A Cluttered Closet = a Cluttered Mind
A Cluttered Closet = a Cluttered Mind
Purging as a path to peace
As the holidays approach and I begin to prep my house (i.e. throw everything away) to host family, I've been thinking again about purging as a path to happiness and peace.
Organizational experts say that everything in our lives should be beautiful or useful.
I say that while all of the spaces in your home affect the way you feel, your closet is one of the most important because it is where you start each day.
When you look inside your closet, do you feel a sense of expansiveness and ease, or feelings of constriction and stress?
Imagine starting your morning in a closet that is filled only with clothes that fit you, flatter you, and make you feel fabulous.
How would that impact the rest of your day?
SPOILER ALERT: Alot.
You can have that peaceful feeling of ahhhhhhhhh when you start your morning and carry it with you throughout the day.
You can have outfits at the ready for Thanksgiving and all the other winter holidays and gatherings that are quickly approaching.
It all starts in your closet.
Want to DIY a Closet Cleanup?
Here are my tips!
To get started, set up 4 piles: one for donations, one for alterations, one for trash (underwear, socks with holes, etc.), and one for sentimental items that aren't worn regularly but you may want to keep (to be stored elsewhere!)
Next, take everything out of your closet by genre (pants, tops, dresses, etc.)
Then, ask yourself the following questions:
Does it fit me?
If you haven't worn it in the last 3-6 months, you must try it on. We are not here to guess on fit, we are here to know for sure. If the garment fits, it makes it through to the next question. If it doesn't fit, consider whether it can be tailored, and if that cost is worth it. For example, a hem is a cheap alteration, but if pants are a size too big, that is a more expensive one.
Does it flatter me?
Many a pair of pants will fit you but not flatter you. As a client of mine used to say, "they go on". Just because pants "go on" your body does not mean they make you look good. Let's raise the bar of expectations for your clothes! They should be working for you and your body.
Does it make me feel fabulous?
Hopefully if something fits and flatters you, it will also make you feel fab. However, certain garments may be outdated or just no longer reflect your current look. Too many women keep clothing from years ago that may no longer fit or suit their evolved style.
Would I buy it again if I saw it in a store today?
This is my favorite question to ask clients when they are having trouble making a decision. It reminds them to let go of the past and honor their present size, shape, and style.
If you answer no to any of the above questions, donate, alter, or trash the item. (If you personally would not want the item due to substantial tears, stains, or scuffs, throw it in the trash pile.)
If you must hold on to some garments that have sentimental value, pack them safely into a bin that can be stored elsewhere. The idea is to create an active closet, one that is full of clothes you wear all the time.
When you’re done:
Put everything you are keeping back in your closet according to category (shirts, pants, dresses, etc.)
Simplify your "getting ready process" by organizing by color within each category. This will make your closet look more like a boutique, and changing the way you arrange your clothes will also help you notice garments you would normally pass by.
Take all garments out of their dry cleaning bags (they deprive your clothes of oxygen and can cause the fabric to deteriorate).
Hang up as much as possible so you can "shop" your closet with most items in the same place
Get rid of wire hangers. They damage your clothes, create shoulder puckers, etc. I recommend velvet covered hangers like these.
Use matching hangers and hang everything in one direction.
Need some help or want to book a shopping trip? Contact me!
I also have gift certificates if you’d like to gift my services for a special friend or family member.
If you want to chat with me about any of this stuff and how I can help, schedule a free call to talk it out!