Seasonal Wardrobe Switch: How to Rotate Clothes the KonMari Way

The nights are drawing in, the mornings are feeling cooler and we're officially in the 'ber' months. Whatever the cue, there comes a point each year when it is time to switch your wardrobe over for the season ahead.

A seasonal wardrobe change can feel like a fresh start, almost as though you've been shopping your own clothes and rediscovering old favourites. Done badly, well... let's just say I've met plenty of moth-nibbled jumpers and crumpled summer dresses lurking in the depths of a cluttered wardrobe.

Here is my step-by-step guide on how to rotate your wardrobe for the season the KonMari way - making sure that your clothes are cared for and ready to support you in the months ahead.

Why I Recommend Doing A Seasonal Wardrobe Switch 

The main reason I recommend a seasonal switch is space. I have a relatively small wardrobe, so rather than cramming everything in all year round, I rotate my clothes. In summer, lighter dresses and tops take centre stage, while in winter I swap them out for thicker jumpers and trousers.

This simple change means everything has space to breathe and hang properly, instead of being squashed together. It also makes getting dressed much easier. I can see exactly what I have and quickly pull out the things I actually want to wear.

If you have a larger wardrobe or dressing room, a full switch may not be necessary but I still recommend joy checking the different categories of clothes and making sure that the clothes you'll be wearing most in the coming months are easily accessible.

Pack Away Clothes By Category, Not Just Season

Marie Kondo recommends decluttering by category, and I use the same principle when I change over my wardrobe for a new season. Instead of randomly pulling out "summer things" or "winter things," bring out one category at a time: coats, knitwear, dresses, shoes, accessories.

Before storing items I give them a quick joy check - holding them one at a time and asking myself if I still love the item - "does this still spark joy?" If it didn't get worn this season, I question myself why. Was it the fit, the fabric, or simply not my style anymore? Clothes that aren't worn take up valuable space in my wardrobe - making it cluttered and harder to see the clothes I actually wear.

Letting go of a few pieces means that I'm not cramming items I don't need into storage boxes as I pack away out-of-season items. Take a look at How to Declutter Clothes the KonMari Way if you'd like a step by step guide to deciding what to keep and let go.

Clean Before You Store

This step is non-negotiable. Clothes need to be washed or dry-cleaned before being put away. Moths love natural fibres such as wool, silk, and cashmere, but what they are really drawn to are the invisible traces of sweat, perfume, or food on fabrics. Many of my clients have learnt this the hard way. Pulling out favourite cashmere jumpers that have been stored away in drawers or the bottom of wardrobes, only to find them riddled with moth holes.

Clean clothes store better, last longer, and are far less attractive to pests.

Use Fragrances to Protect Clothes From Moths

Even when everything is clean, it is wise to add a little natural protection. Cedar blocks, lavender sachets or tumble dryer fragrance sheets add a gentle scent. Make sure you keep the fragrance separate from your clothes to prevent any staining from the oils - use a breathable pouch or attach to the lid of the box). Remember, fragrances don't last forever, so you'll need to refresh them every few months to keep them effective.

If you've had moth problems in the past, consider using sealed storage with moth-proof linings for extra peace of mind. It is much easier to prevent damage than to repair it. Take a look at Getting rid of clothes moths once and for all for a step-by-step how to guide.

How to Store Your Out-of-Season Clothes

How you store clothes for the next season makes all the difference. Plastic tubs may seem practical, but they can trap moisture and cause fabrics to yellow or smell musty. Instead, choose breathable cotton garment bags, fabric boxes, or wrap delicate items in acid-free tissue paper.

Choose the Right Storage and Location

Winter clothes are naturally bulkier than summer ones, so you may need to be creative with storage. Plan ahead rather than just shoving things wherever there is space.

Vacuum bags are great for bulky jumpers or coats, but avoid using them for anything with structure, such as blazers or delicate knits that could lose their shape. A spare room wardrobe or chest of drawers is perfect for these items so they remain easy to access and you do not forget about them completely.

Use less accessible spaces, such as the top shelves of wardrobes or under-bed storage, for clothes you know you will not need until the next season. If you are storing under an ottoman bed, always use bags or boxes to keep items contained and dust-free. Otherwise, you risk pulling out musty clothes that need rewashing before you can wear them. 

Make Your Wardrobe Feel Seasonal

Once you have stored away out-of-season clothing, it's time to set up your wardrobe for the months ahead. File-folding (the KonMari way) keeps everything visible and easy to access. Place your in-season clothes front and centre, and tuck away the rest at the back or higher shelves. It's amazing how different your wardrobe feels when it is not crammed with everything all at once. Instead, opening the doors feels light and intentional, filled with pieces you actually want to wear.

If you would like a quick win before tackling a full switch, you might enjoy my blog on 5 Things You Can Declutter From Your Wardrobe Right Now.

Match Your Wardrobe to Your Life's Season

A seasonal wardrobe switch is the perfect time to check in with where you are in life right now. Are you in a phase of career building, family juggling, or personal exploration? Each of these life stages needs different clothing support, yet many of us keep holding onto clothes that do not match our current reality.

If your wardrobe feels out of step with what you actually do each week, ask yourself why. Is something getting in the way of you living the life you want? Maybe those unworn gym clothes are a reminder of the fitness routine you keep putting off, or the pile of formal dresses reflects a social calendar that no longer feels right for you. This is your chance to reflect not just on your clothes but on the changes you might want to make elsewhere.

I recently worked with a client who had shifted to working mostly from home, with only occasional office days in a more relaxed environment. Her wardrobe switch was not just about storing away formal blazers. It was about being honest about needing more comfortable, versatile pieces that still looked polished on video calls.

I recently worked with a client who had shifted to working mostly from home, with only occasional office days in a more relaxed environment. Her wardrobe switch was not just about storing away formal blazers. It was about being honest about needing more comfortable, versatile pieces that still looked polished on video calls.

As you do your seasonal wardrobe switch ask yourself: What does this season of your life need from your wardrobe? More comfort for busy schedules? Professional pieces for career growth? Clothes that let you express yourself? And what has been stopping you from making these changes until now? Let your wardrobe support the chapter you are living today, not the one you have already outgrown.

What’s one change you’d like to make to your wardrobe (or your routine) this season to bring it closer to the life you want to live?

If you are curious about how to make your home reflect life’s changing chapters, you may enjoy my Rightsizing Series, which explores how to align your home with the season of life you are in.

The Joy of a Seasonal Wardrobe Switch

A seasonal wardrobe switch is not just about tidying. It is about checking in with yourself. Has your lifestyle changed since last season? Do you need more smart pieces for the office, or more casual wear for weekends at home? Are you holding onto items that belong to a version of you that has moved on? By doing this mindfully, you are not just refreshing your wardrobe for the season, you're realigning it with the life you are living now.

Quick Recap Checklist

• Sort by category and check each item sparks joy

• Wash or dry-clean before storing

• Use breathable storage and place items carefully

• Add natural moth deterrents

• Set up your wardrobe intentionally for the season ahead

It starts with decluttering, but a seasonal wardrobe switch is also about care, intention, and joy. Think of it as creating space not only for the clothes you love, but also for the life you are living right now.

If the thought of tackling a seasonal switch feels overwhelming, I would love to help. Together we can make your wardrobe lighter, calmer, and ready to support the life you are living today - get in touch to find out more.

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Hi! I’m Sue, a professional home organiser and KonMari Consultant based in Hampshire, UK. I had the privilege of training with Marie Kondo and by using her methods, I help growing families and empty nesters Rightsize their Homes.

We declutter and organise to clear space and time so they can get on with the important job of enjoying life.

Are you ready to start living A Life More Organised?

For a no-obligation chat about how I can help, please get in touch.

sue@alifemoreorganised.co.uk

m: 07740 782575 www.alifemoreorganised.co.uk

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