The Wardrobe Audit
My Wardrobe
I’ve prided myself on having a small wardrobe for years, but gradually things have crept in, lots of easy to justify, charity shop purchases and a few STALF items. I’ve been sewing for STALF for 5 years and every new fabric is a delight to sew, and hard to resist.
I used to write about wardrobe decluttering, getting rid of what you no longer wear and sending it all to the charity shop. Blissfully unaware of how little gets sold in the charity shops. Most of it sold on, at a minimal price per kilo, destined for other countries like Ghana. Where it contributes to ecological devastation. Time for a different approach.
Part one: The Wardrobe Audit
When you know what you really have, tucked away in cupboards and drawers you can start to plan what you want to wear. You will save money by not buying clothes you don’t need and save time every day when you get dressed in outfits you love.
Do you really want to keep buying more items of clothing that will just end up in landfill? Do you want something better for your body, the environment and those who make your clothes? We are constantly bombarded with advertising, telling us that if we just buy one more thing, we will be happier. Time to look behind the hype.
How to Audit Your Wardrobe
I like to take a slow approach to auditing, rather than trying to get it all done in one weekend, do a little bit each week, think of it as a month project. Depending how much you have, that might only be one draw or wardrobe per week for 4 weeks.
You might like to print out a copy of the spreadsheet, so that you can jot down each item of clothing as you go through your drawers and wardrobe, then enter it all on your computer later.
1. I start with my tee shirt drawer, this has vests, tee shirts, long sleeved tees and active wear. I have those items that I only wear for pilates and running (if I ever back back into that) plus my sailing/walking trousers in the active wear category.
2. Take everything out of the drawer, pop it on the bed. This is a good opportunity to clean the drawer, wipe out and vacuum just to make sure the dreaded clothes moth hasn't paid a visit. List what you have found in the drawer making note of the colour and any other detail, such as the fibre or make eg. light blue wool, pink satin cami, or white Stalf.
3. Put it all back neatly, taking some tips from Marie Kondo on folding. As you are listing, no doubt you will find things that need mending, or you just know you will never wear again, start a bag for these items, we will come back to them later.
You might have already found something that you'd forgotten about that will complete a current outfit.
4. Do the same for every drawer, cupboard and wardrobe. Give yourself time, as you are going through the process, making sure you have listed everything, yes, every item of clothing that belongs to you, including shoes and don't forget the laundry basket, what's languishing in the bottom of there? I even include the pile of things I save for decorating, how much do I really need? (up to you when it comes to underwear)
5. Once you have transferred everything onto the spreadsheet, it will automatically count the items for you. I’d love to know how many items you own, does this number surprise you?
Next month we will start to think about a Spring Capsule Wardrobe.