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I’ve slowly been working at decluttering clothes , as well as different spaces around my home since the summer. I have a few small projects completed that bring me so much joy and motivate me to keep going. My most recent win was filling two bags with clothing items that I don’t need anymore, and sending them to ThredUp. I’m hoping that many of my items will sell so that I can essentially get paid for decluttering clothes. Here are the 4 questions I asked myself to simplify the process of decluttering clothes in my closet and drawers:
1. Does it fit me Today?
If you’re hanging on to ill fitting that you stopped wearing years ago, allow me give you some advice: Let it go sis! I’ll admit that I had an XXXL zip-top storage bag (click here), filled with my favorite things to wear when my size was in the single digits. I kept telling myself that I’m gonna lose weight and I’ll be able to wear it again. I gained more than I lost, and those clothes sat in the bag taking up space in the bottom of my small closet for two years. Just seeing the bag I’d beat sometimes made me feel bad about myself. Maybe you think that hanging onto all your too-small clothes will motivate to get up and get moving. Here’s the reality though: it probably hasn’t. You can donate those clothes or sell them, but don’t get down on yourself for where you are today.
2. Is it damaged?
Anything that has broken zippers, missing buttons, frayed hems, or holes is damaged and you can feel good about getting rid of it. If you haven’t sewn the hem by now or patched the little holes, then please be honest with yourself. I know that it can be hard to get rid of a favorite item after it gets damaged. A couple years ago I had a really cute navy blue sweater that eventually got a hole in the shoulder. I reasoned that I could keep wearing it because my long hair would cover it. You know what happened though? It kept getting exposed when my hair would move, and that whole situation just added unnecessary stress to my day. Don’t be like me. Let go of the damaged items.
3. Have I worn it in the last year?
This is a really good one! Too often we hang on to clothing because we think that we’ll need it one day, even though we haven’t worn it within the last year or more. Once again I was guilty of this. I had several items in my closet and dresser drawers taking up valuable space, and they weren’t even being used. There are certain items that are exceptions. Things like a really nice tailored suit that you only wear to interviews or a dress that you only wear to funerals are staple items. Even if I hadn’t worn such things within the last year I wouldn’t get rid of them. Be honest with yourself. Anyone notice a recurring them of being honest with yourself? Many of the things you’re hanging onto are not staple items. If that’s the case let it go.
4. Do I feel good in it?
Do you remember the last time you wore something that made you feel really good? It’s such a confidence boost. If you carefully curate your wardrobe with only pieces that you truly love, you can feel that way all the time! This question is closely related to the first two questions. When I’m wearing an outfit that doesn’t fit well, I just don’t feel good in it. I sometimes start feeling guilty about not losing those 20 pounds. When I’m wearing clothing that has to be safety pinned because of damage, I become self conscious. I don’t like when my clothes make me feel hindered. Do yourself a favor and get rid of any clothing that you don’t feel good in.
If you found these questions to be helpful share this post with a friend or on your Facebook page. Also leave me a comment down below and let me know which question may give you a harder time than others. Happy decluttering!
You may also enjoy this post: on how to create systems that simplify your life.
