Now that you have got into a bit of a groove let’s really make an impact this week with a big category – clothing!
I know it might seem a little daunting, but it is the perfect time to tackle this one as you can also pack your winter clothes away and set up your wardrobe for summertime.
Grab your donation bag and get started!
So how do we decide what stays and what goes?
Revisit the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge to assist you in making decisions about your clothes.
Now ask yourself, was there any winter clothes taking up valuable space in your cupboard that didn’t grace your back this year? They should be the first to go! Don’t waste any more time or space on these items.
As you are pulling out your summer clothes, try them on and consider if the piece still works for your wardrobe.
If it doesn’t fit, you don’t love it or feel good in it, it is time to go!
What do I do with the keepers?
When it comes to placing items back in your robe, the first rule to remember is that all of your clothes should fit within the confines of your available wardrobe space (including dresser/tallboy if you have one). The only exception to this is your off-season clothing that can be packed and stored elsewhere (see more about that below).
Zone your available wardrobe space into categories. That can be by type of item (e.g. trousers, shirts etc.) or by function (work clothes, gym wear, casual etc.). Whatever makes the most sense to you and enables you to easily zoom in on what you need when you need it. Every minute we can save in our day is worthwhile!
Set yourself some physical limits too. For example, one drawer for gym clothes. I use this tool for clothes and shoes too. It is as simple as, if I can’t get the drawer closed properly, something has to go. Before you ask, yes you saw right, I keep my shoes in one of those open wire drawer systems so I they are easily accessible, can breathe, and it gives me a comfortable limit to stick to with little effort or thought. Maintenance should be simple.
If you have piles of clothes in your wardrobe or drawers, you will likely only wear the top 1/3rd. Consider rolling them or stack them in a draw folded and stacked on their sides so that you can see them all (see pic below of my t-shirt drawer). This will increase the likelihood that you will wear more of them ten-fold.
Your off-season items can be packed away. Pop them in an unused suitcase, vacuum bags or a storage box/bag and put them up high in your wardrobe or spare cupboard.
We should always use the absolute top or bottom of a cupboard for things that aren’t in regular use.
What do I do with the ones that no longer have a purpose for me?
If they are in good condition, you could sell, swap or donate them.
- Sell or Swap:
o Swap with your friends or family.
o Gumtree
o Facebook Marketplace
o Ebay
o Garage Sale (the Garage Sale Trail is on this weekend if you registered in time!)
- Donate options (please contact them first to discuss their needs):
o Charity shops such as the Salvos or Vinnies
o Green Shed (Mitchell or Mugga Lane)
If you are going to consider selling, here is a recent blog with my top 5 tips for selling online. Please do also consider your time and potential return on investment.
If they are well worn, have holes or stains etc. consider using them as rags before you place them in the bin.
How did you go?
Feel free to share your successes, challenges and tips on our Facebook page.
Happy decluttering!
Melissa x