Why Summer is the Perfect Time to Declutter
Summer is finally begun and after a couple of false starts and some unexpected frosts, I think its now safe to talk about saying goodbye to those bulky jumpers big coats, hats, scarfs & gloves and welcome the summer wardrobe. But before you grab your flip flops and sunglasses, lets talk about how to actually make that wardrobe transition seamless and clutter-free.
As a professional declutterer and organiser, I help busy people create calm, functional spaces that reflect the season and support their lifestyle. And trust me—seasonal swaps are one of the BEST times to declutter and get organised. Here’s how to do it like a pro.
Step by Step Guide on Decluttering Your Wardrobe Ready for Summer
Step 1: Pull It All Out – Yes, Everything!
Firstly get all the clothes out of the wardrobe/drawers/under the bed/floor – yes this will cause a mess initially. But this is the only way you can see what you actually own.
Put all the winter items to one side.
Step 2: Declutter Ruthlessly
Ask yourself:
- Have I worn this item this winter or within the last year?
- Is it in good condition?
- Does it still fit my body and style?
- Would I buy it again?
If the answer is “no” to any of these, its time to donate, sell or recycle them. The same can be done for summer items, don’t just hang something up because its summery. You only want to keep what you love or use it.
Note if there are any similarities in the items that you are disposing of, for example are they from a certain store? Do items still have tags on? Were the items on sale? Are they a similar fit/colour/size?
This will help you figure out where you may be wasting money or by spending it wisely on items that you wear to death. (I personally know to be wary of a particular store during its sales as that is where I’ve made mistakes previously).
Step 3: Clean Before You Store Away
Before packing away winter clothes, ensure they are:
- Clean and dry (to avoid attracting moths or mould).
- Folded neatly or rolled
- Labelled if stored in boxes or bags with a list of the contents
Take this is an opportunity to wipe and vacuum out wardrobes and drawers, despite being closed its amazing how much dust and fluff can accumulate in there.
Lets pause here a moment … Ideally we would have all our clothes stored together in wardrobes and drawers so its accessible all year round, with little tweaks over the year, such as moving Christmas jumpers to the back of the drawer from January to (at least) October.
But I know many people struggle with storage space and this isn’t always possible, so I will mention alternative storage solutions, for the out of season clothing.
Step 4: Use smart storage solutions
Consider using:
- Under-bed storage boxes or vacuum-sealed bags
- Clear plastic boxes
- Suitcases (the ones you are not using yet)
Store clothing in categories e.g. jumpers together, hats, scarfs & gloves together. This will make unpacking next season quicker.
Top Tip: Where you can, use clear storage, it makes it much easier to find individual items, should you required them earlier than the rest. Don’t forget to use a label, especially for duvets, so you know what size and weight it is.
Step 5: Organise Summer Clothes by Type
- Suggested categories: T-shirts, shorts, trousers, dresses, shirts/blouses etc
- Prioritise hanging items that can’t be folded easily such as soft floaty fabrics and larger items such as dresses. Smaller items work better in drawers or boxes.
- You could go a step further by separating work wear and weekend/casual wear and/or arranging tops into colours.
The goal is to create a wardrobe that brings joy when opened, items can be easily seen and found, reducing stress and time in the mornings.
Step 6: Spot Any Gaps & Shop Smart
Make a note of anything missing, or items that they need to be replaced. This will help you shop more intentionally.
Step 7: Fold, File and Store Like a Pro
- When using drawers consider using boxes to separate items and store clothing such as tops vertically so you can see everything at the same time. These don’t need to by posh boxes, I use shoe boxes.
- If you’ve loads of wardrobe hanging space and very few drawers, get imaginative and try using shower curtain rings on a hanger to store items such as belts, bras and caps.
Why fold items so they stand vertically? So you can see everything at the same time. Also, as a Wife and Mum this has given me some variety in life, as no longer does my family just wear the same t-shirts from the top of the pile, it makes the washing that little more interesting!
Final Thoughts: Make Your Wardrobe a Joy to Open
Swapping your wardrobe each season is a brilliant opportunity to reflect, reset, and create a space that really works for you. And remember—you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter or not sure where to start, I offer in-person and virtual decluttering sessions to help you take control and feel ace about your space.
If you’d like to learn more about decluttering & organising spaces see my blog Decluttering Your Home: A guide to Creating Functional & Stress-Free Spaces
