It’s a mess, it’s impossible to handle, and you really need some space. You are going to deal with the whole situation, and you are not going to allow emotion to make you feel any less determined. You’ve had a lightbulb moment, and you’ve decided it’s time to organize your closet full of clothing.
Yet as soon as you take out the first item, it happens: Your ever-so-rational mind begins creating an ever-so-rational argument for saving practically every piece of clothing that you were just getting ready to throw away.
Don’t give up hope; we’ve all been in your shoes before. These helpful hints will get you started on the path to success, regardless of whether you are bursting with excitement or shaking with fear.
Take note of the explanations.
For example:
- “It came at a very high price for me.”
- “I’m sorry, but I simply haven’t found the time to wear it yet.”
- “It is something that has to be changed.”
- “One of these days, I’ll be able to fit back into it.”
- “What goes out of style eventually makes a comeback.”
Does this ring a bell? We all cling to different things for various reasons. Take notes on the reasons that come to mind, because if you understand why you’ve been clinging to certain things for so long, you’ll be in a better position to move on and create way for new experiences, both physically and metaphorically.
To begin started, get rid of ten things (or five; it doesn’t matter; just choose a number that isn’t zero). You may be astonished at how much debris you can effortlessly clear away with just one swift motion. If you’re worried about taking on more than you can chew, you should know that it’s possible to do a significant amount of work incrementally, one bite at a time, one drawer at a time, or one row at a time.
Get rid of the things that you haven’t used.
We have all heard that if you haven’t worn an item of clothing in the last six months, you should get rid of it, unless it is a cocktail gown or your wedding dress. It is something that many of us find to be simpler to say than to really accomplish. It can even seem completely absurd at first glance. Nonetheless, there are other angles from which one might examine this matter.
Since our memories aren’t always reliable, consider utilizing these clever methods to keep track of what clothes you’ve really got on. Get some gorgeous new hangers, and whenever you wear anything, hang it on one of those hangers instead of your old ones. Turning all of your hangers in the other direction will provide the same outcome while requiring no further expense. When you’ve tried anything on, put it back on the hanger with the front end facing front.
When it comes to your cabinets, drawers, and shelves, it’s most probable that the objects crammed into the corners and strewn over the bottom are those that you seldom or never use. But if you want to be absolutely certain, remove everything, put a small, brightly colored sticker (the kind you can find at an office supply store) on the label of each article of clothing, and then remove the sticker after you’ve worn the item. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally wear the same thing twice. You’ll quickly realize which of your clothes you really like wearing and which are only taking up valuable space in your closet. After that, adjust as necessary.
Likewise, as you are switching out your apparel for the season, give it a closer look. If you did not wear it the previous year, there is a strong likelihood that you will not wear it this year either; thus, do not hang it up and do not pack it away; rather, give it away. Because you are aware that you will acquire more items during this season, you should go ahead and create space for them.
Reduce the number of multiples to increase the amount of space you have
Do you have five white blouses, five black skirts, or five pink bras? I’m looking for all of the above. I am well aware that various styles are appropriate for a variety of ensembles. Yet in most cases, at least one of them is either stored away unused or does not fit well. If you get rid of just one of these multiples, you will instantly have created an additional 20 percent of room for yourself.
Throw away the items that are damaged
Is it snagging, threadbare, pilling, or otherwise worn out? If it has a special meaning to you, you should clean it, fold it, and store it in a box. Toss it if that isn’t the case. Is it now stacked somewhere awaiting the application of a stain treatment, repairs, or alterations? When you look at a stack of things that you haven’t taken care of, it may make you feel guilty and add to your stress. Allow yourself one week to get rid of the items, have them repaired at the seamstress, or treat them in some other way. You will not only be able to get rid of a pile, but you will also have the unique gratification of crossing something off your list of things to do.
Get rid of the things that are out of style, don’t flatter you, and are bad for your health
There are certain things that may really be considered classics because they have withstood the test of time. But, clothing that you wore in a profession that you no longer have or in an area that you no longer frequent (for example, ensembles from your nightclub days) simply need to be thrown away. This is particularly true if the job or place is associated with negative sentiments or a loss. Likewise, you shouldn’t retain presents that were given to you by individuals that you don’t really like (the clothes or the people). Please return the tags if they are still attached. In such case, you may sell them at a consignment shop and use the money or credit toward another purchase.
Final Thoughts
The decade that was the 1980s is long since over and done with. Get rid of those clothing and bring yourself up to date; it doesn’t matter whether it was the most eventful decade of your life or not; the time has come. A second viewpoint might serve as an ideal mirror for us since we aren’t always able to see ourselves in the most accurate light.
If you do not have a companion who can review your wardrobe with you over a glass of wine, you may use this tried-and-true method: when you are trying on an outfit, pretend that you are about to run into an ex-lover. If you wore that, how would you feel about yourself: uncomfortable and ashamed, or confident and sexy? Accept yourself as you are right now and make the most of the assets you’ve been given rather than pining for a version of yourself that no longer exists.
