Stop Hoarding: Clothing & Shoes

Camden apartments are known for massive walk in closets. As amazing as this sounds, it does not mean that we need to fill them. Eliminating clothing from our wardrobes can be the hardest thing about decluttering. It is easy to make excuses when we become attached to specific items we have collected over time. What if I have an event where I need to wear this dress? What if I lose 10 pounds and can fit into these jeans? What if my child needs to borrow this for a Halloween costume? It’s time to let go. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help declutter your clothing and shoes.

1. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I wore this?” This is probably my biggest issue when it comes to my closet. I tend to keep items that I have worn as far back as 15 years ago. Fashion trends come and go. The best advice I can give is the one-year rule: If you have not worn it in one year, then it must go!

2. Does it still fit? I am the kind of person that hates going into the fitting room at stores. Often, I buy items, try them on at home, and never return them. They sit in my closet with tags, waiting for the day that I lose 10 more pounds. Additionally, I have kept clothing that I wore 60 pounds ago and look at it longing to fit into it again. It is time for me to let go of my beloved Adidas track jacket with the gold stripes, because it is taking up prime real estate in my closet for a new jacket that will fit me now.

3. Could I wear this in public? Mainly this applies to the clothing and shoes that are so worn out, with holes in the thighs and busted toes. I am 100% guilty of keeping and wearing my favorite pair of Vans slip ons, despite the 3 holes per shoe. I have also been called out for wearing jeans that are so worn out and ripped, they should go in the garbage. I’ll be throwing away my favorite jeans and freeing up a hanger for something new. As far as the Vans? They are my “dog walking” shoes.

4. Could this be donated? There are items that I know I will never wear anymore, such as trends that are not trendy anymore (anyone else guilty of the peplum top trend?). They are in amazing condition and would look fabulous on someone else in need. Donation drop boxes for clothing and shoes are in many shopping centers around your neighborhood. I try to donate as many items as I can rather than throw them away.

Now that your closet has been decluttered, you now have space for a whole new wardrobe. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out how to stop hoarding beauty and hair products.