Spring is officially in full bloom, which means it’s time to clean it like we mean it. By now, you’ve probably already cleaned your house from top to bottom just to avoid the wardrobe, even more so if you want to do it sustainably and can’t just chuck clothes away (unless they’re seriously worn out – then just turn them into sentimental cleaning rags).
But, like many things, doing it consciously doesn’t have to be complicated, and you’re about to find out how straightforward it can be. Ready, set, go green!
Physically Clean Your Wardrobe
First, take all your clothes out and clean the wardrobe itself. Wipe down everything with a natural antibacterial spray from the rail to inside drawers. Over time, dust, dirt, and other allergens will gather on your clothes, which can wear them out faster and cause skin irritation. They’re also prone to developing musty smells from trapped moisture, so cleaning your wardrobe will keep your clothes smelling fresher for longer.
Set an Intention
What’s your reason for clearing out your closet? Are you changing your style, looking to make some extra cash for a (well-deserved) holiday, or just wanting to make more conscious choices? Setting an intention will give you a sense of purpose and motivation to keep going when you’re buried in a pile of clothes with no end in sight.
Decide on Your Style for the Next 6-12 Months
Think about what style you’ll be rocking over the next 6-12 months. Are you wanting a brighter colour palette, to embrace your femininity, or just fed up with wearing denim? Knowing the types of clothing you’re going to need in the upcoming months will help you decide what to keep and what to toss.
Imagine getting rid of something you haven’t worn yet, only to re-buy something similar in the near future – so not sustainable. If you had this conversation with yourself earlier, you would’ve kept a few more pieces.
Don’t Do It All in One Session
Spring cleaning your wardrobe isn’t something you want to rush, especially if you’re doing it sustainably. Giving yourself enough time allows you to take a more thoughtful approach. If you don’t have long, you’re likely to be impulsive and choose the quickest option which may not be the greenest.
Get Organised
You’re almost definitely going to rediscover pieces you didn’t know you had. To make sure you don’t forget about them again, create an organisational system that simplifies finding things. For example, you could keep all the same type of clothes together, arrange them by colour, or draw dividers. And most importantly, stick to it.
Resell
Online platforms, such as Depop and Revolved, make it easier than ever to resell clothes. All you have to do is upload a few pictures, write a catchy description, and then ship it out to whoever’s giving them a second chance.
But don’t write off pieces that aren’t in perfect condition, as they’ll take anything from brand new with tags to signs of wear. A makeup stain might be a dealbreaker for you, but not for someone who knows how to get rid of them. Or maybe some stitching has come undone, but if they’re good with a needle, no biggie.
To minimise transport emissions and keep it local, you can offer to sell them to your friends and family first (discount is optional!). What’s more, you’ll get the bonus of seeing them enjoy a new lease of life.
Donate
If money isn’t your motivator, you can donate clothing to charity. Even if it is, you could just donate the pieces that wouldn’t sell for much anyway. You can figure out roughly how much you can expect to get by searching similar items on the platform you plan to sell it on.
Before taking clothes to a charity shop, give them a wash and iron if necessary. This will give them the best possible chance of being resold.
Ask Yourself if You’re Going to Wear It at Least 5 More Times
And answer honestly. Holding onto things you aren’t going to wear isn’t just a total waste of space, but could be the difference between people buying second-hand and brand new. Maybe the dress you only kinda like is one someone else would completely adore, meaning they no longer need to shop fast fashion on that occasion.
It’ll also make keeping your wardrobe organised easier with fewer clothes to rummage through, and get you in the habit of shopping sustainably by asking yourself how often you’ll wear something before committing.
Don’t Wait Until Next Spring to Do It Again
Whilst it’s called ‘spring cleaning’, we wouldn’t recommend waiting another year before decluttering. Regularly sorting through your wardrobe prevents overbuying, increases the amount of clothing worn, and encourages sustainable thinking 365 days a year.
