Experts Share Top Tips for Decluttering Your Wardrobe and Why It’s the Ideal Way to Kickstart the New Year

• Rebecca Samuels, Lifestyle Buyer at Suit Direct has teamed up with Personal Stylist Hellana Mardasian to share their wardrobe declutter tips.
• Neglecting regular wardrobe upkeep can lead to issues such as mould growth and moth bites.

As the New Year rolls in, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button and refresh different areas of our lives. One of the easiest ways to do this is by tackling the often-overlooked spaces in our homes, like our wardrobes.

A lot of us end up holding onto clothes we never wear, or we find ourselves digging through piles of forgotten pieces just to find what we need. Letting our wardrobe get out of control can lead to disorganization, it can also create a sense of mental chaos, and cause clothing items to get damaged.

To help those press the reset button on their wardrobes, Rebecca Samuels, Lifestyle Buyer at Suit Direct has teamed up with Hellana Mardasian, Personal Stylist, at Styled by Hellana, to reveal their to tips and benefits of a wardrobe declutter, along with the horrors that can come from neglecting a regular refresh.

Potential problems caused by a cluttered wardrobe:

Rebecca explained that not refreshing your wardrobe regularly can lead to a variety of issues.

“If clothes are packed too tightly, they may not have the opportunity to breathe. This can cause moisture to get trapped, creating the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to grow, especially on fabrics like cotton, wool, or linen. This can happen very easily over time if you don’t often have a sort through your clothes, we tend to just shove new clothes into our wardrobes without making new space.”  She added how this can be avoided with simple tricks. “You should ideally make sure every hanger has a finger width of space between the other, giving it breathing space, additionally we should be airing out our clothing regularly – exposing our clothes to fresh air and sunlight can help kill mould spored and prevent them from settling on fabric.”

Furthermore, Rebecca explained that dark environments like wardrobes are the perfect environment for moths to wreak havoc on clothing But, with simple tricks they can be avoided. “You can help to prevent pesky moths from biting into your clothes by investing in some scented wardrobe or drawer sachets. Aside from keeping your clothes smelling fresh, sachets with scents such as cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary are your best friend when it comes to moth proofing your clothes storage.”

Rebecca went on to say, our wardrobes could be a source of wasting money. “When your wardrobe is cluttered, you might forget about the clothes you already own, leading to accidental duplicate purchases – such as buying another cream jumper or pair of jeans, only to find out you have similar items buried in your closet.”

The benefits of decluttering your wardrobe:

Hellana explained that the New Year is the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe. “Decluttering your wardrobe offers both physical and mental benefits. Letting go of items that no longer serve you creates more space—not just in your closet, but in your mind. A clear and organised environment makes it easier to see and access the pieces you actually wear and love. Plus, by selling or donating unused clothing, you can make extra money to invest in items that make you feel confident and polished, helping you to present your best self to the world. The New Year is the perfect time to start fresh, shedding the old to make room for the new.

How do you decide what clothes to keep?

Hellana explained that creating a system is key to a successful declutter. “To start, create a dedicated rail for clothes you don’t wear or are unsure how to style. Then, work through these items one by one. Emotional attachment is natural, and it’s okay to keep items that hold significant memories—such as a wedding dress or a cherished vintage piece. However, most clothes should be evaluated based on whether they serve you practically. Consider how much space they take up and whether they contribute to your current wardrobe goals. A good exercise is to choose three words that define your personal style, for example, “elegant,” “feminine,” and “modern.” Ask yourself: Does this piece embody those qualities? If not, it’s time to let it go. Additionally, clothing that no longer fits or is in poor condition should also be let go of.”

She added “Marie Kondo’s method, with its emphasis on keeping only those items that “spark joy,” is a great approach if you’re looking to declutter with an emotional mindset. However, I also recommend combining it with a more practical approach—such as focusing on fit, function, and body shape. While “sparking joy” is a useful guideline, you should also ask yourself: Does this piece work with my lifestyle, my personal style goals, and my current wardrobe needs? I advocate for a more holistic decluttering approach that takes into account both emotion and practicality.”

How to stay motivated throughout the process:

If your wardrobe has been left untouched for months, if not years, it can seem like an impossible task to complete, however Hellana shared simple tricks to stay motivated throughout the process. “The decluttering process can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to make it manageable and enjoyable. Wear something comfortable for trying on clothes and tackling the task in stages. If your wardrobe is large, break it down into smaller sections—such as shoes, then tops, outerwear and so on—to avoid feeling swamped. You can also turn the task into a fun, social event by inviting a friend over. Prepare your favourite snacks, put on some music, and make it an afternoon activity. Having a second set of eyes can be incredibly helpful and fun, offering a fresh perspective on your clothes while making the process more enjoyable.”

How to get rid of clothes sustainably:

Whilst it can seem like the easy option to throw clothes into our household waste bins, Hellana stressed the importance of discarding clothing in a more environmentally-friendly way. “Sustainability is key when it comes to decluttering. When I guide clients through the process, we create three categories: donate, sell, and alterations/repair. For high-end or designer pieces, platforms like Vestiaire Collective are ideal for resale, while everyday items can often find a new life through charitable donations. When donating, research your options and choose causes that align with your values. For example, I personally donate to the PDSA, an animal charity, knowing that the proceeds support animals in need. This gives my decluttering process a sense of purpose, as I know my clothes are going to a good cause. Additionally, consider clothing recycling programmes or upcycling—many brands now offer take-back schemes where old garments can be reused or repurposed. In short, keep sustainability at the forefront by donating, selling, and recycling in ways that align with your values.”

Key tips to keeping a clutter-free wardrobe all year round:

Hellana explained that it can be fairly simple to upkeep an organised wardrobe. “To maintain a clutter-free wardrobe, it’s helpful to do regular seasonal edits—ideally, every three to four months. Rotate between a winter and summer wardrobe, ensuring that off-season items are properly stored. This keeps your current wardrobe fresh and accessible. Another great strategy is the “one in, one out” rule: for every new item you bring into your closet, let go of something you no longer need. This simple habit prevents accumulation and keeps your wardrobe lean and purposeful”

Rebecca added “There are some simple tricks to keep your wardrobe manageable throughout the year. Consider investing in multi-use hangers that can allow for multiple items to be stored on one, such as a cascading hanger, to save space – however, avoid overcrowding it. This is especially helpful for items like scarves or belts. Furthermore, consider putting a wardrobe tidy into your typical cleaning routine, whether that’s once a month or as the seasons change. Simple habits like hanging up clothes as soon as you’ve done the washing, or regularly letting go of items that you no longer wear can help prevent clutter from piling up.”