The fun part of clothes is bringing new clothes in. That shirt you bought on your lake trip. The new top that makes your eyes sparkle.
But part of enjoying that fun part is making way for the new clothes and making space to honor the clothes you truly enjoy. So let’s dive into how best to manage clothes to keep enjoying them.
Signs it is time to do some clothes management:
- You have to use all your body weight to move the hanging clothes apart in order to hang up an item.
- You are shoving your drawers closed with your hip while simultaneously shoving clothes down with your hands and trying to make sure you don’t snag your fingers in the drawer.
- If it is laundry day and all of your go-to items are being washed, you look in your closet and think: ‘I don’t want to wear any of this.’
If any of these rang true for you, it’s time to take on some clothes management tips.
Before you run away screaming, take a deep breath and let’s find the approach that works for you. There is always a solution.
- 5-minute timer: Will need: a timer, a bag for donations For 5 minutes, pull out items you no longer wear and put in the donation bag. Rinse and repeat.
- Section Relay: Will need: some free space, a bag for donations Take one section of clothes (i.e.: socks, gym shirts, jeans) and put them all on your cleared-off space and pull out the items you absolutely love and adore and put those back in your closet. Pull out the items you absolutely do not wear or enjoy anymore and put those in the donation bag. What is left can either be put in a box labeled ‘unsure, donate in 3 months’ or you can dig down and decide if you truly have a need for it and if you are ready to let go.
- Marathon Overhaul: Will need: More time, more space, more energy, and more donation bags This is the Section Relay all in one day, you are doing ALL of your clothes. This is not for the faint of heart, so consider this the big whale of them all. But boy, oh boy, does it feel fantastic to climb that clothes mountain.
If all of these feel like too much, then consider these ideas:
- Place a bag near your closet and every time you spot an item you know you will never wear again, drop it in the bag. When the bag is full, take it to a donation center. (we talk about this a bit more in this episode of No Shame in the Home Game)
- Consider an accountability buddy. Facetime with a friend who needs to manage their closet as well, choose an approach from above, and parallel play your way to closet success!
- Pair the above approach with something that makes you happy. Do it with a podcast or a bingeable show. Or consider purchasing that shirt you have been desiring after you have managed your closet.
I know the process isn’t the fun part. But, it is the essential part to enjoying our favorite clothing items and bringing in new items. Try an approach, and if it doesn’t work, try another one. There are solutions and there is a way. May the closet gods be with you.
As always – if you need more support or ideas, Home Management for Everyone can help you along the way.