Closets

When I speak to groups about downsizing, the two things that make them groan audibly are a discussion of the paper that fills our homes and the clothes. “I can’t let you see my closets,” some people will say when I walk though on a consultation. And I share with them that I don’t judge, and closets are something many people aren’t proud of. We are here to help with that.

Why do our closets get overgrown? There are several reasons I have heard and compiled over the years:
· I paid a lot of money for that sweater, blouse, suit etc.
· My mother gave me that. I cannot give it away.
· I remember wearing that to the ______, you fill in the blank…Rolling Stones concert, my daughter’s graduation from med school, my high school reunion etc.
· I hope to fit into that again someday.
· I love it and am looking for something to wear with that.
· I need twelve pairs of black pants; I wear black pants a lot.
· I wear those once a year every year.
· I have not worn those for years, but someday I will.
· Those are my fat clothes; I will wear them when I gain, and I always gain.
· That is my casket outfit.

I have answers for each of these, but I will highlight some of the biggies, couched in the fact that my husband and I live in a small condo with one small closet for both of us. So, keeping things lean is necessary, not an option. I do this exercise regularly.

Sort your closet by color and then evaluate each section by color. Which items are my staples? Do I need multiples of the same (pants/shirts/skirts)? What do I wear it with? How often do I wear it? Those once-a-year things can be folded and tucked away in a box on a shelf or in a plastic bin under the bed. Have I ever worn it? Do I fit into it? After deciding, put the item on a nice thin felt hanger and place it back in the closet.

I am not opposed to keeping a few aspirational things. I paid $100 for those lined off white pants and I plan to fit into them again. Oh, joy the day I do. Let go of the dated things you have been hanging on to for years hoping to fit into them. They may not be relevant any longer and if you do one day reach an aspirational size, you will want something new.

Let go of items:
· That are worn, torn, or stained.
· That are duplicates, pick the best one or two.
· That match nothing else in your closet
· That brings you to a moment in time (you will have that memory in your heart and do not need clothes to remind you).
· That you bought but never liked or wore
· That do not fit you-permission for 1 or 2 aspirational items.
· That someone gave you and you feel obligated to hang on to-let go of it!
· To be laid to rest in-you will not know, and it won’t matter.

I wear a uniform for work. We wear a polo shirt and skort most days. I was raised in Catholic grade and high schools where wearing a uniform was mandatory. During college, I went on to airline jobs that required uniforms. So, I was initially thrilled to get to show my flair by wearing clothes that reflected my style and personality. Now, I am thrilled to be back in a uniform. There is not much to think about when getting dressed in the morning. Have you considered getting some high-quality staple items that fit well, feel good and are interchangeable? Studies have shown most people do not pay attention to whether colleagues repeat clothing over time. Ready to consider wearing your uniform every day? You will show off your closet with pride.