Clean Out the Closets!

Clean out the Closets!

It’s time- time to clean out the closets.  As we head into late fall and start to bring our attention back to our homes, instead of spending all our free time outside, let’s look at the best way to really clean out the closet.

It’s a task, it’s a big task, I know, I’ve done the whole thing (a couple of times), but the best way to clean out and really organize and pare down what you have is to start by taking everything out.  Gather a couple boxes, big bags, or laundry baskets to help you sort items.

I know, it’s a lot- if you clean out your bedroom closet, expect the bed to be covered in clothes, and the floor to suddenly have more shoes spread out than you even knew you had!  But, it really is the best way.

Now that you can see all your clothes at once, (don’t forget about the clean clothes that might still be in the laundry room or stored somewhere else- you need to get it all together).  Now start to evaluate each piece, one by one.  You’ll have to try them all on- I know, it’s a process.

Think of these as you are looking at each piece:

• Do I love how I look in this piece?
• Does it fit me well?
• Does it go with other pieces in my wardrobe?
• Have I worn it in the past year?

If you don’t LOVE it- it needs to go!  Why do we settle for pieces that don’t make us feel good?  We deserve to love all our clothing, love how they feel, love how they look, and most importantly, love how they make us feel in them.

When you find an item you don’t love, now you need to sort it.  One of the boxes you gathered should be for items to consign, and one for donation.  It’s also helpful to keep your trash can close by, yes, there will be things that no one can use, and should just be trashed.

Does the item have all the buttons?  Zipper works?  No stains or flaws? Still in current style? (originally purchases within the past 3 years is a good rule of thumb)== sounds like it’s perfect to be consigned.

Is the item an older style?  Have a minor flaw?  == sounds like it’s good to donate.

If your item is missing a button, has a broken zipper or a major flaw, it’s unfortunate, but it probably just needs to go into the trash.  Most donation facilities are overflowing with donations.  Most try to resell their donations to make funding for their organization.  If the item can’t be resold, they have to dispose of it anyway, at their expense- why do that to them?

Put on some fun music, or a new rom-com to watch while you work your way through the pile.  Be truthful, do you really love that item?  Try not to think about who gave it to you, how much you originally paid for it, or the good intentions you had for it, be honest now- do you LOVE it?

Once the items past the Love It test, they can go back into the closet.  From most people I’ve talked to when doing this exercise, they only keep about half of what was in their closet.  Yes, half of what we have (at least) we don’t really love.

When you’re finished, give yourself a huge high five!  You’ve done a big project!  Now bundle the items you have to donate, take them to the car and actually get them to the donation facility.

The items you determined you want to consign, bring to Cutie Patuties at 1021 Central St, Leominster, MA.  Either bring on those extra hangers you no longer need, or use hangers provided for you at the store.  Check the seasonal guidelines to make sure the items you are bringing in are for the current season, and watch your account balance increase.  

Now that you have some credit in your consignment account, you can shop!  Buy new pieces with the credit you earned, go ahead, you earned it!  

Just keep in mind- Do I LOVE it? Before you bring new pieces into your freshly curated closet, they must pass the Love test.

Now, pick another closet in the house, and tackle it with as much gusto as you did your own.  You might get some resistance from the one who wears those items, but help them understand they deserve to only have things in their closet they love too.

Happy cleaning!