We’ve spent a lot of time so far this year, going over some organizing basics. But I know some of you still feel a bit overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering your homes.
I’ve shared two quick start guides to help you declutter 20 categories in your home.
This month, because I know you’re up for it, we will finally declutter your closet. Clothes and shoes seem to be a little tougher, especially for women, but I know you can do it! Remember, this is all about getting rid of things you no longer need or want.
Ready?! Time to toss or donate!
1. Clothes.
This is where you need to ask yourself, “if I went shopping today, would I buy this again?” If you use that standard, it makes this process so much easier. Would it still catch your eye in the store enough that you’d try it on? If not, let it go. If you try it on and it doesn’t fit quite right, you wouldn’t buy it, right? Let it go. Outside of that, clothing that is stained, ripped, worn out or outdated…you guessed it…let it go. “Oh, but I spent so much money on it,” you say. Just because you spent money on something doesn’t make it look, fit or feel any different. Ask yourself “would I buy it again?” If the answer is “no,” let it go.
2. Things you don’t wear but have sentimental value.
This is a tough one for a lot of women. For example, your prom dress evokes memories of your high school sweetheart. But, more than likely, you have pictures of you and your date all dressed up for the big night. If the picture brings back those same fond memories, maybe it’s time to let go of the actual dress. There are many worthy charities that would allow you to help some lucky girl make her own fabulous memories. Same goes for bridesmaid dresses. Let’s be honest, you were never going to wear it again anyway.
3. Painting Clothes.
I can’t tell you how many clients have a drawer full of clothes designated for painting or gardening. It’s definitely smart to keep a couple of grubby work items in your wardrobe, but you can probably let a lot of it go.
4. Socks with no mate.
It’s okay to let go of socks whose mate has disappeared on you (wherever do they run off to?!) and socks with holes or that are too stretched out.
5. Underwear.
Whether they are stretched out, full of holes or stained, take a few moments to clear out your underwear drawer.
6. Bras.
If your bras no longer support the girls, it’s time to toss ‘em.
7. Shoes.
Here comes my question again. “If you went shopping today, would you buy them again?” That pair of pumps that pinch your toes? That pair of sexy heels that look fabulous but leave you with blisters after 5 minutes? Those colorful sneaks that you never wear because they just don’t go with anything? Maybe it’s time to let them go.
8. Hangers.
Once you’ve gone through and decluttered your closet, you’ll probably discover that you have lots of extra hangers. That’s a good thing! But, one thing that makes a closet appear organized is uniform hangers. Now I’m not saying go out and spend a fortune and invest in matching hangers, but it is something you can do little by little. And those wire hangers you get from the dry cleaner? Please get them out of your closet. Most cleaners will accept them.
9. Jewelry.
Why keep jewelry you never wear? Let someone else enjoy what you once thought was beautiful. You can also let go of earrings that are missing their partner, as well as broken or outdated jewelry.
10. Purses.
I once organized a closet (it was actually an entire room converted to a closet) and I think my client had 300+ purses. They were gorgeous. They made her happy. But when I got home, I looked at my one purse and was so happy that I am content with a single handbag. Whether you have one, ten, twenty or more, go through your purses. The ones you love, keep. The ones that leave you feeling a little “blah.” Let those go.
How’d you do? Hopefully, it wasn’t too painful. ?
And, as always, if you need help and motivation to declutter your closet, give me a call!
