Most of us have way more clothes than we think.

We hoard clothes.

We keep clothes ‘just in case’, and they pay tax by taking up space in our closets, our wardrobes and our lives. Take some advice from an aspiring minimalist: eliminate the excess.

You might ask yourself, “What if I need this dress for a specific occasion?” or “What if I lose weight and this pair of jeans fits me again?” Do yourself a favour: get rid of that pink sequin dress you haven’t worn in three years. Donate those jeans that may or may not fit you again. If your size or style ever changes, you can always find great things at a thrift store.

If you’re worried you’ll lose your style by getting rid of your clothing, worry not -- downsizing can actually help your style emerge by forcing you to keep only the items that you like best and that make you look best.

If you’re ready to make a change, whether it be to transition from materialism to minimalism, to be more organized, to figure out your style, or just to make some space in your closet, follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a more condensed and effective wardrobe:

1. Keep only five or less of each item type (five t-shirts, five sweaters, three skirts, etc.).

2. If something doesn’t fit well or isn’t comfortable to wear, get rid of it.

3. If you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it.

4. If you’re unsure about something, try it on!

5. Having trouble? Invite a friend over for a second opinion.
    

You can make this fun. Invite someone over, crack open a bottle of wine or a few beers and bring out some snacks. Make a day out of it! A friend can provide support if you’re struggling.

If you’re doing it on your own, that’s fine too. I believe in you. Be ruthless. Ask yourself, “Could I wear this every day?”. If the answer is “no”, you might want to rethink whether that clothing item is something you truly need. The only exception would be if you live in a place like Canada and have winter- or summer-exclusive items. Tailor this exercise to fit your needs (and climate).

This might not be a ‘one size fits all’ solution, but it’s ‘one size fits most’ at best.

Natalie Cousineau is a self-proclaimed hippie who loves Earth, animals, and sometimes, people. She hopes to inspire others to live in a more kind-hearted, environmentally-conscious way, while making their lives less materialistic and more meaningful.