Wardrobe decluttering checklist

Make a manageable start0/5

• Choose one drawer, rail or clothing category to sort first
• Set a time limit that leaves room to put everything away
• Clear a clean surface for sorting
• Prepare separate bags or boxes for donation, sale, repair and textile recycling
• Check what local charities or collection points will accept before filling bags

Sort each item0/8

• Check whether the item fits comfortably now
• Ask whether you wear it and whether it suits your current routine
• Check for stains, damage, missing buttons or a broken fastening
• Keep clothes you enjoy wearing and have space to store
• Set aside useful items that need a specific repair or alteration
• Put items you no longer want into the appropriate outgoing group
• Keep sentimental items separately if you want to save them without filling daily storage
• Give uncertain items a small, clearly defined space and a review date

Prepare outgoing clothes0/7

• Wash or clean donation and sale items according to their care labels
• Empty all pockets
• Pair shoes and fasten matching pieces together
• Describe wear and damage honestly when listing items for sale
• Check the receiving organisation's rules for underwear, footwear and damaged textiles
• Use an appropriate local textile collection for items that cannot be donated
• Keep wet or mouldy items out of donation bags

Put the keepers away0/7

• Wipe shelves or drawers before refilling them
• Group clothes by the way you use them, such as work, everyday and sportswear
• Put the items you wear most where they are easy to reach
• Fold knitwear and other items that can stretch on hangers
• Store off-season clothes clean and dry if you have suitable space
• Keep matching items together
• Leave enough space to remove and return clothes easily

Finish the job0/6

• Choose a date to deliver donations or take recycling to an accepted collection point
• Book repairs or set aside time to make them
• Set a deadline for selling items so unwanted clothes do not linger indefinitely
• Write down genuine gaps before buying anything new
• Revisit the uncertain-items box on its review date
• Stop when the chosen section is organised rather than emptying the whole wardrobe at once