TIPS FOR TOSSING
Parting ways with beloved clothing can be the most difficult part, so lets start there. I call this section “the heart” because in any organizing project, it’s hardest to let things go. As humans, we tend to develop sentimental attachments to certain pieces, wonder “what if?” or feel guilty for purchasing clothing we never wore. BUT BE RUTHLESS! Cleaning your closet now and moving forward with the intention of keeping it that way, will actually create a clean, less-crowded space, so you will ACTUALLY wear more of your loved pieces. Like clearing those clogged arteries in your heart, we can love our pieces correctly if we clear out first.
You’ve hear the phrase, “Less is more”. This is very true when it comes to your clothing closet. Most people only wear 25% of what they own. To make your closet look uniform and neat, you have to pare down. You should always feel like a “10” in whatever you are wearing, so only keep 10’s in your closet!
If this task seems impossible, I like to think of it this way: getting rid of clothes only makes room for new things to be loved. You will always want to update your look each season, right? That’s why at the start of each season, it’s a perfect time to toss pieces that no longer suit you. Plus, the more in style the item is, the more likely you are to be able to recycle it.
LETS DO THIS:
Start by grabbing 4 trash bags, laundry baskets or bins. 1 for toss, 1 for donate, 1 for resale and 1 for keep, of course. You can also have a designated spot to stack your “keep” items rather than folding them into bins, just to rehang them. Look at every piece, one at a time. Take the time to try it on. Weed out any fashion mistakes, garments that are damaged, and items that are too small or large.
If you are finding it hard to know when to let something go, I like this rule: if you have not worn it in two years, just close your eyes and let it go (of course this excludes vintage pieces which require more thought than that). You can also turn the hook of the hangers so it faces toward you on the rod. After you wear an item leave it hanging correctly. Any garments still hanging backwards at the end of the season can get the boot.
Also, as you weed through your clothes, remember that you should have a finger’s width between each hanging item for visibility and care of your clothing to avoid wrinkles. Your space will only allow for so many clothes. This task will be much easier once you have emptied it of clothing you do not really wear.
THE TOSS PILE
I hate to say this but TOSS anything that is irreparably damaged. I am not a fan of tossing, since recycling clothes is the best option, but if it’s beyond repair, let it go.
If you CAN fix it, now is the time to gather all those pieces that are lingering and take them to the tailor. Make that this weeks project you accomplish! Even if you plan to donate, fix it before doing so.
DONATION PILE
Donate anything that you will not wear, is out of style with no hope of resale, or choose this option altogether just to support a charity.
I like these: dressforsuccess.org, salvationarmy.org, or your local women’s shelter, which is my favorite option. Plus, it’s tax deductible.
RESALE PILE
Resale any items that are still in style or earmark pieces to give to friends. Recycling clothing is a great option (that’s also how I purchase most of my clothes). You can make money and do your part to avoid more fabric going to the dump. I use my resale money earned as part of my clothing budget too. So, I don’t feel as bad spending money on new items.
I am lucky to live in Los Angeles, we have great resale and consignment shops here but if you don’t in your area, there are many options now online, which is awesome! I personally like and use Poshmark. You can find my closet there @raventryon, if you want to see an example of a well maintained Poshmark closet. (Desiree has one as well, but it is a disaster currently {her words!}, but she is rehabbing it! ) This type of resale site will help you make more money for your recycled clothing BUT, it does require more time and work on your part. You have to find somewhere other than your closet to store the items until they sell, you have to photograph your items (preferably with a body shot so customers can see the fit), answer buyers personally and you are responsible for shipping when items sell. Poshmark has made the shipping part super easy though.
If you just want to pack up a box and be done with it, which I totally understand, I recommend threadup.com. It’s a great site to resale (and purchase). You don’t make as much money that way but it sure feels good to get rid of it in one swoop.
KEEP PILE
Remember, only keep your 10’s, the clothing you HAVE the space for, and be ruthless.
THIS WEEK’S CHECKLIST:
- Take any items to the tailor that need to be repaired.
- Take the time to look at and think about each item.
- Drop off donations while doing your errands this week.
- Drop your resale off at your local shop or mail to an online reseller or start your own Poshmark closet.
- Take “Before” shots of your closet. You will feel more accomplished when you finish.
Next week we begin working on actually organizing the space properly. I will share some of my favorite closet systems and items I recommend. This requires some time and planning on your part beforehand. After completing your checklist this week, check back next week for the next step!
Leave a Reply