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Thursday, January 15, 2026

Here’s Two Words to Ask Yourself to Make Decluttering Clothes Easier

Decluttering clothes can be one of the more tricky decluttering tasks! Do you have a wardrobe full of clothes, but feel like you have absolutely nothing to wear? Maybe it’s a good time to have a proper sift through things and clear out some of what’s clogging up your racks. And, we can help! According to an expert, there’s just two words you can ask yourself that can make the process so much easier!

Ever looked at your wardrobe and become instantly overwhelmed?

Even when you know it’s time to cut down on your clothes, how do you decide which pieces to actually cull and won’t regret saying goodbye to months down the track?

After all, you don’t need a jacket you never wear taking up a hanger. 

Well, there’s two words to ask yourself that could make decluttering much easier.

It’s called the “ifs and buts” rule.

According to Paul Gray, marketing director at clothing retailer Chums, it’s a method to start the decluttering process when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

All you have to do is hold up an item from your wardrobe and ask yourself why you no longer want it, using “if” and “but” to determine what you don’t like.

You might say you like the style of a dress but you’d prefer it in a different colour.

Or perhaps, you’d wear a pair of shoes more if they didn’t have as high a heel.

Any time you use the words “if” or “but” when contemplating a clothing piece, consider getting rid of it or even replacing with an item that actually meets the criteria you’d like.

That way you’re actually getting use out of the pieces taking up space in your closet.

This is just one of many methods you can try to get a clutter-free wardrobe.

For another easy decluttering trick, all you need is a hanger.

Put all your clothes on a hanger and then turn the hangers backwards in your wardrobe.

Check back in a few months later and if they’re still backwards, you’ll be able tell which clothing pieces you don’t get much wear out of.

“Those backwards hangers tell the story!” one TikToker sharing the hack says.

Professional organiser Kayleen Kelly suggests a three-second rule for decluttering.

Just pick up a clothing item, decide if you want to keep it, and immediately move to a yes or no pile. If you hesitate, put it in the keep pile.

This article was reproduced with permission from  9Honey. To read the original article, click  here.

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