5 Steps To Declutter & Organise Your Wardrobe

It’s 7am, and you’re elbow-deep in a pile of tops and trousers, again. Before the kettle’s even boiled, the outfit hunt has already gone sideways

But imagine this instead: your go-to pieces lined up, every item in its place, no fuss.

A calm, organised wardrobe doesn’t just save space—it saves your morning. Here are five steps to assist in organising your wardrobe and reclaiming your day.

Step 1: Clear & Clean It All Out

Take every single item out of your wardrobe furniture. Yes, everything! From the top shelf, over the wardrobe region, and those bottom most shelves. If you have a large wardrobe, and you installed extra door pockets, they will also get a thorough cleaning.

Now, don’t just throw things into a pile. We can work smartly and be intentional. Sort your haul into four very telling categories:

• Everyday heroe
  
  
• Still fits (just about) 
  
  
• Oh, this thing
  
  
• Wildcards 

Quick clean-up tip: Ignore the urge to start sorting your rubber bands, paperclips, rogue coins or half-used lip balms. Toss them into a “deal-with-it-later” basket. They’re time-thieves in disguise.

Next Stop: The Great Wardrobe Wipe-Down 

Once your wardrobe bedroom setup is empty, it’s time to give it a deep clean. You can start by:

• Dusting every surface, including drawers, hanging rail, top shelves, and even the space above your wardrobe.
  
  
• Vacuum clean the corners—yes, even where that rogue earring has been hiding.
  
  
• Wipe everything down with a damp cloth (a microfibre one if you’ve got it, or an old tea towel if not).
  
  
• Let the wardrobe air out a bit.

If you use baskets or storage boxes, give those a cleaning hand too. No sense putting clean clothes back into dusty storage.

If you feel that the whole process is under control you can move to Step 2. But if you need ideas on how to speed up the cleaning process, read on.

Tip: Use a 20-minute timer (like the Pomodoro Method) to keep momentum while cleaning.”

Step 2: Sort It. Shift It. Send It Off.

You’ve just faced your personal wardrobe clearance mission in the cold light of day. It is time to make some bold decisions.

Because let’s face it: you haven’t worn that sequinned top in two years, and that cardigan’s been hanging on for dear life since 2016. You’re not being heartless—you’re making space for what you actually want to wear.

The Sorting Stage

At this stage you need three piles, that’s it!

• Keepers – They fit, they flatter, and you feel like “YOU” in them.
  
  
• Donate – Keep it for things you’ve outgrown, physically or emotionally.
  
  
• Discard ─ All those tattered or damaged clothes you have.

This simple triage system is your clutter compass.

Folding is a small act that makes the entire process feel calmer and more intentional. It is optional but it is always good to pause and admire your progress.

Having Trouble Letting Go? 

Try the KonMari Method (a Japanese decluttering technique) to make a decision with a positive attitude.

Hold up the item and ask: “Does this spark joy?” If the answer’s “meh”, it’s time to retire them for good. 

Trust your first instinct. Don’t second-guess it—KonMari only works if you commit. And don’t let your cast-offs go to waste. Put up the still-decent pieces in boxes and drop them off at your local Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, or community clothing bank. 

It will help you to part ways with your clothes with a clear conscience. You’ll know your clothes have found a new purpose—with someone who truly needs them.

Just a heads-up: If something’s totally knackered—stained, torn, or sagging in strange places—don’t put it back “just in case”. Check your local council’s website for textile recycling drop-offs or collection days.

Step 3: Store Seasonal Clothes In Long Term Storage

Storing Out-of-Season Clothing Like a Pro

Your wardrobe is prime real estate. Daily-use items only. Everything else? Off to long-term storage—out of sight, but never out of reach.

Start by sorting your clothes into seasonal categories. Do not overthink! Group them into broad categories:

• Autumn/Winter wear: coats, knitwear, thermals, heavy trousers
  
  
• Spring/Summer wear: shorts, light dresses, linen, swimsuits

Now, you have a very good idea you have to keep in long-term storage. That said, before you pack anything away, make sure that you have

• Washed or dry-cleaned all items. Dirty clothes are practically moth-bait.
  
  
• Folded them neatly. We need that space and want to avoid those unwanted creases.
  
  
• Lavender sachets, and cedar balls or moth repellent strips. You cannot overlook them, especially the woollens, if you want them to stay insect free.
  
  
• Silica gel packets or moisture absorbers to fight mould in damp spots.

Tip: If you want to prevent coloured clothes from transferring into one another, place acid-free tissue paper between the clothes.

Finally, the time to store your items is at hand. You can follow these steps:

1. Place your washed clothes in vacuum-sealed bags. You can choose other storage bags as well but vacuum-sealed bags help save space.
   
   
2. Put in Lavender sachets, and silica gel packets before sealing them up.
   
   
3. Place your sealed bags in storage boxes. Label each box clearly, like, Winter jumpers – clean, 2025 and Jumpers ─ clean 2025.
   
   
4. Storage boxes now go off to their designated places. They can be placed under-bed, in ottomans, or  go on top-of-wardrobe storage boxes.

Top tip: Take a quick photo of what’s inside each box. Your future self will thank you. 

When the seasons change, just reverse the process: rotate your daily wear in, refresh sachets, and stow away the rest

At this point, what’s left are the clothes you actually wear—the champions of your daily rotation. Now it’s time to give them a proper home inside your newly cleaned wardrobe.

Step 4: Create Functional Zones

Now that you’ve decluttered and grouped your clothes, it’s time to give them a proper home. No more tossing everything into the abyss and hoping for the best. This step is all about creating clear zones inside your small or extra large wardrobe — so you can actually find what you need, when you need it.

Think of it like giving your wardrobe a floor plan.

Split Your Wardrobe into Zones

Start by assigning each clothing type or category its own section. For example:

• Hanging space → for dresses, shirts, trousers, jackets
  
  
• Shelves → for folded items like jeans, jumpers, or hoodies
  
  
• Drawers or boxes → for socks, underwear, accessories

Another example of functional zones could look like:

• Everyday essentials
  
  
• Workwear and uniforms
  
  
• Gym and activewear
  
  
• Occasion outfits
  
  
• Accessories

You don’t need a fancy built-in. Just make sure each category has a dedicated space — even if it’s a labelled basket or divider.

Use Dividers, Boxes, and Tools (They Work)

Let’s be honest, “organising tools” can sound like a marketing scam — until you actually try them. A few small upgrades make a huge difference:

• Shelf dividers keep piles from collapsing into each other.
  
  
• Pull-out trays or boxes make accessories visible and easy to grab.
  
  
• Drawer inserts stop your socks from staging a jailbreak.
  
  
• Hooks or mini rails on the doors? Perfect for belts, bags, or today’s outfit.

This is your moment to customise your space based on your stuff — not the other way around.

Put What You Use Most at Eye Level

No one wants to do a full yoga routine just to reach their favourite hoodie. Use the easy accessible area (around eye and waist level) for your most-used clothes.

A cheat sheet:

• Middle section = everyday clothes
  
  
• Top shelves = seasonal stuff or items you rarely use
  
  
• Bottom drawers or boxes = shoes, extras, or off-season gear

Basically: the more often you reach for it, the closer it should be.

Whether it’s a compact space or a full-size wardrobe with shelves and drawers, smart zoning makes all the difference. Creating sections isn’t about perfection — it’s about making your wardrobe work for you. When everything has a place, getting dressed becomes way less chaotic and way more satisfying.

Step 5: Place Everything with Precision

This step brings precision, logic, and a dose of calm aesthetics to each drawer, shelf, and hanging rail.

Drawers: Daily Essentials and Small Items

Use compartmentalized storage boxes like the ones shown in the image to divide your drawer into zones. Each item has a snug slot — not only does it maximize space, but it also makes grabbing what you need super fast.

• Top Drawer: Underwear, socks, bras, and nightwear.
  

1. Use small-grid boxes for socks and undergarments.
   
   
2. Fold underwear and socks using the file-folding style (folded and kept vertically)
   or roll-fold method for visibility and space-saving.
   
   
3. Colour-code or group by category — solids, prints, thermals.
   
   

• Middle Shelf: T-shirts, jumpers, and leggings.
  

1. Use larger rectangular compartments.
   
   
2. Fold vertically so items stand upright — Marie Kondo style.
   
   
3. Keep neutrals and everyday pieces toward the front, bold/seasonal at the back.

Try this: Choose soft fabric organizers with flexible sides so they adapt to drawer dimensions. Bonus if they're washable!

Shelves: Stacked Yet Accessible

Shelves are best for bulkier foldables and items used often, but not daily.

• Bottom Shelf: Jeans, joggers, lounge pants — stacked horizontally, 3–5 max per pile.
  
  
• Middle Shelf: Sweaters, hoodies, cardigans — neatly file-folded in open baskets or shelf dividers.
  
  
• Top Shelf (eye level): Piles of daily-use tops and folded kurtis — use a shelf riser if stacking is deep.
  

Add acrylic or wire shelf dividers to keep stacks neat and avoid that dreaded toppling.

Worth Noting: If you don’t have multiple drawers or shelves? No stress—combine categories or use dividers instead.

Storage Boxes: Seasonal & Occasional

Use labeled storage boxes with lids or zip closures for:

• Seasonal rotation – e.g., woolens in summer, swimsuits in winter.
  

• Partywear, sarees, or occasion-specific outfits.
  

• Off-size or rarely used extras like backup socks or travel pouches.
  

Store them under the bed, top shelf, or back corners of shelves. Use boxes with see-through lids or label tags so you’re not digging blindly later.

Hanging Section: Structure for Delicates and Drapes

Reserve hanging space for items that wrinkle easily or need breathing room:

• Dresses, formal shirts, blazers, suits, sarees (on saree hangers), dupattas.
  

• Use slim velvet hangers to prevent slipping and save space.
  

• Group by type and colour — e.g., all white shirts together, all kurtas together.
  

• If dupattas are part of daily wear, use a multi-loop scarf hanger for easy access.
  

Add a few clip-on hanging organizers for belts or neckpieces — total game changer.

Top Shelf: Long-Term and Low-Frequency

This space is ideal for:

• Luggage cubes with off-season clothes
  
  
• Extra bedding, baby keepsakes, or backup essentials
  
  
• Festive wear packed in breathable bags
  
  

Use uniform boxes with front handles. A step stool nearby will encourage you to actually use what’s stored up there. If you do not want to try these Ideas, you can try searching for “space saving wardrobe ideas” online.

Add a Few Smart Extras 

If you’ve got the space (or the ambition), try adding these optional wardrobe ideas that are easy to implement”

• Colour Coding: Use pastel coloured boxes for one child, bolds for another; or red tags for winter wear, blue for daily wear.
  
  
• Labels: Especially on box lids or shelf edges — icons help little ones too!
  
  
• Rotate by Use: Keep frequently used items at eye/chest level. Swap out as seasons shift.
  
  
• Visual Inventory: Once done, take a pic of each drawer or shelf layout. Super helpful for resets!
  
  
• A “worn once” rail or hook for items that aren’t dirty but not fresh
  
  
• A donation bag tucked in a corner — makes editing out stuff way easier
  
  
• Over-the-door pockets – perfect for accessories, shoes, scarves, or even gym gear. They make use of dead space behind doors.
  
  
• Hanging vertical shelves – ideal for folded clothes, handbags, or storing categories like workout gear or knitwear.
  
  
• Pull-out baskets – for grab-and-go storage, especially for high or low shelves.
  
  
• Hooks (inside doors or walls) – great for bags, belts, or planning next-day outfits.
  
  
• A little tray or box for lint rollers, cedar blocks, or fabric spray (yes, you’re that organised now)

BONUS: Wardrobe Maintenance Blueprint

A tidy wardrobe doesn’t stay that way by accident. Here’s how to maintain it with minimal effort and maximum impact:

1. The 5‑Minute Daily Tidy

Before bed or while grabbing your pyjamas, take a quick look:

• Are you going‑to pieces in place?
  
  
• Is there anything flung over a chair?
  
  
• Does laundry need moving to the basket?

If something’s out of place but not urgent, drop it in a labelled “Sort This Weekend” basket. Done in minutes, this keeps chaos from creeping back.

2. Weekly Reset

Pick a day—Saturday morning works for most.

• Empty the “Sort This Weekend” basket and put things away.
  
  
• Restock your key weekly outfits using the storage zones you’ve already created.
  
  
• Give shoes a once‑over: quick clean, polish, back in place.

3. Monthly Review

Once a month, ask:

• What haven’t I worn? Why?
  
  
• Is it time to store it, donate it, or give it one last try?
  
  
• Any minor repairs needed?

4. Seasonal Refresh

When the weather shifts, your wardrobe should too.

• Rotate seasonal clothes out of long‑term storage.
  
  
• Repack items you won’t use—with moth repellent, fresh sachets, and care.
  
  
• Use this moment to donate what no longer fits your body or lifestyle.

Wardrobe maintenance isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—and about making your space work for your actual lifestyle, day by day. These small rituals help you stay ahead of the mess so you never have to go through a full clear-out again.

Want a bit of backup? Download our Wardrobe Maintenance Tracker—a printable checklist in a calendar format that you can stick on the inside of your wardrobe door. It’s simple, visual, and quietly effective. A little tick each day is proof you’ve got this.

You’ve already done the hard bit. Now keep it beautiful.

Organised Wardrobe Quietly Changes Everything

There’s something quietly powerful about opening a wardrobe that simply works. No digging, no second-guessing—just a calm, well-laid-out space where every hanger and drawer earns its keep. Mornings start smoother, with less stress and more ease, because your clothes are no longer hiding—they’re ready. That sense of control ripples out: fewer impulse buys, clearer choices, and a surprising clarity in your daily routine. 

You no longer feel overwhelmed by stuff you don’t wear, and the pieces you’ve passed on now serve someone else—making your small act of decluttering feel surprisingly meaningful. And maybe best of all, when you catch your reflection in the mirror, there’s no noise—just a quiet confidence, because what you’re wearing finally matches who you are now.

Wrapping Up

A modern wardrobe isn’t just holding your clothes—it supports your lifestyle, simplifies your choices, and adds calm to your day. Every hanger, shelf, and drawer should support your lifestyle, not stress it. If you're short on inspiration, look at simple wardrobe ideas online that match your space and lifestyle—small tweaks can bring huge results. Whether you’re dressing for work, rest, or play, let your wardrobe reflect who you are now — and who you're becoming.

FAQs

What methods can be used to declutter a wardrobe effectively?

There are several well-loved approaches that help simplify wardrobe clutter. The KonMari Method encourages keeping only what "sparks joy," creating emotional clarity while decluttering. For a more practical lens, the 90/90 Rule asks whether something has been worn in the past 90 days—or is likely to be in the next 90. If the answer’s no to both, it may be time to let it go. These methods can be used alone or in combination, depending on what feels more realistic or motivating.

How can seasonal clothes be stored without cluttering up limited space?

Storing off-season clothing doesn’t need a massive loft or walk-in wardrobe. Vacuum-sealed bags, under-bed storage, and labelled storage boxes can make a world of difference. Adding cedar balls or lavender sachets helps preserve fabrics, and taking a quick photo of what’s inside each box can prevent mid-season rummaging later.

What are some wardrobe organisation tools that actually make a difference?

Simple additions often make the biggest impact. Velvet hangers create uniformity and save space. Hanging organisers, shelf dividers, and clear storage boxes can add structure without overcomplicating the system. For small accessories, over-the-door pockets or drawer inserts can tame the chaos quickly.

How can clothing be protected from moths and damp during storage?

Natural protectants like cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or rosemary bundles can be placed inside drawers, boxes, or hung between clothes. Silica gel packets help combat moisture, especially in woollens. Ensuring clothes are clean before storage is key—moths are especially drawn to body oils and food traces.

What’s a realistic way to keep a wardrobe tidy over time?

Staying organised isn’t about constant perfection—it’s about creating small, repeatable habits. A five-minute evening reset (like rehanging clothes or returning items to their spots) can go further than a once-in-a-blue-moon overhaul. Monthly check-ins and a seasonal swap routine also help stop clutter from building quietly in the background.