Quick Tips to Help You Streamline Your Wardrobe

Did you have your fashion show last week? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check this out.

If you did, I bet you experienced how differently you think about an item when you’re wearing it versus it hanging in your closet.

You got to see how it really feels on you; how you feel in it; how you look in it.

Does it fit well?

Are you excited at the idea of wearing it all day?

Did you discover any stains or rips you hadn’t noticed before?

Side note: Have you ever carefully ironed something to wear only to find a stain in the final section? SO frustrating!

Hopefully, this exercise made it easier to determine which ones it’s time to say goodbye to because it can be tough to let go of clothes you once loved, that you felt great in (or fit in), or that represents a cherished time. However, if you don’t wear them, they’re taking up precious space in your life, physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Space that your financial health could expand into.

Space that your marriage could use to connect more deeply.

Space that could let you exhale into your life instead of feeling constricted and suffocated.

I know, it’s big stuff! And this is why you might have a hard time deciding.

Here are some things to consider to help you along:

• Ask yourself, “If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it?”
• Does the item fit into your wardrobe, meaning can you mix and match it or is it something you’ll wear once you find the right shoes/pants/earrings to go with it?
• Do you have the item because you’re “supposed” to? You know, that little black dress or business suit? Does your lifestyle call for those things?
• Are you hanging on to your “skinny” clothes? Do they make you feel crappy about yourself? If so, out they go! If you do keep some pieces that don’t fit at the moment, be sure you LOVE them. I have two pairs of pants and two pairs of shorts that I love and can’t wear currently. However, I would absolutely wear them if I could and will when I can. I store them in a suitcase and not in my closet. I don’t need them taunting me every day!

This week, spend one or two POM rounds (Pomodoro Technique) in your closet evaluating pieces, trying some more on, and collecting any you’re ready to part with.

If you’ve identified ones you don’t love, but still struggle to let go, inquire as to why. Pay attention to what you tell yourself or how you try and talk yourself into keeping it.

Was it a gift and you feel guilty getting rid of it? (Where else in your life are you operating out of guilt?)

Does it hold sentimental meaning? (The memory lives in your heart, not in the item. If you’d like a visual reminder, snap a pic!)

Did you spend a lot of money on it so it feels wasteful to let it go? (What is the emotional and energetic cost of keeping it?)

These stories you tell yourself are the real clutter. Address those and I guarantee you’ll find it easier to let go of that shirt or dress.

This clutter hot spot can bring up a lot of emotions, so as you take these steps this week, have your journal handy. A member in Clutter Clear Your Life shared that she was surprised how much more triggered she was by her clothes than the items in her kitchen (a room that holds a lot of family memories for her).

She anticipated a quick closet organization and to be done by mid-month, but instead is just starting to put her hands on items. The journaling she’s been doing has been instrumental in uncovering the hidden clutter under the clothes, so I urge you to hold space for your feelings and thoughts by writing them down — even if you tear up the page when you’re done.

While this task may not feel as important as other things in your life right now, your life and happiness is worth making the space for. I promise it’s more impactful than you think.

Now, reply in the comments below and let me know if you’ll be committing to those two pom rounds!