Wardrobe Cull - Finally got round to starting and am amazed at how liberating it is!!

[StyleOverSubstance]

Have amassed a collection of clothing in a variety of sizes to cope with pre/during/post pregnancy wear and got to the point where I seemed to have piles of clothes yet still had nothing to wear. Now that our family is complete and I should theoretically be a constant size, I would love to be able to just open the wardrobe and see items that all go together and fit well, are in colours and styles that suit me so that I always look neat and put together with minimum effort on my behalf as I have little spare time in the morning to waste faffing around.

I feel as though I always look a mess compared to some of the other mums I see on the playground and I seem to have lost my way style wise anyway, so need to rediscover what works for me now, not before the children when I had more money to spend on clothing and more time to try different looks. Was also more in touch with current trends as had a lunch time from work where I could browse around shops and see what stock had come in rather than trying to do the same with bored/tired/hungry children in tow.

So after reading some of the S&B threads, have started to de-clutter in a big way and got rid of items that I have been keeping thinking I will slim back into them. I wont - my shape has changed through pregnancy, so even if I do get back down to the smaller sizes, so it is just depressing me that I have these items in my wardrobe that realistically, I am never going to be able to wear again.

Items that were expensive, big guilt trip as I feel I should hang on to them because they were expensive. So again have applied the 'does it fit, is it flattering' rule and if it ticks both boxes it can stay. Although it has been tough getting rid of so many things, there is also a huge sense of relief as I know what is left does work and I can fill in the gaps of what I need so that I do have a decent working wardrobe - although don't want to spend a lot on items as I still need to lose some baby weight.

Fashion items that are no longer in fashion, those little splurge purchases to update a more classic piece of clothing - have been pretty ruthless there too and consigned them to the charity shop pile.

Had also got into a 'clothing rut' where seem to be wearing the same sort out outfits all the time as it is quick, practical but not very exciting.

Anyone else interested in joining my de-clutter and take control campaign, or any tips to help with the process much appreciated!

Ooh I love a declutter. I sell mine on ebay and it funds my holidays! I would dearly love a capsule wardrobe where I can swish hangers about. I'm still a fair way off that but now I try to get rid of two items for every new one I buy. That's a really effective strategy.
Also I only buy things I love, liking isn't enough.

Is it still worthwhile selling clothes on eBay, then? Or do they need to be really current?

Hey, I'm about to do this tomorrow!
Has anyone discovered any online de-clutter guidance?
My big problem is I simply don't have the houseroom for a large collection of clothes...

I'm in too!

I've been working on this since about June. Yes absolutely liberating. I am still aspiring to the 30 odd item wardrobe that provides outfits for all eventualities and it all goes together, but am not far off. My top tip is to keep at it. Cull on a weekly or fortnightly basis. As you narrow down what you have you can see more easily what you actually wear. I have been working on various uniforms for weekend and work. Work, smart tailored non jersey dresses, one suit, a couple of separates skirts trousers and jackets that can be all mixed and matched. Weekend, obligatory jeans and stripey tops, slightly smarter and quirkier dress and ankle boots. One going out outfit for Sunday best. But it is an ongoing project, and a lot of effort to sort properly.

I have ebayed a lot. Basic rule for me has if I'd pay a fiver for it it is worth ebaying

Good luck!

My battle is that I'm 3 sizes bigger than I was before babies so am in fact adding to my wardrobe to felt half decent in the meantime. Trying to keep it minimal and adhere to the capsule wardrobe I desire... But so hard to part with the smaller, lovelier clothes I wish fitted. Like you say OP, even when I lose the weight I'll no doubt be a different shape. And will have earned the luxury of treating myself to new things. And I never had a daughter to pass on 2009 dresses to in 20 years time! Maybe they can go.

Quite a few people on previous threads have said it isn't worth selling on ebay any more as too much time and effort for too little reward. I did think about doing that with some of the more expensive items, but then decided that if I still had things hanging around they may well end up back in the wardrobe!

I have been really strict about it this time - have got a 3 tub system going (borrowed kids toy tubs!) so tub 1 is items to go, tub 2 is items to stay, tub 3 is items to be reviewed.

Basically, am doing a quick sort first, so I pull an item out of the wardrobe or out of bags or suitcases stored in the loft and make an instant decision of stay or go.

If go, it is put in a tub lined with a bin bag and when full, is tied and put in the hall ready to go as we have a local good cause I can take bags to on the same day, so that is it, it is gone for good.

If stay and a definite keeper, then put in pile of keepers (but as I am sorting everything, some items are summer wear which need to be stored again until summer) current season stuff can stay out. Other items which I am not sure about, will look over again later on and make a final decision, this is usually the more expensive items as I don't want to get rid if I can make use of them as I don't have the budget I used to have to spend on clothing pre-children.

Found doing it this way worked best for me as I saw more instant results and it keeps me more motivated to see the task through - that and bringing everything into the lounge so I have space to work and can watch something on telly so I don't get bored !!!

brie - I am in exactly the same position, had added to my wardrobe as had gone up a size with each pregnancy, as well as buying a larger size to accommodate a bump whilst pregnant, so that is how I have come to have a large collection of stuff but seem to have little to wear. Think some of it comes down to body image too for me - I used to be able to wear most things and get away with it as I was tall and slim, but now carrying extra weight I feel a lot more self conscious and tend to dress more conservatively.

I had a HoC day and went down to a really small capsule wardrobe of right colour, right shape clothes. I now have two pairs of trousers, a skirt, a couple of jacket shape cardigans, two blouses and a handful of lightweight jumpers all neatly hanging in my wardrobe. It makes mornings so much quicker as they all mix and match and I find it so much less stressful. They are less squashed and so don't need ironing and it was so liberating clearing it all out. I'm the sort of person that does rather like rules that take the thinking out of mornings.

I'm thinking of trying to go "minimal" in other areas of my life!

Ladies, if you have items that are worth selling have you tried dress agencies. They will let you know if they can use your item and when sold they will take a percentage and then send you the money when sold. Generally they take higher end to middle clothing.

Newname your wardrobe sounds lovely. So easy to work with.

I did my own unplanned version of this when I moved about 8 weeks ago.
I packed all my clothes away in suitcases and then packed my usual clothes that I wear all the time separately as though packing for a holiday.

8 weeks later I have bought a couple of pairs of trousers and a handful of tops.

I have not wanted or needed anything from my suitcases at all. Just wondering how long to leave it before I open them. Or get rid of the whole lot without sorting [brave-foolhardy]

Wow Miss, that is a real eye-opener isn't it - just shows what you wear the most and actually need if you have managed without the rest of your stuff. Am beginning to think maybe I haven't been ruthless enough.........

NewName, love the idea of the HoC wardrobe and I think it will be one I look into when I am nearer to my target weight - did you buy better quality pieces as you were buying fewer items? Is the idea that you ditch the whole lot at the end of each season and buy all new according to the rules they have given you for your colour and body shape?

I just put the capsule together from what I had; some Hobbs, JL, M&S Primark, Phase 8. I have a list of what I need to complete the capsule from my style day work book, but haven't found what I want yet, so I'm happy to stay with what I have until the perfect pieces come up. And yes, I will buy quality (££), but am just as happy to buy Matalan, etc. if I find what I want there.

I need a proper jacket, some warmer tops, another skirt and a dress, plus accessories to complete the list.
All the bottom half bits and cardigans I have so far are black and I have brighter colours for the tops. (I'm a winter)

Ebay is definitely tougher than it used to be. I used to sell 3/4 of the items I listed, now my hit rate is about 20%. I've made thousands over the years so it's been worth it for me. I usually only buy branded clothes so they have a resale value.

30 items is way off - I have more than that in cardigans alone even getting to 100 items would be an achievement. I used to have a horrendous shopping habit and have quite simple taste - v neck cashmere jumpers in neutral colours, for example - it's quite hard to be ruthless when I still like it all.

Up to my neck right now in bin bags...

I have sold a few clothes on eBay recently and done ok. But you do need to be a bit selective. I tend to stick to well known brands of decent quality - from the clothes I have Boden and White Stuff do well, in pretty much perfect condition and either decent plain colours or distinctive patterns. I sold a Boden needlecord dress that was a few years old but too big for almost what Boden are selling them for now. I am sure it is because this season's colours are a bit weird and the one I was selling was navy.

I agree thAt it is very liberating reducing your wardrobe. I have just sold some things I didn't wear for £220 and lust feel so much better having a wardrobe with just the things I wear in it. I've also sent two bags the charity shop that they sold for £80 ( our hospice shop sends you an email after a couple of months). I've recently lost nearly 3 stone so I 'll save the money for new summer clothes next year. e bay is fine ( and much easier to do than it used to be) provided the makes you are selling are good ones - I find Toast and Brora sell particularly well.

Aargh higgle so jealous of that 3 stone you lost! And styleoversubstance that's going to be my reward at a later date too, the colours thing. Still breastfeeding though, using that as an excuse for all kinds of sugary mistakes.

Am ebaying as much as I can't stand but OH keeps interfering and reminding me how good I looked in things... "Don't sell all your clothes -just lose weight". And I keep seeing boots I want to bid on!!

I'm having a big clearout right now too. Just hate that feeling when you go to choose clothes and have 'nothing to wear ' even though your wardrobes are bursting at the seams! I think I may be a clothes hoarder- I find it incredibly hard to get rid of clothes- even the ones I've never worn or which don't fit. I'd love to have a wardrobe of easy to wear outfits though so I can see the benefit of decluttering- just need to stick with it!
I'm trying to lose 3 stones and have got the first one out of the way so I'm getting rid of all the larger sized stuff on eBay- i agree that it works if you have branded stuff in good condition such as Boden, white stuff, fat face etc.

I also have a bag full of fairly rubbish stuff that I keep adding to and that will go to the 'cash for clothes' place that pays per kg weight- you don't get much for it but it might pay for someone's Christmas present this year!

Anything in between eBay stuff and cash for clothes stuff, ill probably give to family/friends or charity.

Here's to sleek, well- fitting, flattering capsule wardrobes for us all- soon!!

Hi! I've been slowly de cluttering for over a year now. Have been slowly losing weight at same time! Sell approx 10 items on eBay a month. Usually brings in around £100 or more a month so pays for my impulsive spending habit!!!! ;-) No seriously, I've got some great stuff in my wardrobe now:

Winter smart/wedding outfit
Summer smart/wedding outfit
3 more gorgeous dresses that I love. 1 smart/casual versatile one
2 pairs jeggings
2 Smart/casual skirts
Great jumper pretty
2 great cardigans
Layering jumpers

All pretty new and really like wearing them but not finished yet! Need boots that I love, a long waterproof mac for cycling, thermal tights, couple of fab everyday winter dresses and I'll be sorted

Maybe we should do a mini challenge 10 items each (other than the super declutterers) by the end of tomorrow.

Am staying away from home tonight but itching to get back and clear after reading about these amazing pared down wardrobes.

And I've also lost weight - is there a link here? I'm not just chucking the things which don't fit!

Just sold my ski trousers for 99p. Not rolling in it yet but one bulky item gone. Been quite ruthless today... However am realising I have a lovely capsule wardrobe already, just too small, all of it. Black three piece suit, grey wool dress, silk tops and a-line skirts. Then literally swamping this beloved capsule are my fat clothes... Quite emotional getting rid of the things I felt so good in!! I guess I'll get back there and new clothes will await me when I do! However in the meantime I can't ditch everything I dislike or i'll me in pyjamas 24/7.

Oh dear - not such a good weekend, have carried on with the sorting, but reached a collection of bags of stuff that I like a lot and am finding it really hard to part with. Only way I can keep them is to be more ruthless with some of the other things I have already sorted and put away as keepers. Looks like I am going to have to go through again and have a sort of 'best of the best' scenario as I just haven't the space to keep everything I would like to keep. DH reckons I need several lifetimes or clones to wear all the stuff I want to keep (no help from him, as he has the bare minimum of clothes he can get away with for work and leisure. It is a big event when he decides he needs something new to wear). Just have to keep going and keep a picture in mind of a gorgeous organised wardrobe with items that all go together and fit perfectly, sigh and not weaken!