How to Organise Your Closet to Optimise Usage

Many of us have experienced the frustration of feeling like we have "nothing to wear" despite staring at a closet full of clothes. This feeling not only causes personal stress but can also lead to increased and often unnecessary consumption. We live in an age where fashion is constantly evolving, and the temptation to buy new items is ever-present. However, for both environmental and economic reasons, it is essential to curb overconsumption—especially of clothes we rarely wear. By thoughtfully organising our wardrobes, we can reduce our environmental footprint, save money, and feel more comfortable and confident in what we already own.

From an environmental perspective, it’s important to reduce our overall consumption of clothes, especially those that we don’t use regularly or for extended periods. By making the most of what we already own, we avoid contributing to the unsustainable demand for fast fashion. From an economic standpoint, we all want our purchases to be worth it—items that are not only useful but spark joy and fulfil our regular needs. Socially, how we dress reflects our personalities, gives us comfort, and helps us feel at ease with ourselves, whether fashion is something you approach as a hobby, a form of personal expression, or simply a practical necessity.

No matter your relationship with clothes—whether you love fashion, prefer practicality, or somewhere in between—organising your closet can help you get more out of what you already have. While many wardrobe organisation guides suggest pulling everything out and going through each item one by one, this can often feel overwhelming. Here are some simpler, more manageable ways to organise your closet, improving your experience and relationship with your wardrobe without feeling like a massive chore.

1. Adjust Based on Seasons

One of the easiest ways to keep your closet in check is to rotate your clothes based on the season. Store away your summer clothing during the winter months and vice versa. By only having in-season clothing visible, you’ll be able to see all of your options more clearly, making daily outfit choices less stressful.

2. Prioritise Daily Essentials

Ensure that the items you need daily—such as underwear, socks, and basic wear—are easily accessible. Having these essentials within reach saves time and effort and makes getting dressed much more efficient.

3. Sort Clothes by Type

Organising your clothes by category—like keeping all your trousers in one section and your tops in another—gives you a better visual understanding of what you have. This way, you’ll be able to see how much of each type of clothing you own and select items with ease.

4. Group Clothes by Colour

Sorting your wardrobe by colour not only makes your closet look more appealing, but it also helps when you’re trying to match and coordinate outfits. Group similar shades together to see your colour palette and discover new ways to combine clothes.

5. Sort Clothes by Material

For certain types of clothing, sorting by material is extremely helpful. For example, keep your denim separate from your cotton or polyester trousers. This makes it easier to choose based on the weather, the event you’re attending, or your personal preference for comfort.

6. Review Your Wardrobe After Each Wash

Each time you do the laundry and your closet is a little less full, take a quick moment to scan through the remaining items. If you notice something you haven’t worn in a long time, pull it forward to give it another chance. If you still don’t wear it, consider whether it’s time to donate or sell the item.

7. Address Clothes That Need Mending

It’s pointless to keep clothes that don’t fit or are in need of repair in your daily rotation. Set aside any items that require mending or alterations in a separate bag or box. When you have free time, address these items, but keep them out of your main wardrobe until they’re ready to be worn again.

8. Fold Your Clothes Properly and Use Organisational Equipment

How you fold and store your clothes makes a big difference in keeping your closet organised and easy to navigate. Learn folding techniques that optimise space and keep clothes in good condition. Invest in simple storage solutions like small boxes, drawer dividers, or hanging organisers. These can help you keep smaller items like scarves, belts, or socks tidy and visible, making them easier to find and use.

9. Ensure You Have Wardrobe Essentials

Sometimes we overlook the importance of basics that can tie a wardrobe together. If you enjoy second-hand shopping, you may have a variety of statement pieces but lack the foundational garments (such as plain shirts or versatile trousers) to build outfits. Make sure you have essential items that complement your more unique pieces to maximise the use of your wardrobe.

10. Let Your Friends Style You

Sometimes, all we need is a fresh set of eyes. Invite a friend over and ask them to go through your wardrobe. They may be able to see combinations you hadn’t thought of or bring a fresh perspective to how your clothes can be styled. Letting others inspire you can help you rediscover the potential in your existing collection.

Next time you find yourself thinking, "I’ve got nothing to wear," ask yourself if it’s really true. It may just be a sign that your wardrobe needs a little organisation or refreshing. Taking small steps to improve how you store and view your clothes can lead to a more satisfying and sustainable relationship with fashion. Instead of buying more, discover new ways to enjoy what you already have!