Wardrobe Declutter: Things I Wish I Knew Before

[@NajaSierra]

Did you ever actually regret decluttering something? What was it?

[@christinekelly-rose303]

Two items for me.... a Gucci medicine bag because it didn't fit my lifestyle as a new momma....and a pair of pearl and diamond stud earrings. My hair was much shorter when I got them and I wore them all the time. My hair is much longer now. You still wouldn't be able to see them now but I miss them. They would be vintage now. Everything else I have decluttered I don't miss :) Thanks for the tips!

[@suann9790]

Yes, my dad's Levi's jacket from the 90ies. Gave it away 2 years ago on Vinted, regretted it since then and finally replaced it with another vintage denim jacket recently 🙃

[@fawnsteyn7923]

@@suann9790 Same...my corduroy turquoise Levi's jacket :(

[@suann9790]

@@fawnsteyn7923 OMG I still remember those 💔

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I regret decluttering a beautiful tan wool designer blazer with brown suede collar and buttons. I had just retired and thought I wouldn’t wear it, but I have missed it ever since. I just can’t find a blazer of that quality anymore, they are all lined with polyester, which I can’t wear. It was a very classic style and fit and timeless, it was my only decluttering mistake.

[@vt1527]

Before getting rid of clothing I keep the pieces folded in a trash bag and wait for a couple of weeks. If after that time I can’t even remember what’s in the bag and I notice that I haven’t missed any of the pieces then they can go. It has happened that I started to miss a piece I had wanted to give away and luckily I still had it in “storage”!

[@kristinab881]

I get rid of damaged or wom out items but I can’t make myself split from beautifully designed or classical high quality things because fashion comes back. I loved wearing my mother’s and my aunts’ old clothes and vintage is so in these days. Sometimes when you open some old forgotten box with clothes, it feels like opening a time capsule or a shopping spree. Keep your favourite clothes if you have means, well stored. You never know.

[@evalindell2757]

Finally! I have by nature always been a sort of minimalist. I have since I was a teenager always bougt good quality cloths and if I didn’t wear them out but got tired of them, they felt out of fashion or something I stored some of them. I am 60+ now and I wear my black Leather jacket again that I bought in the eightees. So my advice is to store perfectly good items that you are tired of. Then once every now and then you will see something popping up as fashionable again and you can truly shop, not your closet, but your storage. My main regret is in the nineties, a long camel coat that I thought was too big for my then tiny storage. I think I would have worn it plenty the last years and the similar ones are soo expensive that I am not comfortable buying again😔 So store old goodies and go to the ”store” years from now and remember good old times and make new memories again! True minimalism and ecofriendly thinking! ❤

[@sophiep9938]

I decluttered a couple of pristine condition vintage (made in USA) Coach leather handbags. I thought “why would I keep these if I have a Chanel or an LV I can carry”. Now I’m craving some understated, well made options in the handbag department and I wish I had those bags. That said, I am happy about 98% of my decluttering choices. One of the best phrases I have been repeating as a reminder to myself (from the minimal mom) is “I deserve to have clothes that fit me now and make me feel good”. Your point on feeling inadequate is so important. Our clothing should never make us feel bad about ourselves. Thank you for reiterating this - most of us need to hear this over and over so it sticks.

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

I so relate to that. 🤦‍♀️

[@emmy8526]

I regret decluttering a classic single breasted camel coat with a fuschia pink lining. It was so streamlined, perfect cut, great quality soft wool and I loved the vivid secret inside color. Then fashion changed, I found it too boxy and thought it made me look bigger than I was. Huge mistake. It would be absolutely perfect now, and I find I prefer a boxy cut regardless of trend (more comfortable, easier to layer and looks more effortless). I’ve tried to track it down, but no luck! So I agree one should try to keep to keep quality classic essentials like that. 99% of everything I’ve ever decluttered, however: no regrets, especially now that one can resell them and recoup some money.

[@NajaSierra]

Auch 😕

[@TippyPuddles]

I did the same thing with a dark green blazer made of the softest wool. I still dream of that jacket, it looked so good on. I thought I was done wearing green. We all learn from experience.

[@sonjafitz4147]

I really love your take on this, i.e. don't feel like you have to declutter *everything* you don't wear REGULARLY -- I have two sides in my closet, actually: the right side is my day-to-day wear, the things I truly love and repeat-wear: that side I'm constantly pruning and perfecting. The left side contains what I call 'occasion' wear, it includes Indian outfits (my in-laws are Indian) and several vintage and sentimental pieces that I treasure even if I rarely wear them - I'm always so happy when I do get to wear them, and I will never declutter them. (But full disclosure, I am definitely not a minimalist, my household is more *maximalist* in nature, with piles of pillows & throw blankets, shelves full of display items, and heaps of books.) :)

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

"Make the exception so you can still keep your rule." 6:49 Whoa, I never thought of it like that! And I feel like that saying applies to a lot of other areas in life too, I'll definitely be using that turn of phrase at some point

[@skd7028]

After a 30 lb weight loss I fit items I did not fit for 20 years and kept. So it’s fine to keep the things you really love that you don’t fit for awhile. I have come to the point as well where I try to wear natural fabrics only. I got good use of the other, in my time, but not now.

[@DesireeGonza]

I have gotten rid of very expensive things only to see them come back. 😝 All in all I feel great when I de litter. I feel like I am opening myself to better things. Your leather motto jacket. I would keep because that style never goes away and always comes back. Plus it always adds an edge to any outfit. I’m so glad you kept it.

[@analys1422]

Excellent video, I just did that, I put things in storage and a donation pile. My life style is very different today, but it doesn’t mean I don’t love fashion. I live on a ranch. I have very basic , classic pieces. I have some beautiful dresses. All these aren’t fast fashion, but, I do have fast fashion to incorporate some trends into the classic pieces. Store the “maybe” you will wear the again. Also , wear what you have, dress it down for a casual look , dress it up for a an occasion, or just because you want to. I work in a very casual office, at this point I decided to go ahead and wear them. Much more, than waiting for an occasion, everyday is a blessing, thus, and occasion! Do you, look and feel great every time you wear something!

[@rebeccaalves4796]

I have to “accept” that I am not extreme minimalist, I am smart with what I own. I love my max dresses ( I am from Brazil and this is part of who I am) and I collect them. It is not a problem at all having them and taking so much pleasure during The European summer from them!

[@keylasouzapissolato3634]

Eu estou tentando aceitar a quantidade de roupas que tenho, já que gosto de todas e também a paleta de cores diversificada 😅

[@veneragrace3007]

It uses to be hard for me to declutter because it was expensive! A clothing item wasn't suiting me to the fullest but it was better to have it then giving it away and having none. Buying a new items was expensive, even in fast fashion stores (bad quality too). Now with second hand stores it's much easier to replace a clothes with better fiting ones and having such a good back-up it's easier to let go of clothes.

[@TippyPuddles]

When I gained weight, I kept my absolute favorite things and now I can wear them again. So yes, my someday came and went, I shot past my weight goal and my "someday" clothing are now too big. I did a reverse and kept my favorite things that are now too large for me. I will tell you that this process was in the making for about eight years. I almost gave up until I got a very physically demanding job. Now each season I take my favorites that I can't wear or don't know if I'll want them the next year and pack them away. If I don't wear them the following year, I donate them then. No more pressure to get ride of things.

[@dinapawlow1622]

So agree, so many regrets over what I gave away. Even clothing that were too small. 4 years ago I lost 30 lbs and could have fit into those items. Never say never.

[@natalieeverson3886]

Oh - I am so glad that you kept the leather jacket! A classic!

[@ElliiiBlabla]

Oh I love the tip "you don't have to get rid of everything" and your example of the leather jacket and white nike shoes. The shoes are not worth buying again but if you have kept them, you would have get good use out of them.

[@angelamelum4304]

I have been tracking my wardrobe and plan to continue for the rest of the year. I have 107 items not including undergarments, pajamas, exercise clothes, or accessories. So far I have not decluttered anything I regret. If I’m questioning I take it out of my closet and set it aside for a time before getting rid of it. Then if I do decide for it to leave I have to know why. This way I don’t make the same purchase mistake.

[@maryleegagne]

Some polyester can be very nice quality. I've had a BCBG blazer that is polyester but the material is really high quality and I've come back to it again and again for years. Always an exception to the rule!

[@TippyPuddles]

My daughter bought a polyester blouse from the Goodwill store, with bell sleeves and a sixtyish print. She's head over heals for the 60's and has been for a long time. Second owner and tons of wear and you'd never know how old it was. She's had it for about eight years now. Good polyester does exist. Best part is, it doesn't fade, drys so fast we just hang it up to dry.

[@johodgson2449]

That's great advice to have only two initial piles, the keep pile and the maybe pile, and then to tackle the maybe pile after that.

[@lemmings6516]

I love to wear so many different styles that by now I know which ones come back and store them until I am happy to wear them again. It's like going shopping in my storage and I absolutely love it.

[@thedr.essencepage5889]

I love your channel! Such a refreshing break from the typical “hauls.” You’ve helped me become more thoughtful and intentional with my shopping and clothes choices. My wallet thanks you!

[@NajaSierra]

I am so glad! Thank you for sharing xx

[@ashlynnkaplan680]

Yes, I have several declutter regrets. I started off decluttering things I just hadn’t worn for the season or the year. I ended up getting rid of things I really, really wish I would’ve kept. They were prized, secondhand finds for so cheap and very good quality pieces. I had a black wool sweater that I actually went to find and buy back! Somebody else was made very happy by that sweater. Because I was trying to follow a rule, I ended up decluttering several things I wish I would’ve kept because my style has changed. I did hold onto some things though that were favorites but not good quality. I held onto them while I looked for better quality options to replace them. Some I found, some I have not. Some shoes, sweaters, certain styles of shirts. Right now I do have a bin of maybes I am keeping a side rather than getting rid of right now so that I don’t repeat these mistakes!

[@szfrj]

I really enjoyed that!!! My biggest regret is a beautiful buttery soft leather blazer, long, with leather covered buttons 💔 when I first started 3 years ago, I took the haven’t worn in a year rule too seriously. That’s the only item I still regret. I think I didn’t wear it because I didn’t know HOW to style it well. Love your maybe/keep pile idea!!! Thanks 🙏🏻

[@lysannelynn]

With al my decluttering I totally found my own aesthetic, so I'm super happy I declutterd a lot! but I'm so happy I didn't declutter my robe sandals a few years ago (great for walking on rocky beaches etc). I didn't think I ever needed them again and don't fit my style anymore. But a voice in the back of my head said, you know they are super useful. A month ago I packed them last minute for a trip with only hand luggage, as a extra shoe option because they don't take up space. O boy was I happy, I didn't know I needed them so bad, but I had an unexpected visit to the beach and a day of walking in a natural wadi. So now I store them with my hiking shoes, as functional gear, because I know now I'll need them again.

[@monikakrall3922]

When I declutter clothes, ornaments etc I put them first in the garage and from there I declutter further or put back in the house, exchange them and so on. I throw away or donate stuff straight away of which I am sure I will no longer need them..

[@martierb2505]

I love your no T shirt & no polyester rule! It’s so hard though finding clothing without polyester. It is forcing me to move away from fast fashion and the heat in Texas doesn’t tolerate polyester to well. I could declutter the majority of my closet😢

[@natalieeverson3886]

Love your videos Naja! What can we do to increase the number of your subscribers? You have wonderful, realistic and practical ideas and more people should hear them.

[@lorrainehughes-smith199]

I have just become one ! 😋

[@AnkaMara7940]

I regret decluttering the things I had to declutter because of gaining the weight due to hormonal changes...and there was a brown leather bag I wish I kept

[@tesssangra9901]

This is so insightful. I appreciate your thorough advice and thank you for sharing this!

[@wendajones9040]

Definitely more useful approach than others on KZbin!

[@thebessyeung]

I have been trying to do more sustainable in fashion so I wouldn't do compulsive buying and that makes me have less things to throw away from the wardrobe every season. I also agree with you that you don't need to own everything. This is an informative video and happy to watch til the end:)

[@elitzadoseva5222]

You look glowing! I binge your channel lately and it helps me a lot on the way to a better understanding my style ❤️

[@YurrahAlHadi]

*Sigh* I recently decluttered about 3/4 of my wardrobe and kind of regret it. I loved a lot of the fabrics, colors, and styles I had. I wish I had kept some pieces and just tailored them. I've been thinking about replacing some of the pieces.

[@zhisu2665]

some people instantly get rid off items they currently don't like, but.. that can change. just easier and safer to pack them away for a while until you're 110 percent sure you don't like it anymore.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I think your approach is a good one - just separating things into keep and maybe piles in the first huge decluttering. Decision fatigue is exacerbated by having too many categories, like keep, re-style/make new outfits, sell, donate, recycle and discard. I want to inspect everything carefully before making further decisions like whether to discard, recycle, donate or sell, it’s just too much all at once. I’m trying to buy only natural, recyclable fibers now, blends can’t be recycled, I didn’t know that originally.

[@TippyPuddles]

Blends can't be recycled but can last an incredible long time. I use to love one hundred percent natural materials. I find if it has fifty percent or less (maybe a poly blend) it retains it shape better, is lighter in the washing machine and dries much, much faster. So don't be so quick to judge blends. I too was a 100%'er in my youth, so much so that I learned to make my own clothing. The only fabric I avoid is acrylic. That stuff is nasty and if a garment has about twenty-five percent or less, I will still consider it for the same reasons mentioned, fast drying. Acrylic can be scratchy and quickly looks awful. I can't understand how so many top designers use it (except that it is a cheap alternative), but who do they think they are kidding?

[@jilllovesbeegees70]

You are saying exactly the things i have thought and you had the answers i needed to hear.

[@SigMaQuint]

I regret getting rid of some polyester marimekko blouse. They looked good.

[@AnastasiaFINDS]

You said it so well! About adequacy

[@PatMcAnn]

I love your common-sense and somewhat psychological approach.

[@mariawelling4194]

👋 Naja! I never regret getting rid of my vintage tweed Ralph Lauren suede sleeve blazer

[@shannonfleming-wood476]

Noticing that your hair looks great! Love the side part! Also, thank you for the wise suggestions.

[@zenabraithwaite1934]

Your hair colour looks lovely 😍, very flattering. Great advice. X

[@nuchzara97]

Agreed. I am happy that i didnt do it too extream.

[@helenstewart2085]

When you get to my age, most fashion repeats but may take over 20 years or more. Denim skirts is one example, chunky boots another.

[@angelaa.9915]

Can I say, the makeup is giving today 😍

[@vhapco]

Thank you for the video. I did all of the above mistakes only to learn that it’s not as black and white as I thought.

[@katy3mpress]

One of the best de clutter videos out there. Thank you

[@DaaanyLA]

Loved the video! Couldn't find where is your leather jacket from on the blog :(

[@NajaSierra]

It's from danish brand Munderingskompagniet

[@abifuesler7806]

Such a helpful video about decluttering! I love your thoughts about being willing to break decluttering "rules."

[@alteredcatscyprus]

Everything I regret giving away was because of my too-rigid rules. 🥴 You make a very good point about making exceptions. I wish I had seen this first.

[@livingindividual]

Great Vid Naja!!!!! You are so thoughtful about decluttering I really appreciate you sharing your unique insights : )

[@NajaSierra]

I'm so glad! xx

[@debbiegibson3604]

Everything I got rid of the first few months of covid when I decluttered has come back in style.

[@vesna2953]

jacket with all those dresses fit you so good

[@CL-mn1yq]

The have been some pieces of regret but mostly it is because it photograpted nicely not because I enjoyed wearing it! Kim not typically dress for insta either! Just seeing the photo made me think, "why?" I try to just appreciate got it in good photo lol

[@Budgetmeright]

I don't regret decluttering. The convenience I feel is way more precious than a single item I might have used.

[@misscw8664]

Hi Naja. What do you think of the Kibbe body/style types? Do you think a good understanding of it would help build the perfect wardrobe? x

[@NajaSierra]

Yes, I think anything that gives you a better understanding of your body can be helpful, including Kibbe xx

[@annie.c7130]

Thankyou for the helpful tips! Also just wondering where is the blazer you’re wearing from?

[@NajaSierra]

It's secondhand from Scotch & Soda :)

[@agnesjuhasz7715]

I actually think that you should only declutter clothes that are torn, faded, not in good condition. The things that you do not wear I think you should pack away, store it someplace. First because it cost you a lot of money. Second, because personal styles change and it you liked it enough to spend money on it, you will like it later on. Certain clothes always come back in fashion!

[@NajaSierra]

This is a goal of mine :)

[@natalieeverson3886]

Do you use an App to record cost per wear or do you just run a spreadsheet?

[@KleineMausii17]

You have a beautiful gingham top. Would you tell me the brand? I love secondhand searching for it. I love the fit and the colour. Warm undertoned ☀️

[@NajaSierra]

Can you be more specific? Like what is the color xx

[@barbaragolden3620]

If you do get rid of something and later regret it, there’s a good chance you can buy something similar to it that you will like even better!

[@Sarah10766]

Very well said ❤️

[@mimseyllamenberger2097]

I decluttered just for the sake of owning less. Because i thought I have to be a minimalist and that being one would magicially change my life to the better. I will not do that ever again!!! It was stupid and i rebought a lot. When I feel like decluttering i reorganize and will put some things in storage. I am not a minimalist and i won't be in near time. And that's okay.

[@lorrainehughes-smith199]

Thankyou for saying that. I think it’s the same with me. I just have to learn to accept it. 👏

[@NataschaO]

Fast fashion stops being fast fashion, when you wear the item for many years.

[@jilllovesbeegees70]

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