Thinking about doing a wardrobe clean-out? This one's for you.

Thanks to our brand partner, Ebay

Let's be honest — most of us have way too many clothes (guilty!). Whether it's that dress you wore only once to your cousin's wedding, or that top with the tags still on that you've kept for ages because maybe it'll come back in style (spoiler: it won't).

Enter the wardrobe clean-out.

Not only does a good declutter make your wardrobe more functional, but it can also be a fun (and profitable!) way to refresh your style and give your much-loved items a second life.

If you're ready to tackle a serious wardrobe refresh, I've got a little guide to help you clean out, organise and (what you're here for) make some cash.

Why should you do a wardrobe clean out?

Let's talk about why a wardrobe clean-out is actually worth your while. For starters, it brings a sense of clarity. With fewer, more loved items in your wardrobe, you'll save time getting dressed and each item you own will have more value and purpose.

Then there's the sustainability factor. By rehoming your clothes instead of tossing them, you're reducing waste, saving resources and giving your items a new story. Plus, by selling pre-loved fashion, you're joining a growing community that's redefining how we shop and consume.

eBay is a hub for fashion enthusiasts looking to sell and buy pre-loved items. Some brands, like Aje, Scanlan Theodore and Zimmermann, are so popular that they're searched every two minutes (so make sure you disclose that brand label when you list your items).

Not only can selling these help you make room in your wardrobe for new pieces, but you can also earn some cash while doing it.

eBay sellers make, on average, between $400 and $500 in their first year and with eBay's new AI-powered listing feature, it's super quick and easy to upload your items.

Plus, with eBay's offer of 10 free postage labels when you start selling and Sendle delivery, which includes free parcel pickups and 100 per cent carbon-neutral shipping, it's definitely a great deal.

So, let's get started. 

Now that you're (hopefully) sold on the benefits (I mean, you are reading on, so I'm gonna roll the dice and assume you've been convinced), let's get right into it.

Start by clearing a space on your bed or floor where you can lay everything out. If you live in a studio apartment like me, you can use your entire home.

Make sure you have three bags or boxes on hand — one for items to keep, one for donations and one for pieces to sell. It's best to set aside at least half a day for this, like a Saturday morning. Using a weekend will also help you feel like you've had a good reset for the upcoming week.

Don't think of this as a chore but rather as a therapeutic and rewarding part of your self-care routine. Put on some upbeat music or a favourite podcast (may I recommend The Spill) and get into the zone.

Step 1: Take it piece by piece.

With everything out in front of you, tackle each category one at a time: tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear etc. Ask yourself a few key questions for each piece:

For pieces that don't pass the test, they can go straight to your "sell" or "donate" pile. Remember with these questions: be harsh because you'll automatically want to take the easy route and keep everything. 

Step 2: Decide what to sell.

Not everything is destined for a new owner, but if you have items in good condition — especially pieces from popular brands or limited-edition collaborations, they'll likely do well on eBay. If your items are in fair condition, be sure to take photos and describe all imperfections so that future buyers know the item's condition before purchasing.

If you're uncertain about an item's value, do a quick search using eBay's price indicator tool to see what price the same or similar items have sold for. This will give you an idea of the price range you can expect, helping you determine what's worth selling versus donating.

Step 3: Donate with intention.

For pieces that might not be suitable for resale — think of items that may not hold higher resale value — consider donating. Many charities accept gently used clothing, but it's a good idea to double-check that the items are clean and free of any damage.

Step 4: Get organising.

With all the excess out of the way, it's time to actually get this done and dusted.

Here are some easy-to-execute tips on how to sort out your wardrobe:

Keep similar items together and within each category, organise by colour to make finding things a breeze.

Matching hangers create a streamlined look, while velvet or felt hangers prevent items from slipping. Make sure you get sturdy ones, though (I've experienced many snaps in the past).

If you have limited space, consider rotating seasonal pieces. Store bulky sweaters or heavy coats in storage bags to keep your wardrobe looking fresh and manageable.

For items like underwear, socks and accessories, drawer dividers or small baskets keep everything tidy and accessible in your wardrobe.

Step 5: Maintain the habit. 

Keeping your wardrobe organised is a little like building a habit… It's all about consistency. Set yourself a regular reminder to do mini clean-outs every three to six months.

By regularly evaluating your wardrobe, you'll save yourself from another big clean-out down the line and it will help keep your style evolving with the pieces you truly love.

Step 6: Umm… Celebrate.

Hello?! Congrats — you've done it! You've organised, decluttered, donated and (hopefully) listed a few items for sale. As a bonus win, if you made a little extra cash on eBay, you could treat yourself to something new (or pre-loved) that you've been eyeing.

Not only will your wardrobe now reflect your tastes and lifestyle better, but you'll also feel a sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing you've taken the time to refresh and reorganise.

To buy or sell pre-loved items, visit eBay.

According to internal eBay data from 2023, brands including Aje, Scanlan Theodore and Zimmermann, are searched every two minutes due to popularity.

Sellers make, on average, between $400 and $500 in their first year on eBay, based on eBay internal data from July 2020 to June 2023, showing the average sales value of new or re-activated sellers.

eBay is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this article.

Feature Image: Canva.

Turn your pre-loved thing into a money thing.
*disclaimer - eBay is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this article