Overwhelmed and too many clothes? Time for an Autumn wardrobe reset

When we talk about an autumn wardrobe reset, it’s not about rushing out to buy new clothes. It’s about making your life easier. A reset allows us to create clarity and space with the clothes that you love or need, so when you get dressed each morning, it feels calm and simple rather than stressful.

Is a wardrobe declutter and organise really worth it?

Yes! And here’s why.

Giving your wardrobe a seasonal reset stops clothes clutter from building up. It also prevents the overwhelm that comes when you can’t find what you need. At this time of year, with cooler weather arriving, you don’t need strappy dresses, sandals, and swimwear in the way.

By having them crammed in your wardrobe, it becomes harder to see the pieces you actually need right now. One of the easiest ways to create space is with seasonal rotation. Put simply, seasonal rotation is removing clothes we won’t wear that season from our wardrobe and drawers. This results in:

Creating space so your wardrobe isn’t stuffed full.
Making it easier to see what you own and actually wear.
Fewer clothes overall because versatile pieces can be layered instead of packed away.

Get set, reset!

Here are three easy steps to a beautifully edited wardrobe that will enhance your morning routine:

Declutter – Be honest with yourself. Did you wear it this summer? If not, the chances are you won’t wear it next summer either. Do any of your clothes have holes in, or are they very worn? Be brave, and let them go!

Top tip: As you edit, identify any gaps you have in your summer wardrobe and write a list of any new (or nearly new) pieces you need. Then pop your list on top of your clothes in the storage box. That way, when next summer arrives, you’ll shop mindfully and fill only the real gaps.

Personal stylist Nancy Stevens recommends,

“When it comes to adding pieces, focus on quality and longevity. Invest in timeless items like a tailored coat, leather boots, or a versatile knit that you’ll wear year after year.
“Avoid fast fashion from retailers like Shein or Temu, which may be cheap but won’t last. Building a wardrobe on durable, well-made pieces creates style that endures.”
Her advice fits perfectly with the goal of a wardrobe reset: using what you have more effectively, while making smart, long-term choices if you do buy something new. Buying fewer, better quality pieces is always my advice to clients.
Pack away high summer clothes – Don’t box up half your wardrobe. Instead, put away the true high summer items such as linen shorts, beachwear, strappy dresses and keep everything else available for layering. This is ‘seasonal rotation’, and it is game-changing!

This keeps your wardrobe versatile and light without overwhelming you. Add the list of what you need next summer to the top so you buy intentionally and mindfully.

Nancy sees this seasonal shift as an opportunity.
“As a personal stylist, I see the seasonal switch from summer to autumn as the perfect time to be creative with what you already own.
“Rather than packing summer pieces away entirely, think about ‘winterising’ them – summer dresses can be styled with chunky knits, layered under blazers, or paired with boots and tights to carry them through the colder months.
“This way, you extend the life of your wardrobe without feeling the need to buy lots of new items.”
Wardrobe organisation – let’s be honest, things get messy when life gets busy. So this is the perfect time to look at your wardrobe and give it a reorganise. Organising your wardrobe makes all the difference in how calm and joyful you feel and how easy it is for you to get dressed each day.

Hang as much as you can: reserve drawers for underwear, socks, bras, gym gear, and anything that doesn’t need hanging, like leggings. Hanging keeps your clothes visible and crease-free.
Group like with like: hang all your skirts together, trousers together, tops together, etc. This creates flow, brings calm and beauty when you open your wardrobe and makes choosing outfits quicker.
Leave 20% free space: a wardrobe shouldn’t be crammed. Aim to keep around one-fifth of the rail clear so you can move hangers easily and actually see what you own. Overstuffed wardrobes don’t just make dressing stressful; they’re also a perfect dark hiding place for moths.
Air your wardrobe regularly: Leaving the doors open every so often allows air to circulate and bring in light, discouraging moths and keeping clothes fresh.
Use drawer dividers: Dividers create clear spaces for categories of clothing, such as gym tops, leggings, etc and make getting dressed quicker and easier. Dividers also create allocated space for that category and stop you from overbuying. Once that space is full, you need to declutter before buying anything else.
Aim for matching hangers: matching hangers instantly elevate a wardrobe, and having the right hangers will look after your clothes.

Top tip: If you have the shop hangers and don’t want to buy new ones, look for the most consistent ones where the hooks all look similar. Then remove the little plastic ‘size’ cubes from the hook. When the hooks all match and those awful plastic ‘size’ cubes are gone, it creates consistency and looks 100% better!

The Benefits of a Wardrobe declutter and organise

An organised wardrobe means less decision fatigue in the mornings, fewer duplicate purchases, and a calmer space overall. By decluttering and rotating by season, you’re not only making your life easier, but you’re also less likely to overbuy and get into a situation where you suddenly feel overwhelmed with the volume.

Ready for Your Own Autumn Wardrobe Reset?

This autumn, spend an hour or two giving your wardrobe a refresh with a declutter and organise. Store away the high-summer items, leave space between your hangers, and create a calm, airy, and organised space to enjoy what you own.

A little effort now pays off every morning when you can open the door, see everything clearly and looking beautiful, so you can start your day feeling calm.

For more decluttering and organising tips, follow @aceyourspace_kate on Instagram.

For more styling advice, follow Nancy Stevens on Instagram.