Clothing explosion: does your wardrobe need a makeover?

Everyone has vices, be it a daily Starbucks fix or a cheeky post-work cigarette. Mine is different and it takes up a lot more room than a packet of Silk Cut or a cafetière. My habit takes up two wardrobes, half a chest of draws, four shelves and what used to be an armchair. It gobbles up my bank balance and my boyfriend definitely thinks I need a trip to rehab.  My vice, is shopping.

Shopping is my drug and, for me, there’s nothing better than coming home from the high street with a handful of bags, spreading the new pieces of closet candy out on the bed and having my own personal fashion show before putting it all away. But if you’re already doubling up your hangers and piling your possessions so high, your draws barely shut, where on earth are you going to put it all?

There is a scene in the film Confessions of a Shopaholic which sees Isla Fisher’s character, Rebecca Bloomwood, stuffing her wardrobe so full of clothes, that it bursts open, showering her flatmate in Givenchy and Lanvin. Over on the Upper East Side, fellow fictional writer and fashion addict Carrie Bradshaw has a wardrobe so large and clutter free that it makes Harrods look minute. If your wardrobe is more Rebecca Bloomwood than Carrie Bradshaw, then read on for Running in Heel’s guide to de-cluttering your closet.

Before You Begin…

● Set aside plenty of time for the task: aim for a whole afternoon or at least a few hours when you know you won’t be interrupted or distracted.

● Rope in a ruthless friend who will be strict with you and knows when to say ‘no’.

● Get a couple of bottles of wine in: a glass of wine help can lessen the pain of parting with that once cherished feather cape.

Sensationally Seasonal

Do you ever find yourself rummaging through a drawer of jumpers looking for last year’s maxi dress? Or perhaps your wardrobe is crammed with every sleeve and hem length under the sun (perfect for the schizophrenic British weather)? The simple answer is this: split your wardrobe into seasons. Jumpers can spend the summer months tucked away in boxes lined with tissue paper and some environmentally friendly mothballs underneath your bed or at the back of the cupboard. And when the seasons turn, simply put the jumpers in your wardrobe and pack away most of your summer clothes. This way there will always be plenty of room in your wardrobe. Just remember to keep a few transitional pieces in your wardrobe for unexpected weather days.

The Art of Packing

Ikea. Despite its charmless flat pack furniture, it is hot on storage and has inspired many retailers with its simple approach to efficient clothing storage. Wall hangings meant for toys can be great for storing folded sweaters and jeans out of sight, while the transparent boxes are great for storing your shoes.

A concise closet a la Carrie Bradshaw

Buy One, Chuck One

Sometimes, I make rules for myself, just to keep my shopping habits under control. One particularly helpful rule is called ‘Buy One, Chuck One’. Put simply, whenever I buy a new dress or t-shirt, I get rid of a dress or t-shirt from my wardrobe that I no longer wear, either by giving it to charity, selling it or keeping it for a swishing session.

Moving On

There are so many ways to get rid of your clothes these days – charity shops, recycling and simply giving to those in need. If you’re not sure whether you can recycle your clothes, simply contact your local council who will be able to tell you if they collect clothes and textiles unsuitable for charity in your area, or where the nearest recycling centres are that you can use. For clothes that are good enough to donate to charity, make sure what you give is clean and in good condition. Another good way of clearing out your closet, is swishing. Swishing, or clothes swapping as it is more commonly known, is one of the best ways to clear out your wardrobe while grabbing some new garments for next to nothing. There are events like this happening all over the country that cost little or nothing to attend and normally include a glass of bubbly and nibbles.

Closet Consultation

If you don’t have the time and patience to sort out your wardrobe but have some money in the bank, you could try hiring a personal stylist. Hiring a wardrobe mister or mistress, is becoming increasingly popular, especially as they can turn your wardrobe into a work of art within a couple of hours. French fashion blogger Mademoiselle Robot specialises in style consultations and her advice won’t break the bank.