If you have done a major clean out of your clothes closet...

Yes I got rid of 4 garbage bags of clothing that went to my dad’s service club’s garage sale. I gave me a lot of anxiety but I did it. Not easy though. I went from a size 14 to a 6. I had clothes in every size. I did it and always can re-buy later if I remember what I got rid of.

So much satisfaction when the chore is done. In addition, extra space for new things!

The new house I just moved to has got closets that are less than a third of the space that I had in my old master bedroom. I suppose I could transfer off-season clothing to the guest room closet, but I would ideally like to leave that empty for guests. There is a coat closet in this place, something my prior home didn’t have. But I also only had two warm coats in California so I didn’t need a coat closet. I have already picked up too many here.

My current plan is to put the summer clothing into one of the big plastic zippered bags that I used in moving to store until warm weather comes back.

I gained weight during the pandemic and have several sizes of clothing. I plan to sort into size piles and then determine if anything that is currently too small is something I want to hang onto to wear when this weight is off. I know I will be keeping things like good jeans and a few higher end pieces of clothing but there is no need to have them hanging in my closet. I will be boxing these up with the size marked on the box, ready and waiting for when I achieve each size goal. There is a huge attic in this house so the smaller sized things will probably end up at the top of the stairs in the attic. I really don’t want to start using that attic space because I need to purge, but a few bags of clothing won’t guilt me out.

I think by separating out the seasons and sizes I will be left with an amount of clothing that can comfortably fit into this little closet. I no longer work, so there is no need to have so many outfits. I got rid of tons of shoes before I moved and should have sorted my work suits and dresses out to donate before the move, but I didn’t. Surely there will be an organization here in Oregon like the one that I always donated to in California. My preference is one that offers good-quality office appropriate clothing, free of charge, to women entering the workforce. The place I used before helped women that had been abused or homeless get on their feet and find jobs. They have someone volunteering with haircuts and makeup and a personal shopper that helps put together a working wardrobe. If I can’t find one like that here, I guess the clothes will go to a local thrift store. I just prefer they go for free to a woman in need.

This is how I get through so many things these days when the couch is calling my name, yet there are boxes to unpack and the normal household things to be done like laundry, cooking, and cleaning.  If I can accomplish something by dragging the components to the coffee table so that I can watch a movie at the same time, I have a better chance of finishing something.

I really need to do this. I did my t-shirts a while ago but need to go through them again because they are my weakness. I really need to just sort through, get rid of the really ratty old ones, take the medium ratty ones to the lake cabin and leave them there to wear when we are working outside on landscaping or painting or whatever, and then there will be room for the newer, nicer ones.

Then there’s the rest of the closet, ugh. I have a whole shelf full of crew neck sweaters and sweatshirts that I doubt I’ll ever wear again because I just get too hot in anything heavier that can’t be unzipped, even in the winter. I can give DD first crack at them and any she doesn’t want could really go.

And I don’t really want to talk about the shelf my pants are on. I think I’ve only put on a pair of actual jeans once in the last six months, and likely not even a handful of times since Covid. Probably half of them are brand new and don’t fit. 🫤

I did a major purge when I retired. Most of my work attire went to the local unemployment office that takes interview appropriate clothing. I included shoes and hosiery that was not opened, and some purses. It felt great, and motivated me to go through all my drawers--I threw out u/w that wasn't my favorite kind, socks, even my 'painting' clothing and most 'yard work' clothing and shoes. I haven't missed anything, and I'm happier that my clothing is organized and pared down. One thing I've become aware of--I have a thing for coats of various weights and uses--gotta stop that and keep it under control:)

I always feel good when I complete a task.
My personal operating system works best with rewards. So I usually tell myself, once "whatever the task is" is done, then I can reward myself. Usually it's something little (a bundtlet cake, a scrapbook goody, a milkshake, etc...). It's silly, but having something to work for, motivates me. 

I usually do my closets(I have four....one clothes, three storage), as well as kitchen and bathroom cupboards and drawers, and car trunk....twice a year.

I'm not one to keep things, if it doesn't serve a purpose or occasionally get used.....except, of course for my scrapbook product stash. 

Oh, SO worth it.

Just start with purging one thing. Shoes/sweaters/whatever.

If that’s all the mojo you can muster, at least you e started. But it’s usually all I need to get moving.

I have done a purge of my clothes. I struggled at first but then loved seeing the pile of clothes to donate. I felt much better after seeing more room in my closet which allowed me to really see what I have. Now when I buy something new, I have to get rid of something. That forces me to really think before I buy something.

Ugh I feel for you. It’s hard to know sometimes what to get rid of and what to save.
I’m overwhelmed- I have an entire house to clean out!

For those of you that retired and had specific clothes for work, how long did you hold on to those? I have clothes that I pretty much only wear for work. One friend who retired kept it all, another friend purged it all right away.

We just have a small closet in our room.  2-3 weeks ago hubby was gone and I was just tired of the shoes thrown all over instead of being put back in their spot, sand from his shoes he just doesn't bother to brush off etc.  I went through all my clothes/shoes/extra purses etc and got rid of a little over a garbage bag full.  I know I should probably do it again and get rid of more stuff.  I really don't have much honestly.  Have basically been working from home since 2020. And prior to that only  had so many work clothes.  I think I am going to get some new items as we will be back in the office 3 times a week starting in January and think it's some time for some new items.

Felt great when I was done to have it nice and clean.  Hubby actually came home that weekend and the following week straightened up all his clothes.