one of THE biggest decisions in any closet cleaning…should an item stay…or should it go…when i am working with clients in their closet – some items…clear cut that it needs to go…while others are harder to decide on…the truth is…for those of you attempting this feat on your own…you really need to be honest as to the reasons you are wanting to keep an item…
let’s face it…a closet clean out takes time…and possibly it may be turned into several projects…for instance…seeing what fits…what doesn’t…sorting items by season, by color etc…but when it comes down to deciding on the actual reason for the items staying or going…this is where some tough love needs to come in…
but before we go into that…let’s focus on the sure keepers…what is a keeper? basically items worn regularly…and also items that you love…some items may not be worn regularly…because of occasions and such…but deep down inside…you know if you are keeping an item that you know full well…you are not wearing…and it is taking up precious closet space…the other keepers? the single-use ensembles…what are those you may ask? the old t and jeans that are used for painting…for example…now…we all know…you do not need 5 of these ensembles…right? how often are you painting? you get the picture…
so now for the items that are left…and based on you and only you…this may be one or two items…or piles and piles…honesty is what you need now…true analysis of why these items are in your closet…so what questions should you ask yourself?
have you worn the piece in the last year? if the answer is no…the next question should be…
do you still love it? if so – this is where you need to figure out how to incorporate it into your wardrobe…what missing piece would help create a complete outfit with this piece? figure it out and make it a priority…
does it fit you as you are right now? (be honest) – if the answer is no…the next question should be…
can it be altered? does it flatter your figure? will you realistically lose the weight you need to for this to fit? be honest with your answers – if you are looking at a size 6 skirt that you wore 20 years ago…and you are currently a size 10 and have been for several years…the chances are…that this skirt needs to go…on the other hand…if you are looking at a skirt that is a size 8…and you are a size 6 and have been for quite some time…can the skirt be altered? and is the cost of it actually worth it…meaning…you love the skirt…and miss wearing it…totally worth the investment…
does the item have sentimental value? some items you know you are going to keep…for example…your wedding dress…but…that being said…it should not be taking up prime real estate in your main closet…25 t-shirts from concerts you attended in college? yeah…you don’t need them…
is it a guilt garment? maybe you spent a lot of money on a garment…or bought these items at a fabulous sale…whether you spent a lot of money or a little…if they are hanging in your closet…and you are not wearing them…what is the point? first…if you spent a lot of money on them…it is a reminder…a nice guilt reminder of how much you spent…on an item you don’t wear…forgive yourself and move on…but get rid of it…and if you have that blouse hanging in your closet…the one you got for a great deal at $15…you spent $15 too much if it remains hanging in your closet…
and last…but certainly not least…anything that is soiled, pilled, stretched, or worn beyond repair…it is time for these items to go…pronto! and believe me…the thrift stores won’t want these items either…
so…in your quest for the perfect closet…the one you dream about having…where you stand in front of it…and can’t wait to wear all the items hanging there…that quest begins with you being honest and truthful with every piece…
i know you can do it!
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