Tired of a Messy Wardrobe? Here’s How to Fix It for Good

• Declutter your way through it
• How to sort items
• Space-saving wardrobe ideas
• Minimalism vs maximalism
• How to maintain what you built
• Mindful shopping to reduce clutter ahead

• Declutter your way through it: Efficient Organising begins with decluttering. You can't have an overflowing cupboard and imagine it to stay in place through thick and thin. Letting go of stuff and organising what you genuinely consume and need is key to putting things in an orderly fashion. A minimal wardrobe can help you reduce stress, make it easy to maintain. Follow the rule of do you need it? Love it? Want it? Can replace it? Donate, sell or recycle items you can get rid of and reduce the amount of things you have to arrange to make the process less overwhelming and more fruitful.
• How to sort items: Sorting items depends on the type of clothes/items you own. Seasonal wardrobe organisation in a place with extreme weather would include segregating items suitable for that period vs those that are not. If you wear formal clothes often, that would demand a separate section. You could align them according to colour/pattern and occasion of wearing. Belts, purses, accessories would command separate drawers or sections and everyday wear would be placed in easier access areas. Wardrobe storage solutions can be looked into to find the perfect space for each item.
• Space-saving wardrobe ideas: You can user vertical hangers or sleek foldable velvet hangers replacing the bulky ones to be able to store more stuff. Organisers within a tall cupboard can help you compartmentalise your space and keep things organised rather than mixing everything when you use it. Extra storage under your bed can be used if the cupboard overflows. Hooks and over the door racks can help you create extra spaces you couldn't imagine before and that gives you umpteen space to keep extras.
• Minimalism vs maximalism: People have different personalities and clothing and wardrobes reflect them too. You might want to reflect on your preferred style and organise your wardrobe after you have the answers. While minimalism talks about a few select niche outfits and combinations that you really like and fusions are something you enjoy, maximalism talks about variety and more than what you might end up needing. If you are a maximalist, you might buy impromptu clothes, not worrying about where you'd store them. Once you realise your style, tailoring storage methods accordingly is key.
• How to maintain what you built: The easiest way to stay true to your planned organised wardrobe is a 'one in, one out' rule. The moment you take out something to wear, make sure you replace it with an item you were already using. This is also applicable to purchases. More often than not, we keep piling up what we wear- outside the cupboard and end up taking things out to wear. This creates a pile outside and makes organising overwhelming very soon. A quick hack is also to spend 5-10 minutes deciding your outfit for the next day before you sleep as this reduces stress on the main day and you don't end up disturbing the wardrobe more than intended because you are doing the process calmly and mindfully.
• Mindful shopping to reduce clutter ahead: Impromptu shopping is an evil that can spoil a decluttered wardrobe very quickly. Make sure you note gaps and buy accordingly or limit items that are from sheer interest- like buying not more than 3 new dresses a year. Focus on buying high quality and timeless pieces rather than fast fashion brands because they will mostly end up at the back of your cupboard a month later. Avoid shopping emotionally, think, pause and reflect on your needs if you find yourself in a spot.

Overall, organising one’s wardrobe does not work by a thumb rule. You have to go back to the drawing board to ensure you’re only stacking up what you genuinely need and like. You have to optimally use the space you have rather than simply arranging things in an orderly way. And lastly, build things you can sustain as organising is not a one-time activity. Take small conscious steps to ensure you are on track to keep things simple, clean and efficient. Watch the way you shop and do some simple steps everyday to keep things in check. Happy organising!

The frequency of organising one's wardrobe depends on the extent and variety of things you own and store. While an elaborate organising process might be needed every 4-6 months, you have to take small conscious steps everyday to keep things in place and remove unused/damaged items.

The best way to put them to use is to donate them. You could also recycle them within the house or refashion them to create something new. Selling them online is also a common practice if the cloth is in good condition.

If used efficiently, a small wardrobe can store more than a big wardrobe used inefficiently. Maximise vertical space by using organisers, use layered hangers and add hooks on doors and walls. Utilise extra space under your bed to store seasonal items.