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Declutter Your Closet: Why is it So Hard to Let Go of Clothes?

Tuesday May 27, 2008 by Danelle Ice

Why is it So Hard to Let Go of Clothes?

Decluttering is a vital part of maintaining an organized and simple home. Shouldn’t your time be used for things you want to do, instead of maintaining a home full of unneeded items? Even for those of us who are experts at cutting clutter, clothing and closets can still be a difficult area to clear out. Why? Clothing is personal and it’s easy to attach memories to items. Special occasion clothes, souvenir clothes… these items may not look great or even fit you, yet they represent a memory you want to hold on to.

Let’s talk about memories and clothes. Maybe you hated the dress you wore in your sister’s wedding and would never wear it again, but there it is in the back of your closet. Maybe you bought a t-shirt that says “Grand Canyon” during vacation that is 3 sizes too large, but you kept it because it’s a souvenir. Maybe you have a sweater that your Aunt Isabelle knitted for you that has two different length sleeves, but you kept it because she made it and gave it to you.

Maybe you’re one of us who keeps clothes that are too small. How many too small clothes are in your closet right now? Not just a little snug, but several sizes too small - we’re talking 5 years ago too small. Even if we know deep inside that the clothes don’t fit now and probably never will again, it’s too hard to throw them out because we’re saving the memory attached to them. The memory of what it felt like to be thinner. The memory of what it felt like to look great in those clothes. The power from seeing where we once were and knowing we can do it again. In other words, knowing that if we work out hardcore and eat nothing but celery for two months we can be that size again!

Those memories may be in our minds, and they may be attached to those clothes, but if that attachment isn’t serving us then it’s time to move on. Be in control of your life! Start with your closet!

You have the photos from your sister’s wedding; giving up the dress won’t make you forget the special day. You have photos from your vacation; you don’t need the souvenir t-shirts. You have the sentiment that someone thought about you and gave you a gift from the heart, but even they wouldn’t want you to keep something just because you feel obligated. Too small clothes? It’s time to face the facts: you’re not that size anymore. If you become that small size in the future, celebrate by buying new clothes that are in style (not retro from your old skinny days!).

Whatever your reason, it’s time to let go of it. If you must have the clothing memory, take photos of the items before you purge them.

1. Repeat the mantra: “The only clothes that belong in my closet are clothes I wear that make me look and feel great.”
2. Take a deep breath, and put the bad clothes in a bag to donate.
3. Put the bag in your car without a second thought.
4. Feel the burden lift as you let go of attachments and items that don’t enrich your life.
5. Feel good to be in control and choose to be clutter free!

Homemaker Barbi Says: Be in control of your life, your decisions, your closet, and your clothes!

10 Comments:

Sheila said on May 27th, 2008 @ 12:43 pm:

Hi Danielle!

I actually like decluttering my closet. I find it a fun thing to do, because I love being organized. This year my kids and I actually went over to my mother’s and decluttered her closet. I don’t know why people would want to live with too much stuff. It gets too confusing.

Anyway, I tagged you! Hope you don’t mind tags, but I got tagged and then had to pass the love around. Go Visit To Love, Honor and Vacuum today! for more details!

Carrie @ Moneysavingmethods.com said on May 27th, 2008 @ 6:26 pm:

Decluttering my closet/kids is something I do twice a year.

But, I had to laugh. I was a bridesmaid in 12 weddings, and all of those dresses are taking up almost one WHOLE closet.

My husband wants me to get rid of them, but I spent so much money on each of them…I find it hard.

But, where will I ever wear them again! Seriously!

Time to get rid of them!

imadramamama said on May 27th, 2008 @ 8:01 pm:

This is a great post! Thanks for sharing it.

Richelle said on May 28th, 2008 @ 1:43 am:

Great post! I need to do that!

The Lazy Organizer said on May 28th, 2008 @ 1:48 am:

So, so true! I don’t have a lot of clothes but I’m excited to finally get rid of my maternity clothes, the fat clothes, the skinny clothes and the in between clothes. I’m excited to be done having babies so I can go back to one size again and stay there!!!

Danelle Ice said on June 1st, 2008 @ 10:00 pm:

Thanks for the comments ladies!

@Sheila: Good for you! It’s always easier for me to help someone else than to do my own!

@Carrie: I laughed hard at your comment (I’ve been there myself!). There’s always eBay, to try to recover some of the cost

@Lazy: I’m with you - complete wardrobe for me through all seasons of maternity until I’m done having babies!
Homemaker Barbi

frugalbabe.com said on June 7th, 2008 @ 7:34 am:

I think I’m going to take a picture of the shirt I wore on my first date with my husband and then give it away. I haven’t worn it in years, but it’s been hanging in my closet all this time…

mommastantrum said on June 8th, 2008 @ 11:11 pm:

Thanks for this. I really needed this right now, with a closet full of clothes that I NEVER wear. I cleared out 2 drawers today and sent the bags with Hubby because the drop off (TAX DEDUCTABLE) is right next door to his work. Now I can’t go diving for them, and we have another deduction for our taxes!

Saver Queen » Blog Archive » Tips for living well in your small apartment said on October 20th, 2008 @ 12:04 pm:

[...] 3. Get rid of stuff you don’t need. This can be hard, but hanging on to products or clothes you no longer use will only weigh you down. A good article on De-cluttering your closet can be found here. [...]

Katelyn said on October 24th, 2008 @ 4:01 pm:

Great article. I laughed when I read “Not just a little snug, but several sizes too small - we’re talking 5 years ago too small.” A few years ago I gained some weight, but hung onto these awesome jeans that I knew I would fit into again someday. Well, someday happened and when I went back to my closet to try on those beloved jeans I learned that they were high-waisted and *gasp* a little TAPERED (remember this was a few years ago, before skinny jeans came back, so it was really horrifying). I vowed that moment never to keep things in the hopes of fitting into them again. What a disappointment!!

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