Fallen Leaves, Fresh Slate
Spring-cleaning may have come and gone, but with the on-coming cold, a thorough closet overhaul is overdue. Let’s take our cues from the trees and shed our old wardrobes in favor of a fresher look.
Spring-cleaning may have come and gone, but with the on-coming cold, a thorough closet overhaul is overdue. Let’s take our cues from the trees and shed our old wardrobes in favor of a fresher look.
Tossing items is never an easy task, but it is certainly a rewarding one. According to Psychology Today, clutter brings excess stimuli that can overwhelm our brains and add unneeded stress. Transitioning from the summer months can already come with psychological shifts and challenges. Paring down your possessions may also lighten your mental load, creating bandwidth in your life and space in your home.
The first question to ask when sorting through your closet is ‘Did I wear this last season?’ It may seem trivial, but I have kept many items that I found hidden thinking that I’d of course wear them “this time around.” If you’ve lived without that item for more than a year not noticing its absence, it’s probably something you can live without.
In her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” Marie Kondo outlines another very important question to consider when sorting through your closet: Does this item bring me joy? If it doesn’t make you smile, it’s time to toss. My one exception to this rule is if it is a wardrobe staple. I don’t get terribly excited about white button downs for example, however it is nice to have one on-hand for business occasions.
Tossing items from your closet is never an easy task, but it is certainly a rewarding one.
From there, decide if the joy stems from sentimentality or functionality. Ideally, clothing falls into both categories. Oftentimes it’s good to have a mix. However if something is purely sentimental, you may want to further reflect on its place in your closet. These items may bring joy, but again, a closet full of clothes unworn will do little to alleviate feelings of stress. A wedding dress or graduation gown obviously aren’t to be thrown out, but perhaps moving these items to a safe place in storage will help your closet maintain its proper use. This will ensure that finding an outfit each morning is an easier, more peaceful process.
Once you’ve created a pile of things to get rid off, consider giving pieces directly to people you know will get use out of them. One of my favorite things to do is to swap clothes with friends. It feels like you’re getting something brand new, however it saves money and prevents waste. Be careful in the process not to accumulate just as much as you just cleared out, but allow yourself to indulge in a few items to satiate your “need” for new.
If you have any items in good condition left, donate to your local homeless shelter or thrift store. Rather than dumping clothes, give others an opportunity to enjoy what you previously did. Like the leaves, accept the blessings that come with letting go.
Beauty Editor | Equal Time
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