Have you guys been seeing the articles about the Japanese method of tidying up? I feel like I’ve seen a few summary articles from Refinery 29, New York Times, and others–but it was my brother who shared the actual book, ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing‘ by Marie Kondo, with me. Being a blogger, I’ll admit that there can be some hoarder moments in my life. I can tend to hang on to clothing because “it might be perfect for an outfit one day” or “this trend might come back”. But unfortunately, that leads to a lot of clutter and overall feeling of too much stuff.
I decided to borrow the book and essentially ask myself “does this piece of clothing bring me joy?” to clean out my closet to make some donations for those in need. I specifically focused on fall and winter clothing since that is what will be needed in charities as we head into colder months.
I went through a rack of jackets and sweaters and considered when was the last time I wore the item, what kind of attachment to it I had, how wearing it made me feel–and based my decisions to keep, donate, or sell based off that. Side note: I added some of the items for sale in my Poshmark closet where all proceeds will be donated to my local animal shelter as I announced on Instagram a few months back.
I stocked up on Glad scented with Gain bags so that my donations would smell fresh-from-the-laundry. I went to GladtoGive.com to schedule a free donation pickup which was really helpful since my donation pile was growing by the minute–if you’re cleaning out your closet I highly recommend leaving the heavy lifting to professionals!
After filling up all of the bags, it felt good to let go of items that felt like excess baggage in my closet. It felt good knowing that someone would appreciate a warm coat or sweater for the upcoming season, and that I could share that with someone.
Have you done a closet clean-out recently? What was your experience–regret? Happiness? Anxiety? Joy? Would love to hear your story!
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I’m about half way through my closet at the moment. I’ve filled 2 garbage bags to go to charity already and there should be lots more to come. Big job!
Probably one of THE most amazing feelings EVER ! Cleaning out your closet is so liberating! Good job 🙂
Having a hoarder in my family, I simplify anything and everything that I can. I’m going to have to check out that book! Thanks for the share!
I really need to do this. I have so many things in my closet that I’m just hanging onto with no real reason…
I’m starting this when I return from vacation. It is badly needed, and I’m also going to rearrange the way it’s laid out to make it easier to organize.
I love this idea: keep only things that bring me joy. I’ll have to remember that. Although I’m surprisingly good about cleaning often, there’s always a few pieces I keep that never get worn, and eventually donated the next time around.
I also read recently that one blogger tries to think “what would I not want for Christmas” this time of year, it really helps her purge.
xoxo
Katie
http://beyondtheclothing.com
I feel like I would be so much more successful at this if I put a date on my calendar every month to edit the closet.
Love the book! I’ve started a massive clear out myself!
I totally did a closet clean up recently. I got rid of a lot of things that didn’t fit. But, I still feel like I have way too much. I feel like I need to go back through and do the “does this bring me love” test. Because some of what is left never gets worn because it doesn’t bring me joy….
I just recently did a closet cleanout and it felt GREAT! There was some regret over a few pieces that I donated, but reality was that I wasn’t going to wear it. I’ve clung to my clothes because for the last 8 years I’ve been pregnant or just had a baby – so I didn’t know what size I was/would be. 4 kids later, I know this is me, and this is what I wear.
I have been decluttering my closets lately. I feel the same way about certain items. I am like well maybe I can wear that again if I lose weight,etc. Yeah….I have realized it only takes up more room. Awesome job on cleaning out your closet!
I need to declutter in a bad way….I have such a problem with getting rid of things, though. Thanks for the post!
I did one not that long ago. But I am in need of another one. There are things that I should have gotten rid of that I just didn’t.
Cleaned out my closet using the KonMari method a couple of months ago. Feel like I could go back and tackle some more!
As I get ready to move I definitely need to start getting rid of the things I barely use. It’s good to hear that in the end you feel lighter and better as I’m currently dreading it!
I feel like every closet in my house needs a cleaning out…you’ve inspired me to start tackling them this weekend!
That’s awesome. I’m pretty good about going through my clothing, but I keep hearing about that book and it is really inspiring me! I’m going to look for it at the library next time I go.
I’m long overdue for another closet cleanout and that’s so awesome that there’s a program for free pickups!
I’ve heard of it but I haven’t done anything yet!
I need to ask myself these questions for sure and start the cleaning process too. There are so many people in need for things that I’m not even using!
Love this post 🙂
Thanks for sharing
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
I’ve heard so much about this book and want to get my hands on it, but also don’t know if I’m ready lol. However, cleaning my closet out is something I do at least twice a year and it’s been something I’ve been wanting to do lately. I actually reduced my closet by A LOT earlier this year and it was nice to see half my closet empty…but I noticed I could do more lol