How to organise your wardrobe: the tricks and tips you need to know

Your wardrobe should be a space that makes getting dressed feel easy and enjoyable, but if you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to find that perfect outfit or buried under piles of clothes you don’t wear, it’s time to take control. With a little time, effort, and strategy, you can transform your wardrobe into a functional, stylish, and organised space that works for you.

Here are the tricks and tips you need to organise your wardrobe like a pro:

1. Start with a Clean Slate

Before you can begin organising, you need to clear everything out. It might sound overwhelming, but pulling everything out of your wardrobe is essential to getting a good look at what you have and what you actually need.

• Empty your wardrobe: Take everything out, including shoes, bags, and accessories. Lay it all out on your bed or floor so you can visually assess your items.
• Sort into categories: Group your clothes by type — tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, etc. This will help you see how much you actually have in each category.

2. Purge the Unwanted (Don’t Skip This Step!)

The key to maintaining an organised wardrobe is to declutter. You don’t need to keep clothes that no longer fit, are out of style, or that you haven’t worn in ages.

• Use the "one-year rule": If you haven’t worn something in the last 12 months (unless it’s for a specific season or event), it’s time to let it go.

• Ask yourself these questions:

  • Does it fit well?
  • Is it comfortable?
  • Do I love it, or is it just taking up space?
  • Do I wear it regularly?

• Donate or sell: Clothes in good condition that you no longer need can be donated or sold. The goal is to get rid of things that no longer serve you. If an item doesn’t meet at least one of these criteria, it’s time to part ways.

3. Use the Right Hangers

The kind of hangers you use can make a big difference in how much space you have and how your clothes hang.

• Opt for slim, non-slip hangers: These hangers are thin enough to maximise space, and they prevent clothes from slipping off.
• Wooden hangers for suits and heavier items: These are great for items like blazers, coats, and dresses that need extra support.
• Velvet hangers for delicate fabrics: Velvet hangers grip the fabric and prevent slipping, making them perfect for silky blouses, dresses, or cardigans.

4. Organise by Category and Frequency of Use

Once you’ve sorted through your clothes, you’ll want to organise your wardrobe so that it’s intuitive to use.

• Group like items together: Keep shirts together, pants together, dresses together, etc. This makes it easier to find what you're looking for.

• Sort by season: If you live in an area with distinct seasons, try rotating your wardrobe. Store off-season clothing in bins or under-bed storage, and keep only current-season items within easy reach.

• Within each category, organise by colour or style: Within your shirts or pants section, you can either sort by colour (rainbow order), or by style (casual, work, evening). This makes it easy to grab what you need based on occasion or outfit planning.

Tip: If you wear certain items more frequently, such as everyday essentials or work clothes, keep them towards the front or at eye level for quick access.

5. Maximise Storage Space

Not everything in your wardrobe needs to hang. There are tons of clever storage solutions that help maximise your space.

• Use shelf dividers or baskets: For sweaters, jeans, or t-shirts, stack them neatly in drawers or on shelves. Baskets can help corral smaller items like scarves, hats, or shoes.
• Over-the-door organisers: These are fantastic for accessories, shoes, and even bags. You can also use hooks or pegs on the back of your wardrobe door for scarves, hats, or belts.
• Drawer organisers: Keep your smaller items (like socks, underwear, or jewellery) neatly tucked away using dividers or small storage trays.

Pro Tip: Invest in under-bed storage for out-of-season clothes or extra shoes. This can help free up valuable closet space for items you use more regularly.

6. Store Shoes and Accessories Smartly

Shoes and accessories can quickly pile up and create clutter. Organising them thoughtfully can help keep your wardrobe looking neat.

• Clear shoe boxes or shelving: Store shoes in clear boxes to protect them from dust, or use open shelves to easily view your collection. Label each box or designate sections for different types of shoes.
• Belt and scarf organisers: Use a small drawer organiser, or get a dedicated hanging rack for belts, ties, and scarves. These items tend to tangle or get lost if they’re not neatly stored.
• Jewelry storage: A small jewellry box or hanging organiser for necklaces and bracelets can prevent tangled messes and keep your accessories easily accessible.

7. Use a "Seasonal Swap" System

If you live in a place with changing seasons, swapping out your wardrobe every few months can make your closet feel more spacious and easier to navigate.

• Store seasonal items: Keep out only the clothes that are suitable for the current weather. For example, store summer clothes in bins or under the bed during the winter months, and vice versa.
• Label storage bins: When you pack away seasonal clothing, label each box with its contents (e.g., “winter coats,” “summer dresses”) so it’s easy to access when the season changes.

8. Keep It Maintained

Organising your wardrobe once is great, but keeping it that way is the real challenge.

• Do a quick tidy-up weekly: Set aside 5-10 minutes once a week to check your wardrobe and make sure everything is in place. It’s much easier to stay on top of small messes than to deal with a big wardrobe overhaul.
• Before buying new clothes, reassess: Before adding something new to your collection, take a look at what you already have. This will help you avoid impulse buys and keep your wardrobe streamlined.

Final Thoughts

A well-organised wardrobe isn’t just about decluttering your space; it’s about creating a system that works for your lifestyle. Whether you’re organising for efficiency, space-saving, or style, these tricks and tips will help you get the most out of your wardrobe.

And remember, the goal isn’t just to organise your clothes, but to create a space that makes getting dressed simpler and more enjoyable each day. So, take your time, have fun with it, and enjoy the process of turning your wardrobe into a space that works for you