The Art of the Closet Clear-Out

June 03, 2025

I’m all for clearing out my closet. I do it often! I love to organise and take stock of what I have, so getting dressed feels easy. 


That said, I’m also a bit of a maximalist - so don't worry, I'm not going to tell you to become a minimalist. I don’t believe that having a lot of clothes automatically means you need to downsize—unless your wardrobe is starting to cause you stress.


So how do you know when it's time to part with something in your closet? Here’s my guide to help you decide what stays and what goes:



1. You Haven’t Worn It This Year


If we’re already halfway through the year and you still haven’t worn that piece, it might be time to let it go. The exception? Truly special occasion pieces—like a gown for a wedding or a ball, that don’t get regular wear but still have a clear (keyword: CLEAR) future purpose, and you feel great in it. But if it’s an everyday item and it hasn’t made it into rotation by now… GOODBYE, KYLE.



2. It Doesn’t Fit Your Style (or lifestyle) Anymore 


Maybe you once loved it, but now it just doesn’t feel like you. If it no longer aligns with your evolving personal style, or you keep putting it on and taking it off because something doesn’t feel quite right, that’s a clear sign it’s time to move on.



3. It’s Uncomfortable


Itchy fabric? Neckline that drives you mad? A waistband that digs in every time you move? If it causes physical discomfort, it doesn’t deserve space in your life, or your closet. Clothing should make you feel good. If it doesn’t, it’s time to toss it.



4. Sentimental Overflow


Sentimental pieces are totally valid, but they shouldn’t take over your wardrobe. I once read that you should have a single box (you choose the size!) to store those emotional items. And then, if something doesn’t fit in that box, it’s time to let it go. Also, avoid hanging sentimental items in your closet—only current, wearable clothes should live there. This keeps your space functional and focused on your present self.



5. You Don’t Feel 100% in It/It's Not Functional


If something feels even slightly off, whether it’s the fit, the colour, or how it makes you feel, then it’s a no. You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in everything you wear. If you don’t love it, you won’t reach for it. So let it go.


For example - every now and again, I would get lured in (by me, I lured myself in) to buying an item with a high neckline, but then I get makeup on it every time I wore it. And for many people, this wouldn't be an issue - they would have ways around this (like putting it on more carefully/washing it after each-use), but I found that for me, it wasn't functional, because it would annoy the heck out of me! So I ditched those high neck items, and put a ban on buying them in future.



6. You Keep Meaning to Fix It… But Haven’t


We all have those pieces we meant to alter or mend months ago. If it’s been sitting there waiting for a button, a hem, or a tailor visit for more than three months—it’s decision time. Either commit to getting it fixed this week (RIGHT NOW. CALL THE TAILOR NOW), or admit it’s not a priority and say goodbye. If you’re resisting the fix, maybe you’re just not that into it after all.



7. You Love It on the Hanger… But Never Wear It


We all have items we adore in theory but never actually wear. Try this: take it out of your closet and put it in a bag or spare room. If two weeks go by and you haven’t missed it—or even thought about it, then it’s time to let it go. Loving something aesthetically doesn’t mean it needs to live in your wardrobe. In fact.. have you checked your car boot in a while? If you're anything like me, there's probably items already in there waiting to be donated or sold.



8. You Wouldn’t Buy It Again


This one is simple (and powerful! it works every time for me).


Ask yourself: If I saw this in a store today, full price, would I buy it? If the answer is no, that’s your cue to remove it from your wardrobe. We change over time, and that’s okay. Your clothes should evolve with you.



A Few Final Tips from Rosie




  • Only hang what you actually wear. A cluttered wardrobe makes it harder to put together outfits and can leave you feeling like you have nothing to wear.




  • Take care of your clothing. Follow wash instructions, hang and fold properly, air dry when you can, and wear aprons while cooking to prevent splatters.




  • Don’t toss ruined clothes—repurpose them! Cotton shirts make excellent rags or dusters. Give worn-out items one last life (and avoid cluttering the already-overloaded opshops with clothing they won't be able to re-sell, they only need clean clothing that can be worn!)




  • Try dyeing instead of discarding. If you have white items with stubborn stains, consider dyeing them. I often dye mine pink—they feel like a whole new piece!






So if you got to the end of this ramble, and feel inspired, we’d love to help give them a new home. Nifty is currently accepting consignment! Skip getting ghosted on Facebook Marketplace, and post-office-lines, come straight to 306 with your freshly laundered, neatly folded clothing, and let someone else fall in love with the pieces you’ve outgrown.


It’s a great way to extend the life of your garments—and a more sustainable way to shop. 

Until next time!


Rosie


XX