Monday, December 23, 2013

Moving Prep - Closet Cleaning Tips

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! We have a LOT of family meals planned with at least 4 celebrations to go to this week, so I didn't meal prep. But I did do some Christmas prepping by wrapping presents and started prepping for my cross-country move by cleaning out my closet. When I was done, I ended up with FOUR bags of clothes for Goodwill!



For anyone else prepping for a big move, or just wanting to make some room for new Christmas presents, here are some closet-cleaning tips to help you decide what to get rid of.

(Image Source)
1. Think about the last time you wore it

I've heard of the two-year and one-year rule, but I tend to follow a little simpler process. Think about the last time you wore the item. Did you have trouble remembering it? Was it difficult to think of more than one example? Unless it's very expensive, still fits, and you'll wear it again (like a suit or tux) put it in the giveaway pile.

2. Try things on

Instead of picturing how you looked in that dress three years ago when you were going through your party-girl phase and had blonde highlights, try it on. Does it still go with your hipster glasses and brown bangs? Pretend you're in a dressing room. Would you buy this dress if you were trying it on new in a store today? If not, into the giveaway pile it goes.

3. Consider quality

It can be hard to get rid of that favorite t-shirt with the unraveling hem, but do yourself a favor and toss anything visibly worn or stained that can't be easily repaired. You deserve better! And even if you can't afford to replace everything right away, you'll be better off with fewer high quality clothes than than a lot of poor quality ones.  

4. Celebrate and let go

If You've followed the above steps and are still having trouble letting go of the dress you haven't worn in two years that is too small and has a rip in the seam, focus on the reasons why you love it so much. If it's because you're remembering how great you felt in it last new year's eve or how much fun you had wearing it at your sister's wedding, take a minute to acknowledge and celebrate all the good times you had in the dress. Then let go so you have room to make new fashion memories. 

5. Ask yourself if you would want to haul it 2,752 miles

Ok, so this was especially relevant for me, but I think it's a good measure of how much you really like a piece of clothing. If it isn't worth packing and unpacking on a move, is it really worth the valuable closet space it's taking up? 

Q: Do you have trouble letting go of things like clothes? Any closet-cleaning tips? 

2 comments:

  1. Here's another suggestion: I've used Mieux & Mieux to clean out my closet. Anything they don't give you money for goes to a women's shelter. They give you cash in your Pay Pal account right away. Just a little extra cash to help out with moving expenses. You should check it out!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the tip Lex! Most of what I gave away wasn't really in salable condition, but I was able to sell a few things at Mustard Seed :)

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