cutdown clutter

Last week a friend of mine hosted a clothing swap. A bunch of us got together and laid out our gently worn/unwanted clothes for each other to try on and, if we liked, take home.

In order to prepare for this, I went through both of my closets and found enough items (that were either too small or uncomfortable or outdated or filled with bad memories) to fill 3 large shopping bags! It was hard putting some of my favorite tops and once-comfy jeans into those bags, but it had to be done. Most of the clothes are way too small and constantly remind me of my “skinny days”... which is arguably an unhealthy attitude to have when you’re trying to lose weight.

I think I’ll add “Host a clothing swap once or twice a year” to my original list of “things I can do” to eliminate clutter.

They are very inexpensive to host (the only expenses are snacks and beverages for the attendees) and they’re good for the community too. Everything we didn’t trade we donated to The Goodwill a few blocks down from my friend’s place.

In addition to the 3 bags of clothes I got rid of at the swap, I have another 4-5 bags in my living room waiting to be donated to PARCA. My closets are still full, somehow… but I now have more room for storage and am getting closer and closer to having only what I need & actually wear, while letting go of virtually everything else.

Gave away three bags of clothes/stuff to PARCA yesterday.

I finally cleaned out my other closet, although not as thoroughly as the first one. I consolidated a few of the large storage boxes of stuff, and even threw some stuff out. There are some clothes I need to go through and decide if I want to keep or give away. I also realize I have way too many SHOES and PURSES. I probably only use about half of them. If I can cut my inventory down to at least two thirds of what I have, I think I’ll feel better.

My next project will be getting rid of all my e-waste (old computer monitors, printers, etc.) and going through some miscellaneous boxes/bags of “stuff” to see what I can get rid of or donate. The clutter is slowly but surely disappearing!

A couple of weeks ago, I cleaned one of my closets. I took absolutely everything out and only replenished the clothes and items I felt necessary. Nothing went back in that I didn’t feel 100% sure I needed or wanted to keep. The rest went into a donation bag. Not only does the closet look less cluttered, but now I have a better idea of what’s actually in there! Doublescore!

My other closet is still overflowing. I have come to the conclusion that I just have way too many clothes. If I want to have enough room to store it all without feeling cluttered, I’m going to have to get rid of at least 25% of it.

Until this happens, I’ve got to think of some ways to stop shopping! I spend at least $200 a month on NEW clothes. I feel this is too much, considering that I’m trying to get out of debt.

I’ve thought about trying to sell some of the stuff instead of donate it, but the truth is, I set certain things aside with the intention of taking pictures & posting them on Craigslist or something, but I procrastinate so much that the stuff just sits there and the pictures/postings never happen. It’s easier to just put it in a bag and know it’s the last step I have to take before someone else gets to enjoy them. My sense of letting go is really starting to grow. It feels really good.

Gave a bag of clothes to http://www.parca.org/. They give used goods to people with developmental disabilities and their families. This has also motivated my roommates to donate some of their stuff.

I have too much “stuff” for my living space. I hold on to a lot of these things for sentimental reasons. I can probably get rid of 50% of my clothes and about 80% of the other miscellaneous crap filling my drawers and closets.

Things I can do:
- Have a “used stuff sale” at least once per month.
- Donate clothing to charity at least once per month.
- Sell or store clothes I rarely wear due to weather.
- Find ways to better organize the “stuff” I want to keep.