A Wardrobe edit: It's More Than Just Tidying Up

Every year, as the seasons change, most of us tackle the daunting task of cleaning out our wardrobes. Down here in sunny South Africa, we're lucky to enjoy longer summers, but when the colder days creep in, it's nice to have a closet that's not just stuffed with sweaters and jeans.

We're taught from a young age that tidying up means keeping things neat and tidy. But trust me, it goes beyond that.

A wardrobe edit is like a therapy session for your closet – it's about getting rid of the baggage that's been weighing you down.

So, let's dive into why tidying and editing your wardrobe is more of a therapeutic experience than just a cleaning spree.

Finding Joy in Your Closet? You've probably heard about the "Marie Kondo" decluttering method, which is all about keeping things in your life that spark joy. Now, it might sound a bit extreme – I mean, do your printer and iron really bring you joy? But there's a point to it.

This method got me thinking about a quote I stumbled upon: "Everything you own owns you back." It's a profound idea because it's often loaded with emotions.

So, when I start my wardrobe edit, I keep this quote in mind. I mean, it's important for me to be surrounded only by things I genuinely love. Here's why:

1. Clarity: Tidying your wardrobe gives you clarity. It makes choosing outfits a breeze, and you can focus on what really matters in life. Plus, when you open your closet, you know that everything in there suits your style and makes you feel amazing.

2. Time-Saving: A decluttered wardrobe saves you loads of time when it comes to picking your daily outfits. No more standing there, overwhelmed by the heaps of clothes and choices.

3. Peace of Mind: When your wardrobe is all neat and organized, you have fewer things to stress about. Life's already complicated – no need for your closet to add to that!

4. Boosting Creativity: A tidy wardrobe also boosts your creativity. You can mix and match your favorite pieces effortlessly, creating new outfits and styles you never thought of before.

Why Do People Part with Clothes? Most folks toss their clothes due to changes in size, evolving trends, age, status, or just a shift in design preferences. But boredom is another sneaky reason for tossing clothes out. With fast fashion trends changing at the speed of light, it's easy to get tired of what's in your closet.

However, I've found a little trick to combat this boredom. When I get tired of a piece, I challenge myself to create new outfits with it, pairing it with something fresh or never-before-worn. If I love the result, I keep the item. Give it a shot – it really works!

Why do we Keep Dormant Clothes: Now, we all have our reasons for hanging on to clothes that don't see the light of day. I've got a few myself:

1. Emotional Attachment: Some pieces hold a special place in our hearts, like the suit you wore to your brother's wedding or the cute dress from your daughter's graduation party. But I've learned to keep only one-third of these, with a promise to actually wear them again.

2. Investment Pieces: We've all got those pieces that we can't let go of because they were a splurge. But in today's world, you can often give them a second life by selling or donating them.

3. Weight Loss Dreams: Some clothes sit there, waiting for the day you'll shed those extra pounds. Trust me, it's better to let go of these pieces that are just collecting dust.

4. Aesthetic Value: Certain items, like vintage finds or unique pieces, have a special aesthetic value. Keep those – they're keepers.

The Power of Self-Reflection: I've got a question that guides me through my wardrobe detox: "Do I own my clothing, or does my clothing own me?" It forces me to be real with myself and helps me let go of what I no longer need.

A Golden Rule for Sustainable Wardrobes: In between my wardrobe "detox" sessions, I stick to a golden rule: for every new piece I buy, one has to go. It's a challenge, but it really makes you think twice about adding more to your collection.

So, in a nutshell, tidying up your wardrobe isn't just about keeping things neat and organized. It's about creating space in your life for what truly matters, finding clarity, and bringing back the joy. It's like a therapy session for your closet, and it's a practice that leads to a more intentional and happier life.

So, go ahead and ask yourself, "Do I own my clothing, or does my clothing own me?" It's a simple question with a big impact on your closet and your life.