“You can remove a significant amount of stress from your life simply by reducing the number of items in your closet.” –Courtney Carver
In the constant churn of modern life, where consumerism is encouraged at every turn, it is easy to accumulate more than we need (or even truly desire).
The clothes in our closets are a good example of this. We have more than we need, keep buying more, and rarely take the time to thin out the excess.
But when we do, there is an opportunity waiting. An opportunity to not just gain back some time and calm in the morning, but also to simplify, refine, and even rediscover ourselves.
Have you ever looked into your closet and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of items, many of which you haven’t touched in months, or maybe even years? It’s a common scenario for many, but it doesn’t have to be that way for you.
To get you started, here are nine types of clothing items you can consider removing from your closet today:
1. Non-Fitting Clothes
Whether too large, too small, or just not quite right, clothes that don’t flatter your current body shape might be doing more harm than good. Let go, and make space for pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable.
2. Untouched for a Year
If you haven’t worn it in the past twelve months, chances are you won’t miss it. Such items only serve to crowd our spaces and minds.
3. Damaged Beyond Repair
Holding onto clothes with the hope of mending them someday? If they’ve been awaiting repair for long, it might be time to bid them farewell.
4. Special Occasion Outfits
That dress or suit you bought for a specific event and haven’t touched since? If it’s not versatile enough for other occasions, it might be worth passing on.
5. Memory-Laden Clothes
Apparel from past events or phases of life that you never wear but hold onto for sentimental reasons can be photographed and then donated, allowing the memory to live on without the clutter.
6. Unwanted Gifts
Clothing items gifted to you that just don’t align with your personal style.
7. Uncomfortable Shoes
If they hurt your feet or you find yourself avoiding them, it’s a clear sign. Comfort should never be compromised to that level.
8. The ‘I’ll Fit into This Again’ Garment
Holding onto pre-pregnancy or pre-weight gain clothes with the hope of fitting back into them someday can be discouraging. If they don’t make you feel good about yourself now, they’re better off being donated.
9. Emotionally Charged Items
Clothes that remind you of past relationships or challenging times. If they bring more negative feelings than positive, consider parting ways.
As Courtney Carver reminds us, embarking on this decluttering journey can have a bigger impact on our life than we realize.
As you free up space in your closet, you’ll find that you’re also freeing up space in your mind and time in your day, paving the way for a life defined not by possessions, but by experiences and connections. And that is not an overstatement.
Bring intentionality into your closet and you’ll begin to find it elsewhere.
