It’s easy to accumulate clothes over time, but some items waste space in your wardrobe. Decluttering your closet not only makes it easier to find your favorite pieces but also helps you make better style choices. Here are 15 items that are taking up valuable room in your wardrobe and need to be purged.
1. Clothes That Don’t Fit
We all have those “one day it’ll fit” clothes hanging around in our wardrobes that are a constant reminder that we haven’t hit our weight loss goals. If it doesn’t fit you now, it’s just taking up space and making you feel bad every time you see it. Donating these items will not only make you feel better and less guilty, but it’s also doing a good deed.
2. Worn-Out Basics
Basics like t-shirts, leggings, and underwear that have seen better days don’t deserve a spot in your wardrobe. Whether they’re faded, stretched out, or have holes, if they’re worse for wear, it’s time to replace them with fresh, comfortable options. Next time you’re shopping for basics, splurge a little extra cash for good-quality staples that will stand the test of time.
3. Duplicates
Do you really need three nearly identical black blazers? The answer is no, you don’t. Duplicates of the same item can clutter your wardrobe and prevent you from seeing what you actually need. Keep your wardrobe simple and uncluttered by having one of each item; otherwise, you’ll quickly run out of space.
4. Trendy Items Whose Moment Has Passed
That neon crop top might have been a hit last summer, but if it’s no longer in style or you’re not reaching for it anymore, it’s time to let it go. Don’t just get rid of outdated items; take it as a lesson next time you reach for something ultra-trendy in a shop that’ll most likely rot in the back of your closet. Focus on timeless pieces that you can mix and match.
5. Shoes You Never Wear
Whether they’re ultra-high stilettos or beat-up old sneakers, if you’ve got shoes that pinch your feet or don’t match anything in your wardrobe, they’re just taking up valuable real estate. Donate or sell them to someone who will use them and focus on two or three pairs of good quality shoes in your wardrobe.
6. Gifts You Never Liked
We’ve all been there, that moment of disappointment when you’ve been gifted something that you categorically know you’ll never wear. Gifts that don’t suit your style or size shouldn’t occupy your closet space. It’s okay to let go of these items, even if they come from a loved one. Consider donating or re-gifting them to someone who will appreciate them.
7. Special Occasion Outfits
That bridesmaid dress you wore once? It’s probably never going to see the light of day again. These items are sentimental, but every piece of clothing is most likely sentimental if you think about it. So, if you’re holding onto special occasion outfits with no future plans to wear them, it’s time to say goodbye.
8. Sentimental Clothing
Just like bridesmaid dresses and old prom dresses, we all have a few items we keep for sentimental reasons, but too many can overwhelm your wardrobe. Sit down and evaluate what’s really worth keeping and what’s just causing wardrobe clutter. Consider taking photos of these items to keep the memory, then donate them to free up space.
9. Clothes with Tags Still On
If an item has been in your closet for months (or even years) with the tags still on, it’s a sign that it wasn’t the right purchase. Instead of letting it gather dust, donate it to a thrift shop where it’ll likely get a second life and actually be worn. Next time you’re shopping, think about whether you’re going to wear something before buying it to avoid having things clog up your wardrobe.
10. “Maybe” Pile Items
If you’re constantly putting items in a “maybe” pile but never actually wear them, it’s a sign they don’t belong in your wardrobe. Be decisive and either start wearing them or let them go. A good way to determine this is to be honest and think about when you last wore a particular clothing item. If the answer is longer than six months, it’s time for it to go.
11. Outdated Workwear
One of the easiest ways to declutter your wardrobe is to start with your workwear. Whether it’s a blazer or a pair of trousers, workwear that’s seen better days or no longer aligns with your current job role can be purged. Keep your professional wardrobe current and streamlined to reflect your present career stage.
12. Impulse Buys
There’s nothing wrong with having a statement piece or two in your wardrobe, but impulse buys that you don’t wear are infamous closet cloggers. From excessive fur coats to sequin-bedazzled pants, we’ve all made impulse buys that seemed great at the moment but just didn’t work in real life. Be honest with yourself; if you’re not wearing them, they’re just taking up space and need to go.
13. Clothes That Need Repair
If an item has been sitting in your wardrobe for months waiting to be repaired, ask yourself why you haven’t repaired it sooner and if it’s really worth the effort. If you haven’t made the repair by now, it might be time to part ways. You’ll not only save money on repairs, but you’ll free up space in your wardrobe.
14. Overly Trendy Accessories
Just like clothes, accessories are also susceptible to trends. Accessories that were once in vogue but have since lost their appeal can clutter up your space. An easy way to avoid this is to shop for timeless accessories that will last you many years and seasons rather than opting for flash-in-the-pan fashion trends.
15. Outdated Denim
Old denim styles, like ultra-low-rise jeans or heavily bedazzled pairs, instantly date your look and clog up your wardrobe. You should purge these dated, out-of-fashion styles from your wardrobe. Next time you’re stocking up on denim, stick to classic cuts, like straight-leg or high-waisted styles, that will stand the test of time.