How to Simplify Your Wardrobe
Every few months I make an effort to purge my clothes closet, and there is one question that I have found helpful to ask myself when trying to decide whether or not I should keep specific items from my wardrobe.
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If you’re interested in How to Simplify Your Wardrobe, the answer to this one simple question has made all the difference in my being able to do a successful purge:
If I had the chance to buy this item again, would I?
In other words, if I were browsing a thrift store…walking through the mall…or shopping on-line, would this item catch my eye, and would I purchase it?
Not…Will I maybe wear this someday? or Should I hold on to this “just in case”? or I probably shouldn’t get rid of this because so-and-so bought it for me. But…
Do I love this piece enough that I would spend money on it all over again?
If the answer is yes, then I keep the item. I am probably wearing it – enjoying it right now – and glad that I have it hanging in my closet. If the answer is no, then I get rid of it. I’m probably not wearing it anyway. In fact, I’m probably passing it up every single time I go to pick out something to wear.
Simplify Your Wardrobe in Three Easy Steps
When I decide it’s time to tackle a closet purge, I tackle the process in these three steps:
Step One: Remove everything from my closet (or dresser)! This allows me to take a close look at each item. I check for stains/wear. I check the size – Does it still fit? Do I truly love the item? Do I actually wear the piece – not someday, but right now?
Step Two: Think carefully about each item that I return to the closet/dresser. I purge items that are stained/worn. I purge items that no longer fit. I purge items that no longer accommodate my current season of life. I purge items that I don’t truly love. I purge items that are high maintenance. I purge items that I pass over every single time I go to pick out an outfit to wear.
Step Three: Make smart decisions about what to do with items I have purged!
What do I do?
Return any/all recently purchased/gifted items that still have the tags – Yes, even if I don’t have a receipt. Many stores offer store credit toward/or the option to trade for something I will actually wear.
Sell higher end name brand items on consignment or on eBay (or another great on-line marketplace – new options seem to be popping up all the time)!
Donate items! I love being able to help my favorite charities while also being able to take a tax deduction – It’s a win/win for everyone!
Not sure if you can find the time to attack this chore? Have you ever considered a Cleaning Swap? It may be just the answer you’ve been looking for all along!
While everyone will have a different approach to tackling their closet, these tips have helped us be successful in eliminating clothing clutter and staying organized!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like to check out How I Dress My Kids for Free:
Great tips! I love the advice of thinking through if you would actually purchase the item again. That’s a great way to get rid of things that you don’t need and to have a wardrobe that you truly love!
It has helped me so much, Barbara! This weekend, we’ve been tackling the garage! 🙂