Out with the Old – Purge your Closet for Sanity

Has accessing the items in your closet become a battle? If your closet induces stress more than it provides accessible storage, it may be time for a closet overhaul. The changing season marks the perfect time to let go of the items in your closet that you no longer have use for. But if you are like many people, getting rid of outdated clothing, shoes and accessories is easier said than done. These considerations are designed to help you determine if the time is right to donate or toss an item:

-When is the last time I wore the item? Nonfunctional parts of your wardrobe only cause clutter and prevent you from reaping the benefits of an accessible closet. If you have been through a full season for which an item is intended without wearing it, it may be time to donate it or throw it away. There are exceptions, however. Formal attire, for instance, may still have the potential for use even if it has not been worn in the past year, but should still be subject to the other considerations below.

-Why am I resistant to part with the item? Many of us have a tendency to keep old clothing around for the wrong reasons. Maybe it was a splurge, or perhaps we attach some sentimental value to it. Sometimes sentimental value is a perfectly acceptable reason to hold onto an item—a wedding dress, for instance. But the line must be drawn somewhere. Chances are you will not be able to hold onto every item that has ever been meaningful to you and have an uncluttered closet at the same time.

-Does the item fit me right now? An uncluttered closet has its foundation on functionality. If you hoard clothing that no longer fits, you are wasting valuable closet real estate that should be home to your functional wardrobe. Perhaps you have changed sizes, or the item has simply become misshapen with time and use. Either way, if you are not utilizing an item because it does not fit, consider sacrificing it in honor of functionality and accessibility.

-Do I feel good when I wear this item? While it is important for a piece of clothing to fit properly, it is not going to get any use if you do not feel comfortable wearing it. It can be difficult to let go of clothing that is still in good shape and fits you well, but if your style has changed, it is not doing you any good. Items fitting this description make perfect candidates to donate or take to a consignment shop where someone else can get proper use from them.

-Is the item damaged or stained? So the shirt has a hole in it. Does this prevent you from wearing it? Is the damage repairable, and if so, are you actually going to go through with the repair? While wearable items may be donated to an organization such as Goodwill, items which are stained or damaged beyond repair should probably be thrown away.

Remember, the best closet is a functional one. Narrowing down your wardrobe such that it contains only items that you actually use is the first step toward a clutter free, accessible closet that does not induce angst.

About the Author: Stephen Nickse is the founder of Closet Solutions, a leading provider of quality Boston closets, strategically headquartered in the nation’s design capitol, Boston, Ma. For more information, please visit www.closet-solutions.com.