One of my favorite things to do is clean out my closet. Yes, I know that's really weird but it's almost therapeutic for me. Getting rid of the old and making room for the new! In this case I am just trying to get rid of everything I don't absolutely love since I'm moving.
Closet purging can be difficult for some people. You develop a sentimental attachment to things, have things saved for just the right occasion, the list goes on and on! I am a closet purge veteran. Any of my close friends know that I do it almost every three months. It's something that comes easy to me and I want to share my fool proof strategies that are easy and painless!
Before you start make sure you have lots of trash bags or containers ready so you can get the items to their final destination, and probably some good music too!
My rules for choosing what to get rid of:
1. One of the most popular rules is to get rid of something if you've had it for a year and haven't worn it. I totally agree with this. I had things in my closet that I hadn't worn for almost two years after buying!
2. Special occasion dresses and outfits that you're never going to wear again. My junior prom dress has been hanging in my closet for about four years now and I'm finally getting rid of it. I had been hanging onto it in case someone I knew needed it but that time has come and went, time to purge! Also a super cute dress I got to wear to my student leadership academy which I couldn't attend, tags and all, it's getting ready to go to a new home.
3. My third rule is probably common sense but I was a repeat offender. Multiples. I had four white v-neck tees, about ten bathing suits, twelve pairs of jeans, and three tan sweaters. For me they're usually the first things to go. I mean, I don't need ten bathing suits moving to Montana and taking one beach vacation a year. As for jeans, I know they're a staple but I had multiples of the same pair!
4. Impulse buys! The downfall of all uncluttered closets. I can't tell you how many times I have bought something just because it was a little cute, I might wear it sometime, and it's only six bucks! You bring them home, realize they are NOT cute, and are stuck with them. You aren't stuck, get rid of them, take them back, do something!
5. Last but not least are things that just don't fit. I recently lost some weight and went down a couple of sizes. I had so many pieces I loved and didn't want to part with but you've just got to do it. It's the same rule for things too small. Don't keep them around to make you sad you can't fit into them!
Things to keep:
1. Things you cannot live without. For me that would include my trifecta of riding boots, AE jeggings, and my growing collection of sheer tops.
2. The basics! Make sure you have cardigans, tanks, plain tees, good skinny and bootcut jeans. Also a must, black flats, a good pencil skirt, tailored shorts, and a good day/night dress.
What to do when you're done:
There are so many options for what you can do with unwanted clothes these days! Taking things to Goodwill isn't the only option, you can make some serious cash on this closet purge.
1. Your local consignment shop. Surprisingly my small town has a really nice one and that's where most of my stuff goes. The only downfall is that you don't receive all of the profit. There are online consignment shops now too. My favorite is http://www.thredup.com. Plato's Closet is also an option if your town has one.
2. eBay! I have made tons of money selling clothes on eBay and most of the time you can find a buyer. The only thing I hate is the hassle of shipping everything.
3. Facebook groups. Almost every town has one or more resale FB group these days. You can even find them for certain brands and styles of clothing if you take the time to search. The only bad thing I find about these is that it can take longer to sell and people can back out and not be held accountable.
4. A clothing swap! I think these are really fun and it's a cheap way to get new things for your wardrobe. It's also an excuse to get friends together and drink wine. :)
5. Last but not least you can always donate them! Goodwill, the Salvation Army, whatever you choose.
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| The castoffs from my closet! |
As painful as the entire process of cleaning out closets can sound, it doesn't actually have to be. You just have to have good guidelines set up and stick with them. So get some friends together, turn on some Beyonce, grab a bottle of wine, and get to work!
