19 Useless Things to Declutter from Your Wardrobe December 11, 2018
Although I love the spirit of gift giving that the holidays bring, I hate the inevitable clutter that comes along with receiving gifts. To deal with the excess, I end up spending a ton of time decluttering. In today’s post, I’ll be sharing 19 useless things to declutter from your wardrobe before the end of the year.
Although cleaning is often a therapeutic task for me, I am growing tired of wasting so much valuable time decluttering. What is the point in reorganizing my clutter just to make room for more things?
Why is it Time to Declutter?
According to the Daily Mail, we’ll spend an average of 3,680 hours searching or 153 days searching for lost items. On average, we lose about 9 items a day (198,743 items in a lifetime)! If we spend this much time looking for lost items, how much more time do we spend cleaning?
Too often, we look at what we own with dissatisfaction, but somehow, we can’t seem to part with anything. It’s the ever-present dilemma to have a closet full of clothing, but nothing to wear. Here is a bevy of excuses we tell ourselves when we just can’t bear to part with something:
- I’ll NEED it someday
- I’m going to fix it
- I’m a collector
- I spent a lot of money on this
- This will be worth money someday
- This was a gift
- This holds sentimental value
This season, I’m tossing these excuses to the wayside and I’m breaking the cycle. No more keeping things out of fear. I want to own things that I love – things that spark joy when I look at them.
Keep reading for 19 things to declutter from your wardrobe before the end of the year.
Basic Things to Declutter from Your Wardrobe
- Pajamas that make you feel frumpy
- Old bras and undergarments that don’t fit right
- Shirts, sweaters, or pants with holes, tears, or stains that cannot be mended
- Socks with holes that can’t be mended
- Tights or nylons with tears
- Camisoles or under shirts that haven’t worn in years
- “Do nothing” pants or shirts for “wearing “around the house” that you know you wear out of the house
- Workout pants that are too long, too tight, or too big
- Pieces you haven’t worn in over a year!
Specialty Things to Declutter from Your Wardrobe
- Skinny jeans or tops that you’d wear if you could “just lose 5 pounds”
- Fancy pieces you keep just for ‘the ‘Gram’ but hate wearing in real life
- That special occasion dress you’ve worn once, but keep “just in case”
- Ill-filling pantsuits you keep for a potential interview
Accessory Things to Declutter from Your Wardrobe
- High heels that hurt you feet
- Dirty or worn out sneakers
- Dress or pant belts
- Winter hats or caps that I haven’t worn in years
- Purses, wallets, or tote bags that you haven’t used over a year
- Old backpacks or laptop bags that look dated
Final Thoughts on the 19 Useless Things to Declutter from Your Wardobe
If it wasn’t apparent from the above list, don’t hold on to items that make you feel less confident. Additionally, don’t hold onto items that don’t allow you to put your best self forward.
Too often we hoard items that we don’t use because we feel a sense of sentimental attachment. Don’t keep things just for the sake of keeping them.
True sentimental items are worth saving, but not everything that seems sentimental is worth saving.
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Did you enjoy reading about the 19 useless things to declutter from your wardrobe? Consider reading about my experience trying the KonMari method or read this post about the Packing Party method.
What items are you decluttering from your closet before 2019? I’d love to know in the comments below!
cleaning declutter destash lifestyle marie kondo minimalism new year's resolution personal self help self reflection sustainability wellness
I need to do this, too, LP. Great suggestions!
Thanks Jennifer! π I always feel like a weight has been lifted once I declutter!
I had to do this a few years ago! I started trying to donate as many items as I can and it really helps me feel better. Makeup, on the other hand, is a bit harder for me to toss π
Oh I am 100% with you on that! Makeup is my vice, so Iβm always trying new things. Thank you for your comment! β€οΈ
It is so important that we declutter our lives, whether it’s tossing out unused items, donating them, or even organizing them. These are definitely items we need to consider! I am guilty of collecting all sorts of old tech instead of disposing of them. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy β₯ exquisitely.me
Great post! I try to do this every single year and usually still keep too much things. Now I am at least trying not to buy too many new clothes.
Thank you for your comment! π I am the same way, I try to keep things paired down but I still feel like I accumulate too much! Need to work on this in 2019! βΊοΈ
I have made it a goal, now that I’ve relocated, to make my wardrobe as ‘clean’ as possible. I only buy items that I can transition through the seasons and ensure I wear constantly. I’ve donated everything to Goodwill that I have no interest in wearing. It has definitely dwindled my wardrobe, but in the best way. Thanks for sharing your tips!
xx, Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com/
This is a great approach to de-cluttering. I need to apply these criteria to my own closet this February!
Thanks Beckie!! I’ve been working through my entire house lately and it feel so good to be rid of the clutter!!
I need to do this so badly – especially with my workout clothing. I keep avoiding it because I need to get rid of things that did fit but are too tight now I’m healthier, and the clothes that look so pretty but I don’t wear because they have all the itches!
I’m getting better about throwing out holey socks but I can’t bring myself to throw out their good partners so I’m gathering a box of odd socks that I keep looking for the matches XD
Honestly, I just did this again with my workout clothing and it was SO DIFFICULT. I have such an attachment to my workout leggings. <3 And that is such a great idea for pairing odd socks together.