Wardrobe Refresh: How to Organise, Declutter, and Start Fresh

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a fresh start, and one of the best ways to kick things off is by giving your wardrobe a makeover. Whether you’re stepping into a new season or just want to simplify your routine, decluttering and organising your closet can make getting dressed easier and more enjoyable.

It’s not just about clearing space—it’s about creating a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and ready for anything. I’ve seen it time and again—clients who go through my Wardrobe Plan Makeover always feel lighter, often saying, "I feel like a load has lifted."

Let’s walk through the steps to help you refresh your wardrobe and your mindset.

Step 1: Get Everything Out

You can’t organise what you can’t see! Start by taking everything out of your wardrobe. If you have a clothes rack, hang everything on it. If not, drape your clothes over your furniture or lay them out on your bed. This way, you can get a clear look at what you're working with.

Step 2: Identify Your Favourite Pieces

Next, sort through the items you wear the most—the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable. These are your go-to pieces. Set them aside, as they will form the foundation of your refreshed wardrobe.

Step 3: Spot What You Didn’t Wear

Now, look at what’s left. Chances are these are the clothes that no longer feel quite right. Maybe they’ve gone out of fashion, they don’t fit properly, or they were a shopping mistake. If you’re not wearing these pieces, they’re just clutter, making it harder to choose an outfit each day. This is where that “wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear” feeling comes from.

Take a close look at your favourites. This is the true quantity of clothing you actually enjoy wearing. You might realise it’s time for a wardrobe restock.

Tip: If you fluctuate between sizes, it’s okay to keep the other size, but store it somewhere else. Only keep the items in your main wardrobe that fit you right now and make you feel great. Anything that brings you down? It’s time to let it go. Life’s too short to feel bad about what’s in your wardrobe!

Step 4: Declutter Without the Stress

Struggling to let go of some items? I get it! If you’re not ready to part with them, here’s a trick: bundle up the clothes you’re hesitant about and store them somewhere out of sight. Mark your calendar for six months from now. If you haven’t missed them by then, donate them guilt-free to a charity, consignment store, or Dress for Success drop-off at Maxwell Drycleaners.

Warning: Don’t be tempted to peek inside the bundle before you donate—it’s a slippery slope back into keeping clothes you don’t need!

Step 5: Make a Shopping List

Now that you’ve narrowed down your favourites, it’s time to fill in the gaps. Look at your go-to pieces and ask:

  • What outer layers (cardigans, jackets) do I need to go with my tops?
  • Which tops go with my favourite jackets or cardigans?
  • What bottoms (trousers, skirts, capris) work with those tops?
  • Don’t forget about shoes and accessories!

Step 6: Start Fresh with Purpose

Now that your wardrobe is decluttered, and you’ve identified what you need, it’s time to make a plan. Whether it’s adding a few key items or investing in quality pieces that work across multiple outfits, your fresh wardrobe will make getting dressed easier and more enjoyable.

Get In Touch

Cleaning and restocking your wardrobe can be a fun and rewarding process. If you’d like some expert help (and want to make the experience more enjoyable), I’d love to assist you. Email me at jgcosmetics@gmail.com or leave a message at (03) 385 5485 with your best contact details, and we’ll set up a time to chat.



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