, for fear of making a ‘mistake.’ The whole task can seem too big to tackle, or the person may be waiting for the perfect opportunity to declutter which inevitably never arrives.

Tips to get started with decluttering

To get going with a clear out, ring fence some time in your diary and make a plan, so that the job is broken down into manageable sections. Remember that you don’t have to complete the task in a day or a weekend: the key is to just get going.

Any items that you haven’t used in the past year can usually be donated, sold or recycled, unless you are really confident that you will use them again, or they have a strong sentimental attachment to them. However, be a little brutal: you can always take a photo then let it go.

Wardrobe storage hacks

Make the most of the ample vertical space in built-in wardrobes with shelves, drawers, hooks, and racks. These can be used to store folded jumpers, bags, and to hang accessories. Invest in a tiered shoe rack or clear shoe boxes to keep footwear organised and easy to find. 

Quality velvet hangers take up less space than plastic ones and look more streamlined,  and keep your clothes in good condition. Categorise your clothing into groups, such as shirts, trousers, skirts and so on, and then further refine it into colour blocks. This will not only look neater, but help you coordinate outfits and instantly find what you need.