Half of my antiques business is devoted to helping people
downsize. Downsizing isn’t just about moving to a smaller space. Going through things can also be
a great way to reduce our possessions, and let them do some good for
charity’s sake. Appreciating what you already have is a great way to count your blessings.
Salvation Army is my favorite national charity. They are often
first responders when disaster strikes around the globe. I also give things
to a local organization that helps people with developmental disabilities.
It's time to put your closet in the fire, and find out
what comes out as pure gold. Block out a good part of a sunny day, for trying on every single piece of clothing you own! Clothes
can shrink or lose their shape if the fabric is not made well. You may also
have changed shape, or you are no longer willing to wear something that is slightly
unflattering.
If you "LOVE" it 100%, and it makes you look
thinner, younger, richer, more professional, makes your face look more
beautiful, makes you feel confident, KEEP IT. Be brutal. Do not allow ill-fitting
or unflattering garments.
I did this exercise, with some results that surprised me.
It took me several hours, and a shocking amount of clothes got the boot. The
longer it went on, the more depressed I felt. Soon I was making snap decisions,
like “Yes!” or “No way.”
Here are the top reasons I gave pieces away: Not flattering
(13), too tight (6), shirt shrunk in length (5), trash (4), dreary (3), and lost
its shape (3). Other reasons for discards are: made me look crazy (furry
boots), looks vintage but really made in China (handbag), too manly (tuxedo
shoes), made me look older, made me look too girlish (striped sneakers), too
boring, cheap looking, and out of style. Only one for out of style!
Now you have your wardrobe. When I looked at my sparse
collection of beloved pieces, it was such a relief to feel happy again. Getting
dressed was never easier.
You can try making one half of your closet dark clothes,
and the other half light & bright. Then group by piece type. I included necklaces,
scarves, and handbags in my closet. Being a visual person, it helps me to put
an outfit together. At first I had the dark clothing and accessories together,
but then I moved the light & bright jewelry over to the “Dark Side.”
Make a written inventory. If you have two similar pieces,
keep the best one. Note what pieces are now missing. Hopefully you’ll remember
being especially sad over certain pieces stacked on the give-away pile. Maybe
you can photograph that one piece that broke your heart, so you can make a
point to replace it.
Congratulations on your Spring Cleaning! You'll be looking stylish wherever you go.
