Happy Thursday! So, a few days ago, I did my seasonal clothes change, and I decluttered a little bit. It's so therapeutic for me. I go through my stuff periodically and declutter as mental health care. So, I thought to share all of the tips and tricks I've learned from my experience with you. They are super simple and easy to replicate but also budget-friendly. Personal finance is an essential topic, and I'm always hunting for some improvements. So, I hope that you'll find this decluttering guide helpful, and in case you need to talk a little further, comment below. I'm always super happy to connect, chat, and help you. 

Decluttering 101: before you start

Before you start your decluttering, I suggest setting small goals. If you are new to decluttering, the best is to start with a drawer, a shelf from your closet, or a specific category. Decluttering could be overwhelming, so set a tiny target. Speaking of targets to place, you want to decide why you're decluttering. Maybe, you want to select your clothes to create a capsule wardrobe? Do you want to remove all of the pieces that don't fit you anymore? Do you want to donate or sell the clothes you don't like anymore because you're changing style? These are some examples of targets you can set for your decluttering. 

Personally, I go through my clothes for three reasons. First of all, to remove all those that don't fit me. Then, I sell or donate those I don't like anymore. Finally, I analyze my closet to understand what I need to buy for a more conscious wardrobe. 

Decluttering 101: the essentials

Your essentials for decluttering are a tremendous happy playlist, a space to fold, check, and create piles of clothes, boxes, and hangers. 

Decluttering 101: the system 

You need a system. That's crucial for you. For example, I've learned that I can do my decluttering more efficiently and effectively if I follow the clothing category: all of the trousers, then tops, then blazers, and so on. I can't do all the types together because I can't see what I need to keep or toss correctly. 

So, I pick a category, take all of the pieces on my bed, and go through them. This way, I have enough space to create three piles: sell, keep, and donate. So, how do I decide whether a top is to maintain, sell, or donate? I ask myself three questions: 

• Does it fit me?

• Do I still like it?

• Is it still in good condition to wear?

If I answer yes to all of them, I keep it. If it doesn't fit me or I don't like it, but it's in good condition, I sell it on my Vinted account. If it's not in good condition, I donate it for recycling purposes to H&M. 

Decluttering 101: how to organize the closet

After I've done with all of my clothes and put away all those I have to donate or sell, I start to organize all the pieces I decided to keep. My mind is pretty schematic. So, I manage my clothes by category and color. It's a system I love because I can see if I need shirts and which color is missing in my edit in seconds. Also, it's easier to pick an outfit because I have different sections. It's like when you go shopping! It took me almost five years, but I'm perfecting this system in the last five years, and I'm in awe. 

For example, I recently did my seasonal change of clothes, and I saw that I have five white dresses. So, this year I'm looking for colorful or printed dresses instead of white ones. In addition, I'm building a good edit of button-downs, which I'm a proud mama of. I saw that I did an excellent job with the whites, so I could focus on the bright side of the selection. 

Decluttering 101: what I would love to know when I started

1. Progress over perfection: the key is to start. The experience will give you speed and awareness. Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase

2. It's normal to change your taste. So, don't be afraid to sell. It's a sustainable way to experiment with clothes because you can buy new ones selling your stuff.

3. Organize your clothes like you're in a store. Try to hang them beautifully and according to your actual needs. For example, do you usually pick the top first? Put all the tops at your eyes-height to see them first. Do you like colors? Organize your clothes following the rainbow scheme. It's beautiful to see and easy to find every item.

4. Try, test, and experiment with different organizational schemes. Find your personal system to style your outfit easily, keep them organized over time, and see something beautiful every time you open the closet.

Have you enjoyed this post? Do you like decluttering? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!