I love the idea of a wardrobe that feels calm, useful and a little bit inspired — not overflowing with options, but full of pieces that actually make getting dressed enjoyable. Every few months I do what I call a gentle closet purge: a slow, intentional sift through my clothes to decide what to keep, what to donate and what to mend. It’s not about harsh rules or perfection; it’s about reducing decision fatigue and honouring the things I truly love. Here’s how I do it, step by step, with the kind of practical tips I actually use in real life.
Set the mood and the rules
I start by making the purge feel like a small, calm ritual — not a punishment for having too many things. I put on a playlist, make a cup of tea, and give myself a set amount of time (usually 60–90 minutes). My only two rules are simple: be honest, and don’t rush sentimental items. If a piece needs more thought emotionally, I set it aside in a “maybe” box and revisit it later.
Take everything out — yes, everything
It’s tempting to do a quick glance and leave most things in place. I used to do that, and I’d miss how many duplicates or unworn pieces lived silently in my closet. Now I take every item out and lay it on my bed or a clean surface. Seeing everything together reveals patterns: a lot of black knitwear, a surprising number of striped tops, or three nearly identical denim jackets. That visual helps me make clearer choices.
Use a three-basket system
I sort items into three baskets as I go: keep, donate/sell, and mend/repair. That’s it. Keeping the categories broad keeps the process moving and avoids paralysis.
Ask questions, not rules
Instead of rigid rules, I ask myself a few honest questions about each piece. If the answer is mostly “no,” it moves on.
These questions have saved me from keeping things for vague reasons like “maybe one day” or “it was expensive.”
Be realistic about repairs
Not everything that can be repaired should be repaired. I make a quick list of mends and categorize them by time and cost:
| Issue | Time to mend | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Quick (under 30 mins) | High | Sew a missing button, reattach a strap |
| Moderate (1–2 hours or local tailor) | Medium | Restitch a hem, replace a zip |
| Complex/expensive | Low | Major restyling, large tears, costly material replacement |
If a repair will take me under 30 minutes, it goes into the mend basket and I commit to fixing it that afternoon. For things that need a tailor, I consider the garment’s value to me: a beloved vintage coat or a premium knit from brands like EILEEN FISHER or COS often get the tailor treatment; a high-street item might not be worth the cost. I’ve also started using repair services like The Restory for suede or leather pieces — the cost feels worth it for something I truly love.
Donation and resale tips
Donating feels good, but I also want it to be useful to someone else. I separate donations into “near-perfect” and “worn-but-loved.” Near-perfect pieces go to charity shops or local women’s shelters and can be listed on resale apps such as Vinted, Depop or Facebook Marketplace for a little extra cash that I typically reinvest into wardrobe staples. Worn-but-loved items — those with pilling, small stains or faded colours — I drop at textile recycling points. In the UK, places like Oxfam, Cancer Research UK and local church-run shops are great options. I always check charity guidelines first: some accept seasonal coats, children’s clothes or handbags, while others prefer only pristine donations.
Make mending accessible
Mending doesn’t have to be intimidating. I keep a little repair kit at home with a few neutral threads, spare buttons, a needle, safety pins and a mini sewing kit. For visible mending (one of my favourite ways to add personality), I use colourful embroidery threads or patches from brands like Visible Mending or independent sellers on Etsy. A visible patch on a knee can turn a regret into a story.
Consider the emotional weight
Clothes carry memories. I have a dress that I wore the first weekend I moved into my flat — I couldn't part with it initially. I put it in a memory box instead of the day-to-day wardrobe so it’s honoured but not in my way. For other items, I let myself be practical: if the piece is purely nostalgic and hasn't been touched in years, it’s okay to photograph it and then let it go. A photo can keep the memory without taking up space.
Build small rituals to avoid future overload
After a purge, I set a few gentle rules to keep the closet tidy: one new item in, one item out; seasonal audits at the start of spring and autumn; and a “30-wear” check — if something doesn’t reach around 30 wears in a season and I still like it, I reassess why I’m keeping it. These small practices reduce guilt and stop the clutter from creeping back.
Style-check and create low-effort outfits
Once I’ve pared down, I like to photograph four-to-six go-to outfits that feel like “me” and pin them inside my wardrobe door or save them to a folder on my phone. They’re lifesavers on rushed mornings. I focus on combinations that mix a few basics with one statement piece — a great jumper from Marks & Spencer, my trusty Levi’s 501s, a blazer that’s seen me through meetings and weekends — so dressing feels curated, not overwhelming.
Where I shop to replace thoughtfully
When I do buy, I try to choose pieces with longevity in mind. I reach for brands and stores that balance quality with cost: Uniqlo for dependable basics, Arket or COS for considered minimalism, and occasional splurges on outerwear from Patagonia or a secondhand EILEEN FISHER find. I also spend more on shoes and coats because they take more wear.
Doing a gentle closet purge is as much about mindfulness as it is about tidying. It’s a practice I return to, not a one-off event. Each time I pare down, I feel a little lighter and a lot more confident putting outfits together. If you try a slow, kind sift through your wardrobe, I hope you find the same ease — and maybe a forgotten favourite.
