I agree with everyone's assessment that moving straps and buckles is by far the best and easiest way to resize a kilt. I am by no means an accomplished kilt maker. I've only made 3 and they are "decent" nothing amazing.

When I did remove the one pleat to resize a kilt it was the farthest left pleat on my left hip. We had to resew down everything that relied on that pleat to hold stuff together and it wasn't that easy. I strongly suggest you attempt to reposition the buckles and straps before you even give yourself the headache of trying this. Or you can sell the kilt, and with the money purchase a new one that fits.

Either way, whatever you end up doing, let us know how it goes.

Good luck!