Moving to a new apartment or house is exciting, as it signifies a new chapter in your life just waiting to unfold. However, preparing for a big move is often challenging since there are a lot of things you need to consider to ensure a smooth moving process.
One task you may find difficult is decluttering your wardrobe. Sorting through all your clothes can feel like an endless chore, and by the time you’re in the middle of your decluttering session, you might find yourself on the verge of giving up.
Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful strategies that you can use to make things easier. Here are some wardrobe decluttering tips and tricks to help you get the job done.
Start ASAP
Delaying your wardrobe decluttering session is unadvisable, as procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress. When you have to deal with your clothes at the last minute, you’ll have difficulty focusing on the task at hand and spend more time worrying about the situation you’re in.
As such, it’s ideal to begin your decluttering process early. Starting as soon as possible can set a positive tone for your move, helping you to approach the task calmly and systematically. This allows you to use your time to carefully evaluate each piece of clothing and make thoughtful decisions. Additionally, starting early lets you create space for unexpected delays or changes in your moving schedule, significantly reducing the stress associated with packing and moving.
Take Everything Out
Once you’ve committed to decluttering your wardrobe, the next step is to take everything out. This may seem daunting, especially when you have a large clothing selection, but visually assessing your clothes is essential. Laying out your wardrobe provides you with a clear picture of the quantity of clothing you have accumulated over the years, letting you evaluate the full extent of your clothing collection. This way, you can make more informed decisions about what to keep and what to let go of, streamlining the decluttering process.
Sort Your Clothes Methodically
After you’ve taken everything out of your wardrobe, the next thing to do is to sort your clothes methodically. Doing so helps you categorize your items and create a sorting system that adds efficiency to the task. Begin by sorting your clothes into broad categories such as tops, bottoms, hosiery, dresses, outerwear, activewear, and so on. This helps you group similar items together and makes it easier to evaluate each category individually. You can also separate clothes by season if you’re moving to a different climate (or if the move coincides with a seasonal change) so that you can prioritize items suitable for your new environment.
As you sort through your clothes, assess the fit and condition of each item. Garments that no longer fit well or are damaged beyond repair can be set aside for donation or disposal. You should also consider how often you wear each item. If you haven’t worn something in the past year or two, it may be time to let it go, especially if it no longer fits your current lifestyle or aesthetic preferences. Following this organized approach reduces the likelihood of packing unnecessary items and makes unpacking and settling into your new home much easier.
Avoid Lingering on Old Memories
Decluttering your wardrobe before a big move can evoke memories tied to specific clothing items. While sentimental attachment is natural, it’s essential to avoid lingering on old memories that might cloud your judgment. Instead of reminiscing about past events associated with certain clothes, focus on their current and future utility. Ask yourself if the item still aligns with your current lifestyle, fashion preferences, and practical needs in your new home. This way, you can keep pieces that you genuinely love and wear regularly, regardless of sentimental attachment.
If you find it difficult to part with certain items due to sentimental reasons, consider taking photos of them. This allows you to preserve memories without the need to keep physical clothing items that no longer serve a practical purpose. You can then donate your sentimental items to charities or organizations that will appreciate and use them. Knowing that your cherished pieces will bring joy to someone else can make it easier to let go.
Use Efficient Storage Solutions
A lot of people use moving boxes to store their clothes before a big move, and while cardboard boxes are a convenient storage solution, they might not be the most efficient. If you want to ensure your clothes are well-organized and arrive at your new place in good condition, you might have to use a variety of storage supplies.
For instance, vacuum-seal bags are designed to reduce the volume of their contents so that they can be easier to pack and transport. As such, they’re ideal for compressing bulky items like winter jackets, trench coats, and ponchos. Clear storage bins, on the other hand, are great for packing clothes you want to keep but won’t need immediate access to. The transparency allows you to see the contents without having to open each bin, making it easier to locate specific items after the move. Make sure to label each storage solution you’ll use with its contents (e.g., “summer dresses,” “scarves and accessories”) to facilitate unpacking and organization in your new home.
Decluttering one’s wardrobe is often seen as an overwhelming task. However, if you’re using the right decluttering and packaging strategies, you can turn it into a transformative experience that offers a fresh start to your new home.