Scrubs up nicely
How exactly does it happen? The fine wool jumper that was destined for the handwash pile has disappeared into a 60º bio-wash and shrunk to Nicole Ritchie proportions. Remember, if it says hand-wash, that’s what it means. Do wear gloves when handwashing. Detergents really zap the moisture out of your hands and premature aging is so not a good look.

When you’re sorting through the laundry bin, separate clothes into lights; darks; whites and hand washing. It’s best to put delicate items in a mesh laundry bag to avoid tangling with other clothes. Do up zips so they can’t snag fabrics and use a gentle liquid detergent to avoid lumps of powder bleaching the fabric. If you're in the market for a new appliance Six of the Best Washing Machines is essential reading.

Time to dry out
The tumble dryer is your wardrobe’s arch enemy. Fine for towels, not fine for your Agent Provocateur chemise. Take the eco-friendly route and use a good old-fashioned washing line which also makes your clothes smell so much nicer. With sweaters, cashmere and delicates, your best bet is to dry flat and reshape whilst damp.

Gone to the cleaners
Boring – maybe. Expensive – yes. Essential – definitely. Dry cleaning is the way forward for suits, suede, leather, delicates, linen (if you like yours crisp and starched) and anything that shouldn’t be doused with water. Because toxic solvents are used in the process, it’s best to remove your clothes from the plastic covers and let them air. And ditch those horrid wire hangers!

So shoe me
Keep shoes and boots in the shape the designers intended with diligent use of shoe trees and boot shapers (Jones the Bootmakers have a good selection) and again, apply the rotation theory by resting shoes in between wear.

Keep shoes in their original boxes or head to Muji and snap up some cheap and cheerful storage. For the organised footwear fetishist, a Polaroid shot of the shoe provides for speedy shoe selection.

Do your admin
One final word. Just think how gutted you’d be if you (literally) lost the shirt off your back. Check your insurance policy to see if your wardrobe is covered against disaster, theft and loss. Do a quick calculation of its value of your wardrobe and check you’re not under-insured.