The clothes you keep in your closet are a reflection of who you are and who you want to be. For many people when they open their closet door they see clutter. It’s been said that clutter on the outside reflects clutter on the inside but how do you declutter on the outside?
Many people find going through their clothing difficult for several reasons.
- You may feel guilty because you spent good money on something but never wear it.
- You may love an outfit but it is no longer in good condition or it no longer looks good on you.
- The clothing may bring back memories of an event you wore it at.
- The outfit may represent someone you wish you were but it’s not you so you don’t wear it.
It can be difficult to go through your closet but it is worth it. When your closet is clutter free you not only make space but you’ll find that your entire day runs smoother. It will be easier for you to find something to wear in the morning which means that you will get out of the house with less stress and that will lead to a better day overall. It will be easier for you to put your clothing away because you won’t be trying to squeeze things in. Your clothes won’t be left hanging on the exercise machine and your room will be less cluttered. What’s more as a side benefit when you can put your clothes away easily you won’t have to iron as much!
I have found that setting guidelines to follow as you go through your clothing is extremely helpful. The best time to set these guidelines is BEFORE you touch a single shirt.
Here are seven guidelines you can use to help you let go of things:
- It is ripped, needs alterations or is stained.
- You haven’t worn over the last 6 to 12 months.
- You’ve never worn it and in your heart you know you never will.
- You don’t feel great wearing it.
- You don’t have anything to wear with it.
- You’re “supposed to” like it but it’s just not your style.
- The outfit has a color in it that you just don’t like.
Creating guidelines enables you to make overall decisions on groups of things so that you don’t have to consider each outfit individually.
Do you have a guideline to add that works for you? I’d love to know! Add your suggestion as a comment on the CarrieThru blog!
It doesn’t fit!
Because it’s too BIG on you!!!
What if you never wear it but its just because you can’t find it. I tend to seriously wear whatever is at the top of the drawer or easiest to grab. Sometimes i dig around and find something great to go with something else i found. but digging for two things that go well just doesn’t happen much.
so in the end, i am just not making the most of what’s in there.
How do i make the most of the clothes i already have? i feel somehow that a much better style is already in there for me, and i just have to access it?
thanks,
Hi Flora,
I bet you’re right…the style is already in there…the key is to get the other things that are in the way of the style out.
Hope that helps!
Carrie