Give Your Wardrobe a Seasonal Check-Up

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The change of season is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your wardrobe. As you switch out seasonal clothing, use these simple guidelines to decide what deserves a place in your closet, and what’s ready to go.

KEEP IT IF…

  • You wear it at least once a year.
  • It fits comfortably.
  • It flatters you and makes you feel good wearing it.
  • It’s appropriate for your age and current lifestyle.
  • It works with at least three other items in your wardrobe.

LET IT GO IF…

  • It’s outdated or no longer suits your style.
  • It’s stained, torn, or damaged beyond repair.
  • It’s too big or too small.
  • It doesn’t flatter you or you don’t feel good wearing it.
  • You haven’t worn it in a year or simply never wear it.

Remember: A closet filled with clothes that fit your body, your lifestyle, and the person you are today, allows for less stress and more order.

Getting rid of stuff

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It’s helpful to have an exit strategy when trying to get rid of stuff. An exit strategy is a plan for removal. Include in your plan options for donation and recycling.

clutter in basement

Declutter filter

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When decluttering use the filter that an item needs to meet two out of the following 3 criteria – need, use, love.

  1. You need this item because it’s practical and helps make your life easier in some way. Examples are a functioning hair dyer, vacuum cleaner, and plunger.
  2. You use this item on a regular basis. Examples are shoes you wear a few times a week and electronics you use daily/weekly.
  3. You love this item. Examples are a quilt made by your sister and a painting you brought back from a vacation.

This filter helps make decisions on what’s worth keeping. If the criteria aren’t met, donate, recycle or give the item away.

3D Character and question mark

Deciding what to keep

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When deciding what to keep, evaluate the importance of an item by looking at the past, present, and future.

  • Have we needed this in the past? How often? For what reason?
  • Do we need this now? Are we currently using it?
  • What situations might arise that we’d need this in the future?

After answering the above questions honestly, let go of items that aren’t currently important.

More info on the subject:

 

Removing clutter project - before

Easy stuff to get rid of

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Things we own have different values, for example monetary, practical, and sentimental value. These values change and evolve over time. If it’s been a while since you considered the value of your possessions, I recommend spending some time reevaluating things. Then get rid of items that have little or no value to you anymore. Start with the easy stuff.

    • Broken, expired, and outdated items
    • Excessive quantities, duplicates, backup items, and surplus goods
    • Items belonging to someone else, stored for others, or borrowed from others
    • Materials and products from past hobbies that no longer interest you 
    • Unfinished fix-it projects and abandoned projects
    • Clothing, footwear, and jewelry that is uncomfortable, difficult to maintain, or no longer worn 
    • Products you’ve tried but don’t like and won’t use again
    • Tools, equipment, and gear from previous jobs, home-based businesses, or start-up ideas
    • Papers, files, and documents that are outdated, irrelevant, or unnecessary 
    • Blurry, damaged, or duplicate photos
    • Samples, freebies, and give-aways that have never been touched
    • Random screws, bolts, or parts with no known purpose
    • Empty boxes and plastic bags

Are there other items you consider easy to get rid of? Please share them with me.