There are plenty of sources of stress over which you have little to no control. We’re sorry about that, really we are. While we can’t help you eliminate all sources of stress from your life, we can help you reduce a single source of stress for many women: their closets. The number of pieces that don’t serve you, along with an overabundance of items in general is probably causing you more stress than joy. We looked at how to start purging your closet in Part 1. Now we’ll pick up where we left off.
Looking Toward the Future, Not the Past
While you may have heard of the 6-month test as a good rule of thumb, I’m going to suggest a different one: be realistic about your future. Maybe you did wear an item last year, but then you lived in Texas, while now you’re in New York. Or maybe you were 50 pounds overweight, and now you’re wearing a smaller size. It’s not about the past. Considering the current trajectory of your life and body and style, do you realistically plan to wear the item in the next year? If not, toss it. If so, make sure you have what you need to make it work for you.
Again, looking toward the future, perhaps an item has become faded or uncomfortable or its style is passe. No matter what fond memories you associate with it, it may be time to say goodbye. Sometimes looking at yourself in the mirror may not truly reveal the issues, but snapping a selfie (and even showing a friend) will give you a more honest impression.
Deciding if Items Are Worth It
We get it: some pieces are really special. Maybe you have a sweater you know you’ll never wear again, but it was handmade for you by your great aunt. Or maybe it’s the dress you wore to your senior prom, and you just can’t bear to part with it. Give yourself permission to keep a few special pieces, but get them out of your closet, and limit yourself to a single bin or box. If you don’t honestly have the storage space or aren’t willing to take up the real estate in the floor of your closet, that’s okay, too: simply take a photo of those pieces, and get rid of the actual items.
As far as determining the worth of a piece, it’s not just about the space it takes up — in your closet or elsewhere. Some pieces are simply more high-maintenance than they should be. Of course, there are those must-have special occasion pieces that need a little extra TLC, and there’s no way around it if you ever require formal wear. But everyday clothing is probably not worth the dry cleaning bill or time and effort for hand washing.
Penny Pincher Boutique
We’re Westchester’s luxury consignment shop offering women’s designer clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags and much more. Visit our shop at 184 Harris Road in Bedford Hills, New York or visit us online at www.pennypincherboutique.com. You can also find a selection of our items on sale on eBay. We ship throughout the United States.
Images are from the Penny Pincher Boutique Instagram Page. Images may portray consigned items which have already been sold.
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