Decisions decisions...What gift should I buy for the graduate? What to get dad for father's day? What am I bringing for the 4th of July picnic?
Anybody want to add, What clothes to keep in my closet? to that list?
While shopping for the perfect gift and making fun summer plans with your family and friends is not a chore, I don't think cleaning out your closet has to be either. It can be fun and really rewarding. It's like giving yourself a gift and everyday you get dressed will feel like a holiday.
All you have to do is ask yourself a few simple questions about the clothes that you have in your closet.
Of course, if you don't like the garment anymore, just donated it. However, not all pieces of clothing will be that easy to decide on.
Below are three questions to ask yourself.
1. Does it fit me? Right now? Today? Not two months from now or two months ago.
2. Am I holding on to it out of obligation? If someone bought it for you and you really don't like it but feel bad getting rid of it.
Also, I didn't say in the video another thing about obligation, is when you paid a lot for clothing but don't like it. You had a bad day and went out and bought an expensive outfit, harmless. Now, a year later, it's still in your closet with the tags on it. You know you're never going to wear it. You've even tried it on a few times hoping it will look as good as it did in the store but it just doesn't work. However, you won't let it go because of the money. If it makes you feel guilty or bad it's still costing you.
3. Have I worn this in the past six months? Did I wear it this past season? Every new season is a new opportunity to purge.
Bonus tip...I would wear it but I need to get them fixed first. They need to be hemmed, the button fell off or it needs to be taken in. Any unfinished project is unnecessary clutter for the brain. Put the items in a bag by the door and set a day with in the next 3 weeks to get it done or off to Goodwill it goes. You will feel so much better either way.
I added before and after pictures from a past client for some motivation.
So, if you're feeling motivated, the way to start is by taking everything out of your closet and before you put the items back ask yourself the questions above. If you're keeping them put them back in the closet. If not, have a bag ready for donations and another for mending. It also helps to have a "maybe" pile, something you're not sure you want to get rid of yet. If that is the case, you can give yourself more time to decide at the end.
I always say, "if your not wearing it, it's best to give it to someone else that really needs it".
Also keep in mind, as you're slimming down your closet, you're making room for new and better things to come into your life.
It's a win win!