I’m an aspiring minimalist. I long to own less so that my closet and home are clutter-free, but somehow no matter how much I get rid of I always find ways to replace it. And then when I try to detox my home, I have 101 excuses as to why I absolutely must keep whatever I’m looking at…

• That book? I haven’t read it yet and I’ll get around to reading that one day!
• One day I will have a reason for wearing a formal black dress – it’ll be the day after I get rid of it!
• I’ve never worn that necklace, but it was a gift so I absolutely must keep it!

So when I saw Into-Mind had a Closet Detox Cheat Sheet, I printed it out, taped it to the wall, and promised myself I’d follow it and go through my closet and drawers in hopes of becoming clutter free.

Everything out of the closet and ready to be tried on!

Separating the A/W from S/S – normally these are mixed in my wardrobe!

Sewing kit at the ready for loose buttons or seams.

S/S clothing ready to be packed away for next year.

Interestingly enough, I followed the cheat sheet to the letter – I even had a sewing kit to hand and mended items along the way! – and managed to get rid of nothing. Nada. Instead, I realised that approximately half of my wardrobe is seasonal, so I boxed up my spring and summer items to save for next year! However, I think that having all my clothes from all seasons out all the time contributed to my but I’ve got nothing to wear! dilemmas because, honestly, a summer vest top does not offer enough coverage during winter and wooly jumpers are just too warm for summer. (Sadly, not all clothes work well for all weather.)

Regardless, I am determined to cut down on what I own so I’ve hung everything in my closet backwards. This way, as I wear items I can put them back in the wardrobe with the hangers the right way around, and at the end of the autumn/winter season I’ll have a better idea of what I’ve actually worn.

And as for my jeans and tee shirts in draws? Well, I’ve swapped which draws they are in, and when I put items back after wearing/washing they go in the ‘right’ draw so that I’ll know which pieces have been worn and which haven’t.

Wish me luck!