Step By Step: Choosing Which Clothes to Maintain or Give Away
It is no secret that decluttering your space and getting rid of old clothes can be a difficult task. Oftentimes, we will comb through our old, unworn, dated, less-than-mint-condition clothes and still find a way to put them in the “keep” pile. As you funnel through your clothes, here are some tips to finally say “good riddance!” to some previously loved clothing items.
Step 1: Choose Clothes of Value
It is easy to fall victim to hoarding clothes. In efforts to streamline the process and allow for old clothes to phase out and new clothes to phase in, a great first tactic is to differentiate which clothes hold a special meaning to you. Whether it’s a cool t-shirt that your best friend gifted you for your birthday, or an old sentimental scarf that used to belong to your grandma, or maybe your dad’s old jacket - place those to the side. Although it isn’t a great idea to have a closet that only consists of sentimental pieces, it can be a good idea to place some of those treasured pieces in the “keep” pile. This will help you to gauge what other clothes may not be of particular value, that may be easier to toss out!
Step 2: Practicality and Style
No, the ballgown sitting in your closet is not a practical item - but perhaps those comfy pants in your drawer are. In the next phase of clearing out your closet, it is a great idea to start picking out what clothes are practical and stylish, as those can be great to keep! Tread lightly though, as this isn’t an excuse to keep 20 different practical t-shirts that look the same. Use this time to differentiate which clothes are practical, useful, and can be worn regularly, and which one’s are just taking up space. Same can be said with stylish pieces. If you know, (deep down) that you will never and have never worn a specific piece of clothing that is super trendy, donate it! Although it wasn’t particularly treasured by you, it can be for someone else.
Step 3: Maintaining Good Seasonal Clothes
As we phase in and out of yearly seasons, it is a valuable idea to keep some seasonal staples. Not everyone wants to purchase new items every season, so be sure to take good care of those proper seasonal clothes that can save you in the blistering heat or the freezing cold. If some of your seasonal clothes aren’t in great condition and aren’t necessarily practical for the next time you endure that type of weather, get rid of it. If you have some seasonal clothes that are in great condition that you may just not particularly enjoy anymore, or maybe isn’t your style - donate it! Second-hand shops can be essential for some people who are trying to purchase seasonal wear. You just may help someone out a great deal by donating that puffy winter coat that makes you look like a marshmallow.
Step 4: The Rest Should be Given Away
After you sort through your valued clothes, practical clothes, stylish clothes, and seasonal clothes, the rest can be given away! When you really break it down, those clothing item categories really tend to take up much of someone’s closet. The rest are usually torn up, old, useless clothes that don’t see a lot of love, better yet - the light of day. When you’re stuck with a big pile of clothes that you “don’t know what to do with” or “can’t find a space for”, that usually means they don’t belong. Take the plunge and get rid of those unworn clothes! I’ll give you a hint - they won’t miss ya!
The Best De-cluttering Service in New York
Keeping your closet organized is essential. Don’t allow your clothes to rule you and dictate what your closet looks like; take ownership. Sort through your clothes and truly recognize what clothes make sense for you and your life, and if they don’t fit in that mold - sayonara! If you are in need of organization assistance or are in need of a closet space organizer, we here at Organize for Love have got you covered! Find a professional organizer and get organized today! Give us a call or visit our website for more information.