The Wonderful Lightness of Being: Clearing Out My Closet

Monday, 26 January 2026

It’s been bubbling away in my mind for a little while now, and I’ve finally done it. I took a long, hard look at my wardrobe and decided it was time for a major closet detox.

I’ve spent the last few weeks organising, photographing, and listing some of my pieces, selling off those clothes and bags that are beautiful but mostly just taking up space. I also donated a couple of large bags of everyday items that haven’t fit for years (with the vow to not be doing this again at this same time next year!). My goal is simple: less clutter, more clarity.

The result of clearing so much out has been surprising: I feel physically and mentally lighter. But the biggest surprise isn’t just the extra space in my closet, it’s how much easier my mornings have become.

The Paradox of So Many Choices

You’d think that having fewer clothes would make it harder to get dressed, but turns out it’s actually the opposite. The reality is that I have less, in the sense that I now have fewer items to choose from, but somehow I feel like I have more.

The wins:

• less time spent deciding what to wear;
• better outfits because I’m coming up with new combinations;
• a better overall vibe since I kept the pieces that are versatile classics;
• more quality versus the cheap filler my closet used to be crammed with.

Turning Stuff into Space

There’s honestly something so cathartic about letting go. Selling those dresses that were purchased for one specific occasion never to be worn again feels like reclaiming a piece of my sanity (and a little extra cash), and donating the rest feels like the perfect way to contribute to the concept of circular fashion.

I’ve been inching my way towards this the last year or so, with more of an eye to vintage preloved pieces versus fast fashion. I’ve realised I’d much rather buy a preloved bag that has signs of wear and use rather than a brand new designer piece. I was also struck by some old photos recently, where I saw myself before the Instagram version of life took hold, and my style was actually okay. Long before all the #ootd’s I was happily getting around in my striped tees, jeans, and a leather jacket. I suppose seeing those old photos stirred something in me, and solidified a desire to strip it all back to basics.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by your (lack of) space lately,, or find yourself feeling burdened by all the stuff, this might be your sign to start thinning out some of the clutter in your closet. You don’t need a massive wardrobe to have great style, you just need a space that reflects who you are right now.

I’ve added the link to my Facebook Marketplace profile via the image below, please feel free to take a look! All items are also listed on eBay, with more on the way on both sites. Prices are negotiable, some items are worn only once, some still have the tags on, and all are in very good condition.