5 ways to instantly create more space in your wardrobe!

One of my life’s ironies is that back in my family home in London, I have the smallest wardrobe and the most clothes! This is not an easily remedied problem, as all our wardrobes are built-in, not the the standalone kind. This has resulted in my clothing collection spilling over into one of my brother’s bigger wardrobes (which believe me, he is not happy about) but hey, it’s only fair right? With vintage pieces, big winter coats and too many shoes to count, it’s hard to downsize, especially when you just know that that turtleneck sweater you finally throw out will be next season’s item du jour (yep, it just happened). So, rather than spend a whole afternoon scrambling to throw things out, here are 5 unessential cluttering items you can get rid of right here, right now. Let’s get started:

#1 Promo tees

Yes! Everyone has these, some of us more than others. Nope, you don’t need that Amsterdam pub crawl t-shirt to remind you of the “good times”, that’s what Facebook photo albums are for. Nor do you need that freebie given out to everyone who went on the school trip to Thailand, or your grad trip to Bali. If you must, keep a few (maximum 3) to sleep in, and then let bygones be bygones. 

#2 Shoe boxes (and any other cardboard clutter)

Unless you’re a diehard sneakerhead or you’re seriously invested in your Blahniks (fair enough) you seriously don’t need to be storing all your shoes in their boxes. Recycle them at your nearest recycling point and 100% get rid of any empty shoe boxes you have lying around at the back of your closet. 

#3 Freebie canvas totes

This is a big one, as a fashion journalist I get given multitudes of canvas totes at events and with press kits. I am drowning in canvas totes. Yes, sure, some of them are pretty cute, but many of them are unuseful (read: the ones without any kind of phone-storing pocket) or are not the most aesthetic to look at. Donate them to a good cause like the Salvation Army or New2U thrift store. I always keep a few of the cutest to do my grocery shopping with, a much more eco-friendly alternative than plastic bags!

#4 Your ex’s stuff (or anything associated with them)

Okay, I believe exceptions can be made for something truly incredible that you were bought, say, a stunning Tiffany bracelet, but only if you genuinely have no emotional attachment to it. Otherwise, sell it on sister. The less expensive things can find a new home at the Minds charity shop, the really precious bits, via eBay or Carousell. Bye bye baby! Now doesn’t that feel good?

#5 The forever stained t-shirt, loose panties and that holey sweater

I feel you, that was your favourite sweater ever, back before it had a major laksa stain splashed across it. Sorry to break it to you, but if it still doesn’t come out with bleach and multiple washes, it aint’ coming out. Cut your losses, recycle it (no one else is going to want it either) and go out and buy yourself your new favourite sweater. The same rule applies with bras with underwires poking out, panties you wouldn’t want anyone else (including your girlfriends) to be seeing you in and anything that has shrunk. 

With all that space made in your closet, here are the essential items you’ll be wanting to add into that edit!