Step Four: The First Wardrobe Edit

In stage four, we are going to start the first part of the wardrobe decluttering. When we are looking at how to start a capsule wardrobe this is an essential stage. By now you should know the styles you love, the colours you are going to base your capsule on, and what your lifestyle requirements are. So next we need to start removing whatever no longer fits with these needs. 

Now before we go on, if you are decluttering your wardrobe for the first time, I have some advice. Firstly, if an item does not fit your requirements, but you still need it for this season until you find the perfect replacement, then keep it in your wardrobe until you do. Secondly, I strongly advise you to store anything you remove for the first time somewhere which is not easily accessible, for example, a basement, loft or friends house. There are two reasons for this when you are decluttering for the first time, if you make a mistake you can make a small effort and get that item back into your wardrobe. Also, by removing the things you think you will not need and putting them somewhere not easily accessible, it gives you time to work with what you have, learn how to use a capsule wardrobe and teaches you what else you might need. 

So for the first edit, go through each item and ask the following questions;

• Damaged clothing: Is the item damaged? If so is it repairable and will you repair it? If it is fixable and it alines with your needs, then keep it but make sure you get it fixed as soon as possible. Anything that you will not repair, or can not be fixed, remove. 
• Does It Fit?: This is a delicate area. So if you are actively working towards changing your size and you see progress, then keep some options in your target size in your wardrobe. If you would like to change your size but are not seeing changes at this stage, then I advise you to remove the items that do not fit and put them away. Do not remove them entirely because if you do reach your target size, you can get those clothes back. If you are struggling to meet your target weight, then having clothes in your capsule that do not fit you may not be good for your self-esteem. 
• Your Practical Needs: How does each item in your wardrobe meet your practical needs? If something is not quite right, keep it but make a note of a specific item you intend to replace it with. Otherwise, could you remove it? 
• Frequency Of Wear: When was to last time you wore it? If it was over a year ago, consider removing it. There are very few reasons to keep something for over a year, for example, the item is for a particular event, you have recently had a baby or surgery.
• Sentimental Clothing: One of the trickiest of items to declutter can be sentimental clothing. It could be that it belonged to someone you loved, it was given to you by someone you loved, or it reminds you of a special occasion. On this occasion only you know whether you should remove it or not. Make sure this is a decision only taken by you and not influenced by anyone else. It is not worth regret. If you are not sure, then put the item away somewhere and decide at the end of the season how you feel about it then. Alternatively, you could put the item in a display box.