Step 2 of Our Wardrobe Makeover Series – Tackling the Shelves

In our last blog, we focused on tidying up the drawers, culling, organising, and making space so you can clearly see what you own and actually wear.

Now it’s time to move on to what’s inside your wardrobe, starting with the shelves. And let’s be honest,  shelves can be one of the trickiest spots to keep neat and functional! But with a simple step-by-step process, it becomes much easier.

1. Pyjamas

Most of us have an overflowing pile of mismatched pyjamas, yet we always reach for the same comfy favourites.

Pull every pair out and ask yourself:

• Is the elastic stretched or worn out?
• Is the fabric thin, pilled, or fraying?
• Do they fit comfortably?
• Are they odd pieces that don’t match with anything?

If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time to thank them and let them go. Keep only what feels good to wear and looks fresh.

My Tip: Roll or fold pyjamas into sets (top and bottom together) so you’re not rummaging around for a match at bedtime.  

2. Jumpers & Cardigans

Shelves full of knitwear can quickly get messy, things pile up, topple over, and before you know it, you’ve forgotten half of what’s in there.

Take everything out, spread it across your bed, and check each piece:

• Has it stretched out of shape?
• Is it pilled or looking tired?
• Does the colour suit you and work with your other garments?
• When did you last wear it?
• Is it too bulky and overpowering?
• Are the buttons missing?

Anything that doesn’t pass the test can be donated, recycled, or repurposed. The goal is to keep only the jumpers and cardigans that you love, wear often, and that suit your current lifestyle.

My Tip: Fold your knitwear rather than hanging it, this prevents stretching. To keep stacks neat, limit each pile to 3–4 items, so they don’t topple over.

3. Singlets & T-Shirts

This is often the most congested shelf in the wardrobe! We all tend to collect endless basics, especially black singlets and tees, but the truth is, you probably only wear a handful of them on rotation.

Take them all out and sort through one by one. Ask yourself:

• How many black singlets or tees do I really need?
• Are some stretched out, faded, or out of shape ?
• Do the whites look white or are they discoloured
• Do they still look crisp enough to wear out, or are they best left for layering at home?
• Am I holding on to multiples that all serve the same purpose?

Keep only the ones that fit well, look fresh, and are versatile for your lifestyle. Donate or recycle the rest. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it feels to grab the perfect basic when the shelf isn’t overflowing.

My Tip: To keep this shelf tidy long term, I prefer to hang my t-shirts and use shelf dividers or small baskets for my singlets, so they don’t all end up in one messy heap. Shelves don’t have to be cluttered. With a little edit, you’ll be able see what you own at a glance, but getting dressed will also feel lighter, quicker, and far more enjoyable.

The Takeaway 

Decluttering your wardrobe may feel overwhelming at first, but once you start, you’ll feel so much happier. Remember, one section a time. Even if you tackle just one section each week, you’ll make progress without the stress. 

Stay tuned for Part 3 of the Wardrobe Makeover Series, where we’ll continue with the wardrobe.

And if it all feels like too much, I’m always here to help.

You can book an All About Style Wardrobe Edit, and we’ll do it together.