I’m moving into a new apartment at the end of the month and as I started thinking about packing my belongings away, I looked into my closet, took a deep breath, and then closed the closet door. It was overwhelming to look at the clothing I own and think about transporting it all to another space. I started asking questions like: “Why do I have all of this?”, “Am I actually wearing any of it?”, and finally “Should I edit down my wardrobe?”. The answer was clear. I needed to take a good look at my clothes and actually think about them for the first time. During this process, I thought of some helpful tips to share about letting go of clothes and curating a smaller but more functional wardrobe.
Tip 1: You probably don’t need clothes you have not worn in over a year.
If you wear the same three outfits every season, why keep the extra items that haven’t seen the light of day in a full year? If you donate or sell those pieces, someone else can enjoy them and you will have more space and a clearer view of the clothes you do have.
Tip 2: If it’s broken, get it fixed or give it away.
We all have pieces missing the odd button or with a small hole, we intend to fix. Somehow, they never do get fixed and get pushed to the back of the closet. Either fix it and wear it out and about, give it away, or cut it into scraps for cleaning.
Tip 3: Dress the body you currently have.
I’ve explored many different weights and sizes while living in my current apartment and my wardrobe reflects this. I’m absolutely guilty of keeping pieces from my smallest days in hopes that I’ll wear them out again, and I also have some larger pieces just in case. I have found that holding onto these pieces reminds me more of where I am not rather than where I currently am. I’m trying to move forward through life and keep things positive. I just want to feel comfortable in the day-to-day, and the number on my clothing labels is the least of my worries.
Tip 4: Clothes are just clothes.
I am thankful that I have the ability to purchase clothing that keeps me warm and covered. However, clothes do not have emotions and do not reciprocate our feelings about them. My memories live in my head and in pictures taken. If you have an old, ratty piece of clothing that you will never wear again but you are having trouble letting go of it, I recommend taking a moment to really think about the associated memories. Perhaps reach out to the people with whom you made those memories and reminisce about those good times.