Twenty minutes later you make the startling (read: obvious) discovery that if your wardrobe was more organised (read: wasn’t some crazy clothing black hole) this might be easier.

Sound familiar?

Luckily, this condition (commonly called “wardrobe dysfunction”) is easier tackled than you think.

1. Strip it bare

Clearing your wardrobe out completely is the best way to get a feel for how much space you have and also how much stuff you’ve shoved in it, so empty it out and start with a clean slate.

2. Strip it back

When did you last wear that orange and yellow paisley shirt? (#fashionOops) Go through your wardrobe and categorise each item:

• worn recently, 
• worn 6-12 months ago,
• worn 1-2 years ago
• haven’t worn in a while, won’t again (cue paisley shirt). 

Anything in the last category can go unless it has some definite sentimental value. Note to self: be MERCILESS. Yup, it’s hard tossing once-loved possessions but it’s worth it. Offer the last pile to friends or family, or donate it to your favourite charity. (If it’s too hard to throw some things out, maybe it’s time to get a storage locker? They come in all sizes and prices, and are easy to find.

3. Set it up

Now you can see the space you have to play with, it’s time to think about how what’s left will fit back in. Pinterest has a stack of cool, creative storage solutions.

At this point, you might instead decide it’s time to go the whole hog and get specialist storage made – there are a ton of companies who design storage just waiting to whip up some magic built-in wardrobe space for you.

4. Put what’s left back (because you did cut back, right…? right??)

Stuff sent to charity? Tick. New storage doodads fitted into wardrobe? Tick. It’s time to carefully and lovingly return your precious items to their rightful spot in your wardrobe.

5. If all else fails, call in the pros!

Yes, they’re a thing – "professional personal organisers". Our article on decluttering has some great tips, so if it’s all too much, or you’re too busy, get one of the pros in. Find a professional organiser here.

(PS: Look at the bright side – now you’ve made space, there’s room to make a few new purchases)