ORIGINALLY POSTED ON BRIGHTPEAKFINANCIAL.COM
It’s that time of year again; flip-flops and summer dresses go into storage while boots and sweaters make their way to the front of the closet. It’s sweater weather! As I am reorganizing the priority of my closet, I’ve quickly realized that 20 sweaters take up a lot more room in my closet than 20 dresses did. My closet doors started bulging open and I had this moment of “why do I need so much stuff?” And the answer is: I don’t.
We live in a world where we say “less is more” but the reality is that we often live out “more is more.”
As I browse Pinterest for closet organization ideas, I realize that I need to set realistic expectations and that my closet will never be that organized; 6 hangers evenly spaced, 4 pairs of shoes on a rack, 2 sweaters with a few baskets on the top shelf…not my reality (I’ve decided that whoever has that closet also has a second one where they actually keep all of their stuff.) But even though that isn’t my reality, can I still get comfortable in living with less? Yes, and I am determined to do so.
So, how do I get rid of stuff and stop it from accumulating again? Here are some tips that I am using to get down to simple living.
1) Stuff that sits on the bottom – tends to stay on the bottom
Up until last month, I was still living out of plastic bins that I had in college. I quickly realized that when I was going through these easily stackable bins, I NEVER wore or used the stuff in the bottom bins. So, I got rid of it. If I don’t ever open the bin, there is no need to keep it around.
2) Set specific metrics for your “stuff”
I happen to be a collector of clothes – but more specifically, shoes. Instead of letting my shoe rack topple over with shoes, I set a limit for myself. If it fits on the rack, I can keep it, but when I purchase a new pair, I have to get rid of a pair. Same with clothes; I don’t have any extra hangers for it? Well, I have to give up something to gain something.
3) The fashion face off – getting rid of duplicates
I have 3 black sweaters but tend to favor one over the others. Do I really need all 3? I started by grouping my clothes into categories and then purging the things that weren’t my “favorites.” I don’t need 3 of practically the same thing. Simplifying your wardrobe forces you to get creative which can be fun!
4) 24 hour purchases
If you are buying things last minute, try to buy from your “need” list and not your “want” list. If you have an item that you “want,” identify it and then wait 24 hours to purchase it. You will avoid last minute splurge items and also, you may change your mind in those 24 hours. Last minute purchases not only hurt your closet space, but they can also cut into your budget.
I have to admit that some of these are still a work in progress, but getting rid of stuff and living a simpler, less cluttered life will help me focus on things that truly matter.