How To Do a Wardrobe Audit That Transforms Your Closet and Confidence
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Navigation
Why a Wardrobe Audit Is Worth Your Time
Your Step-by-Step Checklist to Declutter Your Closet
How to Declutter Your Wardrobe Without Regret
Smart and Stylish Wardrobe Storage Solutions
The Best Way to Pack Clothes for Storage
Thoughtful and Functional Shoe Storage Tips
How to Update Clothes Without Overbuying
Build a Better Wardrobe With Capsule Wardrobe Principles
Sustainable Alternatives: Textile Recycling and Reuse
Final Thoughts: Declutter With Purpose, Dress With Confidence
In episode four of The Style for Life Podcast, fashion stylist and accountability coach Stephanie Rumble dives deep into one of the most transformative practices in personal styling: the wardrobe audit. Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, Stephanie brings nearly two decades of styling expertise and a refreshingly practical approach to self-expression through clothing. In this guide, we'll unpack everything she covered in the podcast—from how to declutter your closet to finding the best wardrobe storage solutions for your lifestyle. Whether you're ready to embrace sustainable fashion, simplify your mornings, or finally let go of clothing that no longer serves you, this article will help you reclaim your wardrobe with purpose and clarity.
Why a Wardrobe Audit Is Worth Your Time
A wardrobe audit isn't just about getting rid of clothes. It's a powerful process for understanding your style, identifying what fits your life right now, and learning how to make your wardrobe truly work for you. Stephanie recommends auditing your wardrobe twice a year, ideally in autumn and spring—especially in places with distinct seasons like New Zealand.
"There's nothing worse than going into your wardrobe and trying things on, and they're too tight, they feel horrible, and they're quite old anyway." ~ Stephanie Rumble
A successful audit addresses more than just clothing clutter. It takes into account:
The physical condition of each garment (fit, comfort, damage)
Your emotional connection to each piece
Whether each item fits into your current lifestyle and style goals
This approach not only clears space but also supports mental clarity and confidence. When your wardrobe reflects who you are and where you're headed, it becomes easier to dress with intention. That's the beauty of an effective wardrobe audit—it empowers both your style and your mindset.
If you need personalised support or expert eyes on your wardrobe, Stephanie offers dedicated wardrobe audit and co-ordination sessions as part of her professional styling services. These sessions make it easy to let go, reset your wardrobe, and feel empowered in your daily outfits.
Your Step-by-Step Checklist to Declutter Your Closet
Decluttering can feel overwhelming if you don't have a plan. Stephanie lays out a clear, actionable system for tackling your wardrobe from top to bottom. This simple declutter your closet checklist is not just about making space—it's about reconnecting with what truly serves you.
"The more accessible your clothes are, the easier it is to put things together, the easier it is to wear them." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Start with these steps:
Block out 2–3 hours of uninterrupted time
Remove everything from your wardrobe
Clean the wardrobe (vacuum, wipe down shelves)
Lay items out by category (e.g. tops, trousers, dresses)
Now ask yourself for each item:
Does it fit comfortably?
Is it in good condition (not ripped, stained, or stretched)?
Do I feel confident and happy wearing it?
Does it go with at least three other items?
Is it in a colour that flatters me?
This process is about clarity. It encourages you to focus on your current life rather than past versions of yourself. By using this declutter your closet checklist, you eliminate daily frustration and make space for items that uplift you.
After you finish your checklist, you’ll not only have a clearer space but also a clearer mind and sense of purpose. Plus, the sense of accomplishment is motivating and often leads to better purchasing decisions in the future.
How to Declutter Your Wardrobe Without Regret
One of the biggest challenges in a wardrobe audit is learning how to let go. Stephanie encourages us to assess not only whether a garment fits but whether it still brings value into our lives. Often, clothing lingers out of guilt or habit.
"I think when it comes to clothes, it's really about how do clothes feel. For us, how are they feeling on our body? Are they feeling comfortable psychologically, physically, and emotionally?" ~ Stephanie Rumble
Letting go is easier when you:
Focus on how you feel right now, not who you were when you bought the item
Separate nostalgia from usefulness
Think about how much easier getting dressed will be without the clutter
There are psychological and emotional components to decluttering your wardrobe. Clothing can represent memories, hopes, or unfinished goals. Stephanie reminds us to be kind to ourselves but also honest. If a piece makes you feel frumpy, regretful, or invisible, it may be time to move on.
If something no longer fits, doesn't align with your current style, or feels worn out, it's time to throw out clothes you no longer wear or donate them to clothing charities or second-hand shops. Stephanie recommends options like clothing bins, textile recycling, or consignment stores depending on the condition of the item. These sustainable options ensure you're decluttering with both purpose and responsibility.
Smart and Stylish Wardrobe Storage Solutions
Once you’ve completed your wardrobe purge, it's time to consider practical storage solutions for clothes that actually work. The goal is not just to fit everything back in, but to create a system that inspires you to use and love what you have.
"I'm an advocate of hanging as much as possible if you've got the hang space." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Best practices include:
Use uniform hangers: wooden hangers for jackets, velvet for tops to save space
Hang items by type and colour: long sleeves together, short sleeves together
Store seasonal items in under-bed plastic containers
Keep daily-use shoes in clear plastic boxes with ventilation
Stephanie emphasises that accessibility is key. If you can’t see something, you’re less likely to wear it. Good wardrobe storage solutions make it easy to grab, combine, and wear your favourite items. Your wardrobe should function like a boutique—inviting, tidy, and inspiring.
A smart layout also helps you stick to your capsule wardrobe or minimalist goals. You see what you have and avoid unnecessary purchases. In this way, organising becomes an act of sustainable style.
The Best Way to Pack Clothes for Storage
If you live in a place with seasonal weather, packing away out-of-season clothes can free up space and give your wardrobe a fresh feel twice a year. Stephanie calls this one of the most impactful but overlooked parts of wardrobe planning.
Stephanie recommends:
Folding and storing lightweight summer items in sealed plastic boxes
Labelling each box by category and season
Storing special-event or holiday clothes separately for easy access when needed
This system not only protects your clothing but makes it feel like you’re getting new items every season when you unpack. It’s a clever psychological trick that helps avoid wardrobe fatigue.
By following the best way to pack clothes for storage, you avoid stretching, fading, or accidental damage. It also saves time when you rotate items seasonally.
Thoughtful and Functional Shoe Storage Tips
Shoes are often an afterthought in wardrobe planning, but Stephanie points out that they’re essential to outfit coordination. The way you store them matters. Shoe storage should be clean, visible, and functional.
Consider these ideas:
Use stackable plastic containers with lids to keep dust out
Store shoes off the ground to improve airflow
Group by type (e.g. heels, boots, flats) and colour for easy access
Too many shoes? It may be time to evaluate which pairs you actually wear and which ones deserve a second life through donation or resale. Just like clothes, shoes that are dirty, worn out, or never worn should be donated, repurposed, or discarded responsibly.
Prioritise shoes that work with your current wardrobe colour palette. And remember: good shoe storage isn't just about order; it's about preserving the condition of pieces you love and wear often.
How to Update Clothes Without Overbuying
Updating your wardrobe doesn't mean starting from scratch. It means being intentional about filling the gaps that your wardrobe audit revealed.
"Buy things the best quality you can afford, rather than buying loads and loads of cheap things." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Here are smart ways to update clothes:
Replace essentials (e.g. quality black trousers, versatile tops)
Add fresh accessories to elevate older outfits
Introduce new sustainable fashion pieces that align with your colour palette and lifestyle
The key is to buy with purpose. Stephanie discourages impulse shopping and encourages her clients to shop with a list of actual needs. This limits clutter, increases outfit versatility, and reduces regret.
Buying fewer, better quality items each season helps reduce textile waste and builds a wardrobe that lasts. When you make mindful decisions to update clothes, you enhance your personal style and contribute to a more conscious fashion culture.
Stephanie also covers wardrobe planning in her style-focused education and workshops, which are ideal for groups or workplaces looking to build confidence and clarity in how they dress.
Build a Better Wardrobe With Capsule Wardrobe Principles
If you're overwhelmed with options but feel like you still have "nothing to wear," a capsule wardrobe may be your solution. It’s a minimalist approach to clothing that Stephanie supports through her wardrobe coordination services.
A capsule wardrobe typically includes:
10–12 versatile pieces that mix and match
A limited colour palette that complements your skin tone
Clothing for both work and casual wear
This strategy reduces decision fatigue, makes getting dressed easy, and maximises the value of each item in your wardrobe.
Even if you're not ready to go fully minimalist, learning how to declutter your closet in a minimalist style can provide clarity and simplicity. It can help you identify your favourite silhouettes, colours, and fabrics, allowing you to build a wardrobe that works hard for your lifestyle.
Sustainable Alternatives: Textile Recycling and Reuse
Stephanie is a strong advocate for sustainable fashion and reducing clothing waste. When you do let go of clothes, consider alternatives to landfill.
"Don't just throw them in the bin. Make sure they go somewhere, someone will want them." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Responsible disposal options include:
Donating wearable items to charity or friends
Selling through local second-hand platforms
Using clothing recycling bins for damaged items
Textile recycling is one of the best ways to ensure your unwanted garments don't end up in landfill. Many councils and organisations now offer dedicated bins or pick-up services for old clothing.
Making conscious decisions about where clothes go after your audit is just as important as how you store what you keep. It completes the cycle of responsibility and makes the act of decluttering your wardrobe something to feel proud of.
Final Thoughts: Declutter With Purpose, Dress With Confidence
A wardrobe audit isn’t just about space. It's about self-expression, intentionality, and well-being. Stephanie Rumble reminds us that the clothes we keep should:
Fit our current body and lifestyle
Make us feel emotionally and psychologically good
Be easily accessible and well-organised
From choosing the best way to pack clothes for storage to understanding how to make a wardrobe feel good, Stephanie's approach is practical, encouraging, and empowering.
When you know how to declutter clothes with purpose, your wardrobe transforms from a chaotic collection into a curated expression of who you are. And when you apply systems like proper clothing storage solutions and thoughtful wardrobe coordination, dressing each day becomes a joyful act of self-respect.
To go even deeper into your personal transformation, Stephanie also offers accountability coaching for long-term health, confidence, and self-image, helping you reconnect with yourself inside and out.
Use the strategies in this guide to confidently begin your journey into a more stylish, clutter-free, and sustainable life. Your future self, and your future outfits, will thank you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I do a wardrobe audit?
Stephanie recommends completing a wardrobe audit twice a year—usually during the transition between seasons like spring and autumn. These moments are ideal for reassessing what fits your body, lifestyle, and current needs. Regular audits help you stay in control of your style and reduce overwhelm.
What should I look for when decluttering my clothes?
Ask yourself whether the item still fits, feels good to wear, and matches your current style. If it doesn’t check those boxes, it may be time to let it go. Stephanie encourages looking at each piece through the lens of how it serves your present life—not your past.
How do I stop feeling guilty about throwing away clothes?
Guilt often comes from sentimentality or the feeling that you're being wasteful. Stephanie suggests reframing the process as an act of self-care. If an item no longer supports your confidence or lifestyle, consider donating or recycling it instead of holding onto guilt.
What are the best storage solutions for clothes?
Effective storage means you can see and access everything easily. Stephanie recommends using matching hangers, under-bed containers for seasonal items, and open shelving for daily essentials. Keeping your wardrobe well organised reduces decision fatigue and supports confident dressing.
How do I know if something belongs in my capsule wardrobe?
If an item is versatile, comfortable, and pairs with multiple other pieces, it likely belongs in your capsule wardrobe. Stephanie works with clients to build capsule wardrobes that align with their colour palette and lifestyle, helping simplify choices without sacrificing style.
What should I do with clothes I no longer wear?
If items are in good condition, donate or sell them through second-hand platforms. Damaged or unwearable pieces can often be recycled through textile bins. Stephanie promotes sustainable fashion practices and encourages clients to dispose of items responsibly.
Is it better to fold or hang clothes?
Hang structured items like jackets and dresses to maintain their shape, and fold knitwear or stretchy items to prevent sagging. Stephanie recommends using a consistent system so your wardrobe stays neat and easy to navigate.
What if I don’t have time to do a full wardrobe audit?
Even short, focused sessions can make a difference. Stephanie suggests starting small—such as just shoes or tops—and building momentum over time. If you're overwhelmed, her one-on-one audit sessions are a helpful way to get guidance and accountability.
Can a wardrobe audit improve my confidence?
Yes. Clearing out clothes that no longer fit or suit you can reduce stress and increase clarity when getting dressed. Stephanie’s approach is about more than style—it’s about feeling aligned and empowered every day.
How can I maintain an organised wardrobe long-term?
Audit regularly, especially with the change of seasons. Be mindful when shopping, and only bring in items that add value. If you're unsure how to create a sustainable, organised system, Stephanie offers styling sessions to guide the process.
