Hello style lovers! Coming from a psychology background means I love understanding the relationship between style and human behaviour, and the dynamics of psychology that underpin our style choices.
So, with that in mind, let’s talk about the mindset behind decluttering your wardrobe.
When was the last time you cleaned out your wardrobe? I mean really purged your closet of items that didn't fit, didn't suit your style and didn't light you up? The average person only wears 20% of their clothing, which means a good chunk of wardrobe real estate is nothing but storage for unused clothing...wowzer!
Image credit: Sarah Brown
Now, if the thought of decluttering 80% of your unworn items sends you into a spin – keep reading. This one is for you.
I met a new client recently and we spoke about why decluttering a wardrobe can be so challenging. Two themes surfaced pretty quickly:
it's hard to detach from clothing that is sentimental (those favourite pre-kids jeans, that jacket you wore when you lived overseas), and
it seems a waste to move on clothing that was expensive (the designer item you got on sale).
The question is, what is it that makes these items so hard to part with even though they no longer serve us? And how can we overcome it?
Let’s start with WHY. There are a few things at play that make it difficult to let go of those items.
The first relates to sunk cost and sunk cost fallacy.
Sunk cost is the resources that you invested that you can’t get back (you know, the money you spent, the time and effort you put in finding, then trying, then buying the item in the first place). The sunk cost fallacy occurs when you consider these sunk costs as a reason to continue holding onto items, even if they no longer serve a purpose or bring joy.
You may feel compelled to keep unworn or ill-fitting clothes simply because you have already spent money on them, despite the fact that retaining them adds clutter and doesn't contribute positively to your current needs or style.
When you're cleaning out your wardrobe, shaking off the sunk cost fallacy is all about realising that what you've spent in the past shouldn't run the show now. Instead of dwelling on what you've already forked out, focus on what fits your style and needs right now.
It's about ditching the stuff that doesn't work for you anymore, even if you've splurged on it before. By letting go of the past and tuning into what you really like and use, you can revamp your wardrobe into something that truly works for you.
The second reason is called the endowment effect.
This concept originates in behavioural economics, and suggests that we tend to overvalue items simply because we own them. We have trouble letting go because we expect the pain of losing the item to be greater than the pleasure of gaining an item (this phenomenon is called loss aversion).
When we relate this back to moving on our sentimental or expensive items, even though they no longer serve us (e.g. doesn’t fit or doesn’t reflect our style), that ‘pain’ associated with losing the item (or in our case, selling, donating, or moving on) is enough to keep us holding onto it for longer than we should.
Operating from a scarcity mindset is the final piece of the puzzle impacting your ability to let go of wardrobe items that no longer serve you.
Scarcity mindset is the perception that there isn’t enough, that each item of clothing is a scarce commodity. It is a fear of parting with items that might come back in style, or the hesitation to let go of sentimental pieces, all of which hinders the process of decluttering.
When you're trying to clean out your closet, having a scarcity mindset can make it tough to let go of stuff. It's like you're worried that if you toss something, you'll never have it again when you need it, right? That fear of scarcity can make you hold onto things even if they're just taking up space and gathering dust.
Image credit: Beng Ragon
But here's the deal: decluttering is all about embracing an abundance mindset. Instead of stressing about what you might lose, focus on what you will gain — more space, less clutter and a more intentional and organised wardrobe.
Trust that there's plenty out there and letting go can actually make room for better things to come your way. For those sentimental pieces, take a moment to reflect and acknowledge that memories reside within us, not within the fabric of a piece of clothing.
By adopting an abundance mindset, you can shift your focus to the potential for new experiences and memories, rather than hanging on to the past. Express appreciation for the clothing that has served you well, and acknowledge that letting go doesn't diminish the value of the memories associated with those items.
What have we learned?
When you're tackling your closet clutter, it's all about changing your mindset.
First off, remember that your stuff doesn't define who you are, and what you’ve spent in the past shouldn’t dictate your present decisions. Trust that letting go can make room for better things to come your way.
Then, get practical! Set aside some time to go through your wardrobe and figure out what stays and what goes. Be real with yourself about whether you actually use or wear each item. Try not to get too caught up in the memories attached to them — focus on what you need now and in the future.
If you're not using something, consider passing it on to someone who could, or sell it, or donate it. The second-hand economy gives your clothing a new lease on life. And hey, don't go it alone — get some backup from friends, family, or even a personal stylist (wink wink!) for their honest opinions and support.
By recognising your emotional attachment to what's on your hangers, and actively working to let go, you can create a wardrobe that truly fits your life and style.
Want to know more? Keen to transform your wardrobe? Book a free discovery call with me and kick start your style journey.
Yours in style
Libbie x
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