Take a peep into your closet. Does it look like most closets do? Stuffed to the rim with shirts and shoes out the wazoo? Maybe it’s time to do some spring-cleaning and ditch the extra stuff you don’t need and move towards a more simplistic wardrobe.
First off, I know it is hard to part with that old sweater covered with hearts that your Aunt Lucy sent to you for your birthday 2 years ago. However, I think that a closet simplified leads to a more serene mind. Here’s a practical guide to help you minimize the excess in your closet and stick with the clothes you really need.
#1. If you haven’t worn the item within the past year, get rid of it. It doesn’t matter how much you like something, if you haven’t worn it, why keep it?
#2. If it doesn’t fit or flatter (right now, not after losing 10 lbs.), toss it! Enough said.
#3. If it’s full of holes and stains, it needs to go!
#4. Remember that sweater from Aunt Lucy I mentioned earlier? I understand that it’s hard to part with sentimental items, but instead of keeping them, why not take a photo of them to remember them by instead of letting take up space?
#5. Start buying quality over quantity. Instead of purchasing 3 shirts that you like for $10 each, why not just buy one $30 shirt that you love? Buying with this mentality will save you money in the long run. You don’t have to always feel guilty when you decide to get the expensive item instead of the cheaper item. Cheap does not always equal the better buy. Really think about your purchases in terms of the longevity and quality of the item, not just the price at the time.
I went through my clothing and got rid of about 20 – 30 items that I didn’t need (as seen in the photo below), and it feels so nice not having to push and shove things into my drawers! I recommend going through your closet every 6 months or so to cut down on the stuff you don’t need. You’ll feel good about the clothes you have and it’ll be easier to choose outfits.
If you have some extra shoes to get rid of, my friends over at Transformed Magazine wrote an article last month on Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization that provides shoes to children and people in need in the USA and abroad. You can read the article here and learn more about the organization.
I just found your blog via tag surfer and I love this post! I completely agree with your comment on buying quality. I like to tell myself that I “can’t afford” to buy clutter because, instead, I’m buying one nice piece that will last.
Well I’m glad you like it! I’m new to the blogging world so I’ll definitely be checking out your blog as well!