Decluttering is more than just getting rid of a few things from the dusty back part of a cupboard. Clutter-clearing, whether it’s in your wardrobe, garage or make-up drawer, helps us create order. In short, getting control of your stuff makes you feel more in control of your life, and helps bring about a sense of inner calm.
In this time of Covid-19 lockdown, it makes sense to spend time sorting out any messy areas you may have in your house, and it can be a cause for doing good, too, as shelters and people in need can benefit from things you don’t use anymore. Look out for groups who have official accreditation to be collecting right now, or join in on charitable efforts that will regain momentum post-lockdown.
ALSO SEE: Top Tips For Wardrobe Decluttering
Wardrobe decluttering and styling workshop
We love a live virtual series taking place on Zoom, called the #LIVEFULLBLOOM Virtual Series. On Tuesday, April 14th at 17h00, they’re hosting a Declutter And Style Your Wardrobe workshop in support of Vintage with Love, an annual charity that sells fabulous fashion to raise funds for female literacy and education.
Roxy Burger, TV Presenter and host of E! Africa’s “How do I look SA”, will lead a declutter & styling discussion with celebrities and influencers like stylish blogger Kefi Mabote, fashion guru Jackie Burger, co-founder of Vintage with Love, Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly, and actress Leandie Du Randt. The workshop is to encourage people to clear out their wardrobes and donate clothes to the Vintage with Love cause.
ALSO SEE: The Seasonal Wardrobe Switchover
Expert tips on wardrobe decluttering and styling
Ahead of the workshop, here’s a peek at some of Jacquie and Leandie’s top decluttering tips…
Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly – Ex-fashion magazine editor and co-founder of Vintage with Love
1. It’s a two-step
Decluttering is a two-step process: Sort what you’d like to throw out first, and organise later. Don’t try and do both at once.
2. Stay focused
Focus on what you want to keep, rather than what you want to discard. It’s subtle, but it works!
3. Organised clearing
Start three piles: keep, donate, and maybe.
4. Beware of hard to use items
Some items hold great promise when you buy them, but then prove to take a lot of effort before you can use them. Don’t keep difficult clothes that need pressing before you wear them or that need special underwear. They end up not being used, which makes us feel guilty, and they contribute to clutter.
5. If you have multiples, pare them down
It’s easy for a cupboard to get crowded, so curate your wardrobe by thinking carefully about what you want to keep. So you love white shirts? Toss the grey ones and the ones you haven’t worn for ages.
ALSO SEE: This Is What’s Really Keeping You From Decluttering Your House
Leandie Du Randt – Actress, presenter and author
1. If you go shopping now will you buy the item again?
This tip is as simple as what it sounds. If you go through each item in your cupboard and you wouldn’t spend money on it at this moment in your life, it needs to go.
2. Does it spark joy? #konmarimethod
I haven’t read the Marie Kondo book yet, but one of my good friends told me about this method last year when I went through a divorce. She said the best thing I can do for myself is to get rid of anything in my house, including clothes, that doesn’t spark joy within me when I see, touch or wear it. If it holds a bad memory or sparks a bad attitude or feeling, chuck it.
3. Have you worn it the past six months?
I say six months because then you at least have a bit of all the seasons to make a realistic judgement of whether you could have worn an item or not. But if it’s been six months and that item hasn’t been put on your body, you really need to let it go.
4. Cupboard display
Take time each season to tidy up your wardobe, and arrange the clothes in ways that make you happy when you open your closet. Pretend that it will be on display for the world to see every day. This will make it easier to find stuff and help you look forward to picking out what to wear on a daily basis.
5. Chuck the old ‘YOU’
I realised this while going through a divorce. You have to chuck the clothes that represents the old ‘YOU’. Get rid of clothes that make you sad or hold negative memories. Reinvent yourself and your style in this new phase of your life – you owe it to yourself.
ALSO SEE: The Seasonal Wardrobe Switchhover
Register online to join the #LIVEFULLBLOOM Virtual Series De-Clutter & Styling Workshop in support of Vintage with Love on Tuesday, April 14th at 17h00.
Vintage with Love is the dream of a group of savvy, fashion-forward women doing their part for the community by incorporating fashion and charity into one fun event, a vintage fashion sale. All money raised goes to literacy charities. For more, see vintagewithlove.co.za
ALSO SEE: Why Wardrobe Decluttering Is Good For Your Well-being
Compiled by Editorial Director, Frith Thomas
