My 7 golden rules for decluttering your closet (and your life)
When my friend recently texted me a photo of her closet in shambles - a rack buckling under the weight of her designer clothes - it was a wake-up call. As someone who's spent years helping others streamline their wardrobes, I realized I needed to tackle my own clutter.
A system for solving the mess
I've developed a streamlined process for decluttering that works wonders. Here are my 7 essential rules to get you started:
1. Set a timer: Limit your decluttering sessions to 30 minutes, or even just 15 seconds - whatever works for your schedule. This time constraint stops you from dwelling on 'what-ifs' and makes decision-making easier.
2. Ask the basics: When in doubt, ask yourself when was the last time you wore an item. If it's been over a year, it's likely time to let it go. Arithmetic is your friend here - if you haven't used it in 12 months, it's not worth the storage space.
3. Contemplate the tag: Take a hard look at the item and why you haven't worn it. Are you holding onto it for sentimental reasons or because of a shopping syndrome like Label Dickmitization (buying for the brand name alone)? Understanding your motivations can help you make a more informed decision.
4. Separate yourself emotionally: If an item is tied to a memory or gift, try to distance yourself from it mentally. Remember, the space an item occupies isn't just physical, but also spiritual. Clearing out clutter also clears out emotional baggage.
5. Utilize the 'expiration pile': For items you're unsure about, create a temporary 'expiration pile' and wear them out to gauge your feelings. If you don't love the way they make you feel, it's time to say goodbye. Be picky and don't abuse this rule - every item that stays in the pile is another piece of clutter accumulating.
6. Tailor, don't toss: If an item doesn't quite fit right, consider taking it to a tailor. Don't let a few alterations add to your clutter woes. And remember, every item that's fixed is one less thing you'll need to get rid of.
7. Start small: Don't try to declutter your entire closet in one go. Start with a single item each day, and you'll be amazed at how quickly your space transforms. Celebrate each small victory to keep the momentum going.