Purging clothing is often a harrowing job for the average individual. Why?! Well, closets are that one hidden space we rarely bother to really examine. Most of us simply close our eyes and reach in to retrieve the items we most favor. But in the far reaches, there is a growing concern, the dust-covered clutter of seasons past and memories faded. Time for a clothing purge!
The average closet may in fact contain items dating back to the stone age, and while historical museums would cherish such treasures, most people do not. It really is a bother to try and negotiate through decades of different sizes and trends, when all a person really wants is that one shirt bought just last week.
If you are threatened by an avalanche of clothing every time you open the closet door, then it is time to unload. Generally speaking, a closet should be thoroughly scanned at least once every six months minimum. It is the best way to keep ahead of the build-up and establish a workable routine.
Before even starting, you’re going to need several garbage bags, a full-length mirror, and if possible a willing victim to help judge and perhaps take some of these items off your hands. It might not be a bad idea to turn off phones and any other possible distractions, but “weeding” belongings can be often a time-consuming project.
Now that you have your tools it is time to pull out everything and pile it on top of a nearby bed. It would be wise to sort each article of clothing into two groups:
- Clothing that has not been worn recently
- Clothing that is worn on a weekly basis.
Each item must be inspected for tears and stains as well as shape issues. The best advice for clothing in need of minor repair would be to throw it out! If it hasn’t been fixed by now, chances are it will never be fixed. Have a bag already open and handy for just such an occasion. Remember to have separate bags for trash and items that are going to be given to a second-hand store or sold at a consignment outlet.
When choosing which items to keep, it is imperative to try on everything. People like trends are constantly in a state of change; what looked good two years ago might not be so flattering now. But by far the most important rule of thumb is to be realistic about your choices.
People tend to hang onto clothes that are either too small, too large, or hold sentimental value. This is a very unhealthy way of thinking. For instance, a woman who has a dress that is two sizes too small may feel depressed that she is not her ideal weight. A man who keeps pants that are too big, may in fact gain some unwanted pounds. Likewise keeping clothes for sentimental purposes, do no favors except take up valuable space. Keep in mind the 12-month rule: if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to let go.
Now that the decisions are made it is time to repopulate the closet. It is a good idea to sort by color, season, and occasion. Generally, clothing that you wear more often should be grouped where you can easily access them (closest to the door), clothes that are out of season or only worn on special occasions (ex. funerals) can be situated towards the back and or out of the way. When cleaning out the closet, don’t forget to sort through your collections of footwear and underwear. The criteria are pretty much the same for shoes and underwear as it is for pants and shirts.
Tips For Doing A Clothing Purge
When it comes to organizing your closet, one of the best ways to get started is by doing a clothes purge. This means getting rid of all the clothes that you no longer wear, don’t fit, or are just taking up space. It may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of planning and effort, it can be surprisingly easy. Here are some tips on how to go about doing a clothes purge:
- Make a list of the types of clothing you want to get rid of. This will help you focus your efforts and make sure you don’t accidentally get rid of something you actually want to keep.
- Go through your entire wardrobe and pull out any clothes that fit into the categories on your list.
- Once you have all of the clothes you want to get rid of in one place, it’s time to start sorting them. You can do this by creating keep, donate, and sell piles.
- The clothes you keep should be things that you actually wear and that fit you well. The donate pile should be for clothes that are in good condition but that you don’t wear anymore. The sell pile is for clothes that are still in good condition but that you think someone else would get more use out of.
- Once you’ve sorted all of the clothes, it’s time to take action. Donate or sell the clothes in those piles, and then put the clothes you’re keeping back into your wardrobe.
- Finally, take a look at your wardrobe as a whole and see if there are any ways you can improve the way it’s organized. This might mean getting rid of some hangers, investing in some new storage containers, or anything else that will help you keep your closet organized in the future.
Following these tips should help you get rid of all the clothes you don’t need and end up with a wardrobe that is much more manageable.
Clothing Purge FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about purging clothing.
Q: How often should I do a clothing purge?
A: There is no set timeline for how often you should do a clothing purge, but a good rule of thumb is to do it at least once a year. This will help you keep your closet feeling fresh and prevent it from getting too cluttered.
Q: What should I do with the clothes I get rid of?
A: The best option for getting rid of clothes is to donate them to a local charity or thrift store. This way, someone who needs them will be able to get some use out of them. You can also sell your clothes online or at a consignment shop.
Q: I’m having trouble getting rid of some of my clothes. What should I do?
A: If you’re struggling to let go of certain items, try thinking about why you’re holding on to them. Are they sentimental? Do you think you’ll wear them again someday? If the answer is no to both of those questions, it’s probably time to let them go.
In conclusion, cleaning out your closet may be a tedious, time-consuming, and totally frustrating venture, but it is worth it. At the end of the day, you will have an organized space as well as peace of mind. And if all else fail in your purging, you can possibly add a closet to a small space in your bedroom or another room and keep your stuff!
