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5 Tips for Lightening the Load of Your Closet

It is a mess, it is uncontrollable, and you need space. You are going to handle the entire thing, and you’re not going to allow sentimentality weaken your resolve. You have had an epiphany, and you’re ready to clean out your clothes closet!

But as you pull out this first item, it happens: Your ever-so-rational mind starts building an ever-so-rational situation for keeping almost every article of clothing you were just prepared to throw.

We have all been there, so don’t despair. Whether you’re fueled by enthusiasm or trembling with trepidation, these tips tips will start you on your path.

1. Notice the explanations. Such as:

“I really paid a lot for that.” “I just haven’t gotten around to sporting that yet.” “That only needs altering.” “I will fit back to that among these days.” “Fashions always return around. “Sound familiar? We all have things we hold on to. Notice the reasons that pop into your mind, because once you understand your motives for holding on to these things, you will be better able to proceed and make space — literally and figuratively.

Start by eliminating 10 items (or five — simply select a number that isn’t zero). In one quick sweep, you might be amazed what you may throw without a struggle. If you’re terrified of biting off more than you can chew, be assured that you may accomplish a fantastic deal nibble by nibble, drawer by drawer, row by row.

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2. Unburden yourself of the unworn. We have all heard that unless it is a cocktail gown or your wedding dress, you ought to eliminate it if you haven’t worn it in a few months. For a lot of us, that’s easier said than done. It might even seem downright unreasonable. However there are ways to put this in perspective.

Our memory can be faulty, so try using these nifty tricks to keep track of everything you really wear. Buy pretty fresh hangers, and every time you wear something, put it on one of these new hangers. You can achieve the same effect without investment by turning all of your hangers backward. As soon as you’ve worn something, replace it with the hanger hung forward.

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If it comes to your drawers and shelves, it is likely that the stuff squashed in the corners and crumpled on the bottom are items you truly don’t use. But if you want to be certain, take everything out and put a small, brightly colored decal (the type you find at an office supply store) on every clothing tag and remove the decal after you have worn the item. You’ll soon see what you really like to wear and what is just taking up valuable real estate. Then shift accordingly.

Also, take a closer look when you trade out your seasonal clothing. If you didn’t wear it a year, odds are good that you’re not going to wear this season, so don’t hang it up and do not pack it up — contribute it. You know you will find more things this year, so go ahead and make space for it.

Andrea Gary/Queen of Kerfuffle™

3. Multiply your distance by reducing the multiples. Have you got five white blouses, black skirts or pink stripes? Various styles for different outfits — I know, I know! But at least one generally remains unworn or is ill fitting. Toss merely one of these multiples and you have instantly gifted yourself with 20 percent more distance.

4. Dump the damaged goods. Is it pilling, tattered, snagged, threadbare? If it’s sentimental, wash it, fold it and put it into a box. If it isn’t, throw it. Is it at a heap awaiting stain treatment, repairs or alterations? Looking at a heap of things you haven’t cared may create guilt and add to anxiety. Give yourself one week to see to the things, take it to the seamstress or transfer it out. You’ll be rid of a heap and will take pleasure in the singular satisfaction of checking something off your to-do list.

California Closets of Indianapolis

5. Unload the unfashionable, unflattering and unhealthy. Certainly, some items are authentic classics and endure the test of time. But clothes worn at a job you no longer have or in a environment you no longer frequent (state, outfits out of the clubbing days) simply need to go, particularly if this job or environment has bad feelings or reduction attached to it. In addition, don’t keep gifts given by people that you do not really like (the clothes or the people). If the tags are still on, go back. Otherwise, consign them and use the cash or store credit to find something you love.

All Things Home Organizing™ by Gayle Grace

Here’s a tough fact: The 1980s are long gone. Even though that has been the most exciting decade of your life, it is time to ditch the clothes and get up-to-date. Since we aren’t always able to see ourselves clearly, another opinion may be a superb mirror.

If you don’t have a buddy to review your wardrobe with you over a bottle of wine, use this time-tested strategy: try on a costume and picture bumping into an old flame. Would you feel confident and sexy wearing it, or awkward and embarrassed? What you felt good in then might not be leveraged today, so embrace who you are today and work with everything you have got.

Snobz Design

We’re not all fashionistas, nor are we all prepared to completely reset our wardrobes. But the bottom line is that the closet needs to be a place of inspiration, not pressure. So lighten your load and keep only what you enjoy and feel beautiful in — whatever your style may be.

Tell us : What do you’ve got trouble eliminating?

More: Easy Ways to Receive Your Closet Organized Right Now

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