Face it. It’s not fun cleaning out your closet but it has to be done once in a while especially when…
- You are having a hard time finding what you want when you’re trying to get ready for work or a dinner date.
- Some of your favorite clothes are buried somewhere deep inside your closet so you forget all about them until the seasons are almost over.
- You finally realize that you’re only using 10% to 20% of all the clothing in your closet. The rest of them are just taking up valuable space.
- Your messy closet or closets are even starting to mess with your brain.
- You feel guilty and you keep putting it off because even though you know you should clean it out, you’re just not motivated.
- You can’t even relax because you know what a mess it is behind those clothes stores.
Understanding the Impact of Excessive Clothing
When your closet is out of control your whole life can feel out of control. You probably wonder.
- How did it get to be this bad?
- Why did I buy all those clothes in the first place
- Why am I holding onto all of them even if many of them don’t fit me or they’re not my taste or style any longer?
There are a number of answers to those questions. Here are just a few. Understanding them may help prevent you from overbuying in the future.
Aspirational Clothes Clutter
Do you remember buying those pretty little black dresses for the perfect date with Mr. Right? Do you remember buying pants that were too tight but you bought them anyway because you intended to lose 10 more pounds?
Sentimental Clothes Clutter
Do you still have your wedding dress in your closet that is now 25 years old? Do you have the dress you wore on your first date or to the prom?
If you are trying to downsize and declutter, are you challenged by having to let go of sentimental things?
Bargain Clothing Clutter
You might still have tags on clothing that you just had to have because they were on sale and such a good buy.
Distraction Clothing Clutter
Have you ever gone shopping mindlessly to distract yourself from being lonely on a Friday night or after a stressful week? Holding onto clothing in our closets is a form of security and self-comfort, but the question becomes at what point are you going to be willing to let go of those clothes that don’t fit or not you anymore and that you never wear because you don’t feel good in them?
Check out Rita’s article: Baby Boomers, Declutter Now: How to Prevent Your Stuff from Becoming a Burden to Your Family
Hoarder to Minimalist: Recognizing When Clothes No Longer Serve You
You have to admit many of those clothes need to go. So how can you get started? Because closet cleaning is not very much fun, I decided to create the 30-Day Funniest Closet Decluttering Checklist Ever! At the end of 30 days, you will have gotten rid of all of those clothes that look ridiculous on you, shoes that don’t fit and things that you bought in a weaker moment. If you want a copy of my new checklist, email me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com. In the subject line put the funniest checklist ever and I will send you a free PDF.
Here’s how 30-Day Funniest Closet Decluttering Checklist Ever works:
Each day for 30 days, go into your closet and challenge yourself to select at least one item from that day’s category. Remove it from your home immediately by disposing of donating or giving it to some other sucker who will keep it in their closet!
At the end of each decluttering session, take just a minute to laugh at yourself for having bought it in the first place!
DAY 1: “I can’t believe I ever wore this!”
DAY 2: “If only I had said no!”
DAY 3: “What was I thinking?!”
DAY 4: “I must have been bored.”
DAY 5: “It used to look good on me…really!”
DAY 6: “How many of these do I need?”
DAY 7: “Please don’t laugh!”
DAY 8: “I forgot I even had this!”
DAY 9: “I can’t believe I spent that much money on this!”
DAY 10: “Who left the tags on?”
DAY 11: “I must have been drinking!”
DAY 12: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime bargain!”
DAY 13: “Why does it say “expired”?”
DAY 14: “Maybe I can regift this!”
DAY 15: “Definitely Secret Santa material!”
DAY 16: “I wonder if this qualifies as a historical costume?”
DAY 17: “Why does it say, “Do not use”?”
DAY 18: “I’m not sure which decade this came from.”
DAY 19: “Are you kidding me?!”
DAY 20: “A gift that keeps on giving.”
DAY 21: “Too short, too tight, on sale … I’ll take it!”
DAY 22: “Surely I’m not the only one who wore these!”
DAY 23: “Maybe someone half my age would want this”
DAY 24: “No wonder it was on sale!”
DAY 25: “Wish I could get my money back for this!”
DAY 26: “One of a kind…no wonder!”
DAY 27: “Certified preowned, never worn.”
DAY 28: “I forgot I already had 3 of these!”
DAY 29: “Who in their right mind would have bought this? (me)”
DAY 30: “Found it! Best Halloween costume ever!”
At the end of 30 days, check out your closet. Chances are you only have things in there that you want, need, and will wear. You will also have more peace of mind knowing you can find what you need when you need it! If you would like the free PDF 30-Day Funniest Closet Decluttering Checklist Ever, email me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com with the subject line, “Funniest checklist ever!”
Are you Ready?
Take that first step and open yourself up to a world of freedom, peace, and fulfillment. Rita has the expertise and tools you need to create a more peaceful and intentional life. From ebooks to online courses and personalized decluttering plans, Rita’s resources are designed to help you achieve your goals and create a life that feels authentically you. So why wait? Start living your best life today with Rita’s lifestyle design and decluttering resources. Remember, the power to live a minimalist lifestyle lies in your hands.
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