“Giving back is the right thing to do, whether it’s donating clothing or even just a smile to someone who needs it.” – Becky G.
Like many others, I love clothes shopping. I am also keenly aware that my wardrobe needs to fit in the finite space I have in my home, whether it’s in my closet and/or my dresser. If I buy too many items, no matter how well they fit or how beautiful they are to look at, I will end up with them taking over the house. Clothes will be piled up on chairs, on the floor or stored in multiple boxes and bins, sometimes in other rooms or the garage.
When this happens, two things are guaranteed: you’ll have overwhelming visual noise and the possibility of clothes being ruined due to a lack of proper care and storage. When clothes are stuffed into any available space, buttons can pop off, wrinkles can become permanent, shoulder dust can be extremely hard to remove (especially after several years) and trapped moisture can create an ideal environment for musty odors and mildew growth.
When you are ready to reclaim your space and edit your wardrobe, you’ll need to consider whether you want to offer them to friends and family, sell online or with a consignment shop, or donate to your favorite charity.
First, look at each item with a critical eye: Are they stained, ripped, threadbare, moldy or smell bad? Offensive odors can often be washed out before you give the item away, but the other types should be separated for textile recycling.
Next, be honest with what you are comfortable wearing regularly. Do you own dresses, but haven’t had an occasion or even the interest in wearing one for 20 years? That’s one category you can let go of without looking back. Do you have clothes that fit you well when you were a different size, but you haven’t been that size in a very long time? Someone else will be thrilled to receive them as either a gift or a treasure to find in a thrift store or clothes closet. The same goes for office attire, but you are now retired.
If you’re like many of us, your tastes may have changed over the years, but you’re holding on to items for sentimental reasons. It’s OK to take a picture of them for your photo album or scrapbook, and then let them go. One thing that some of us are conflicted about asking others (or even ourselves): Do I look great in this outfit? Is it ill-fitting, the wrong color for my complexion, or does it make me smile when I see myself in the mirror?
Clothing gifts that you would never wear can be regifted or donated without any guilt. You appreciated the thought that went into the gift; now you can give it to someone who will be very thankful to receive it. If you want to avoid this situation in the future, my rule of thumb is, “one in, one (or two) out.” They must be of equal size and number (like two similar articles of clothing). It’s great to love clothes shopping, but it’s equally important to care for yourself by limiting your collection to what fits neatly in your closet and dresser, and that you can see clearly, without overwhelm. Only keep clothing that suits you for your life right now, and celebrate the way your organized home will feel for years to come.
“When one gives, two get happy.” – Amit Kalantri, “Wealth of Words”
Los Altos Hills resident Lyn Rogers is a professional organizer and owner and CEO of Lyn At Your Service. For more information, see LynAtYourService.com.
