Closets are like a history book. Everything you have worn is tied to an event, good or bad. The things you have never worn have their reasons whether it just doesn’t fit your current season of life or the fit is all wrong. But when you are ready to take on this task, here are a few things I do recommend, and a few I do not.

Be ready. Once you start, you will want to finish. Including loading out all the things you are ready to part with, so pick a good day when you have the time and the donation drop off as a deadline to finish the task. Block out a day when you can listen to music or a podcast in your sweats with a hot cup of coffee and get to work. It will feel amazing to have this complete, not half done.

Get some tubs, probably three. One for seasonal or travel things you need to pack up but not part with .. another for things that you may want to hold onto, and the last for what doesn’t make the cut. If it turns into two out, and one stays, even better, but it’s okay to hold onto a maybe someday until you are truly ready.

Have a process in mind. I like to start with shoes. They are definitely easiest when it comes to practicality and purpose.Do I need this … and what for … is easier to decide in a shoe! A great place to get the ball rolling. From there, tops, then bottoms, then dresswear, then jewelry, it’s the smallest and easiest to throw in a full pile. 

Do not second guess what you do not want anymore. You are after all, the one to wear it. Be confident in quick decisions when you feel most convicted. Do not hold anything out of guilt or gifts! I know, the kids got a sweater five years ago that no longer fits and now they are off to college. Make memories, not memorabilia. It’s okay to let go of material things and hold on to the moments.

Do not give away something you have never worn … that you love … for lack of opportunity. Perhaps, it is better to plan to use it and then make it happen. A girls night, a vacation, a special event. If you love it, look for opportunities to wear it, even if you are a little ”overdressed.”

Angelica