How to declutter your wardrobe for the new year

There’s never been a better time to get rid of those tatty jumpers (Getty)

Entering a new year offers the chance for new beginnings, and while we typically assign ourselves to a long list of resolutions that, chances are, we just won’t stick to, one commitment worth fulfilling is – clearing out your wardrobe.

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of clothes in your cupboard? Then there’s never been a better time to get rid of those tatty jumpers and jeans that don’t quite fit anymore.

That being said, letting go of items you’ve owned for years can be tough – so to help you figure out what it is you really need we’ve put together some tips on how to declutter your wardrobe for the new year.

Create a capsule collection

Most of us tend to wear the same pieces over and over again, creating our very own signature look, so when you’re looking to re-evaluate the amount of clothing in your wardrobe it’s a good idea to start by building a collection of your most-worn pieces. Doing so should help you separate the wheat from the chaff, or in sartorial terms, the clothes you actually wear from those extra pieces you hang onto “just in case”.

Chuck the trends

While it’s great to experiment with new trends each season, the likelihood is that they’ll fall out of favour pretty soon, so a wardrobe overhaul offers a great opportunity to get rid. Instead, stick to basic pieces that will build the very foundation of your wardrobe and the building blocks of each outfit you wear. Of course this will vary depending on your personal style, be it a couple of great pairs of jeans, a crisp white shirt or cashmere jumpers.

Be ruthless

Easier said than done, we know, but having a good clear out means it’s time to get strict. For starters, the rule of when you last wore something might sound cliché but it works; if you haven’t worn something in the last six months then it’s time to say goodbye. Unless it’s an heirloom or has sentimental value, in which case you should consider getting some storage space. If you’re stuck as to whether to part with an item or find yourself with a mounting “maybe” pile then you should ask yourself other tough questions, such as how you felt last time you wore it, whether you actually will wear it and is it easy to style?

Donate, donate, donate

It’s really helpful to create separate piles when deciding what to keep, give to charity, sell or recycle. But while some more expensive pieces might be worth shifting online, selling your duds might not be the best option. Instead, avoid unwanted clothes slowly creeping their way back into your wardrobe and just donate to somewhere they’ll prove more useful or drop at a textile recycling point.

Establish new rules

Now that you’ve successfully cut down your clothing, it’s important to make sure your wardrobe doesn’t become suffocated by clutter once more. To do this you need to establish a new set of rules for when you go shopping.

The “one in, one out” rule is a great way to monitor your spending, so decide on a number of clothes you want and stick to it. Similarly, if you’re tempted to splurge on an item, go away and think about it, don’t impulse buy – chances are you’ll forget all about it. Alternatively, if you really do want to pick up some new pieces, try to “buy less and buy better”. This way, you’ll be more likely to invest in staple items that will last than throwaway fast fashion.