Transitioning into the minimalist lifestyle has been a gradual process. While I feel I have made a great deal of progress... the closet had been the biggest challenge. It wasn’t so much that I was adding stuff to it--I just wasn’t getting rid of much. Sure I would take a couple of things out here and there. And even more during my seasonal cleaning.
If I was getting rid of things then why did I still have so much? In short, it was emotional attachment. I found myself justifying why I needed to keep things that I had not worn or used in years, if ever. Whether it was how much I paid for it or the future use I’d have for it, I just could not let go.
Then one day I got some useful advice. I was chit-chatting with an acquaintance (Maria) and she told me about some helpful tips to help with closet cleanup. Here is what she shared:
Turn all your hangers in the opposite direction (hook it from the back side of the bar instead of the front).
When you wear something, turn the hanger back the right way.
If by the end of 6 months the hanger is still hooked from the back, get rid of it.
Do something similar for your shoes.
That bit of advice sparked a train reaction. I had a solution for clearing out the clothes and shoes, but what about the rest of the stuff in my closet? The countless books, the vhs camcorder (hey, it was vintage), and the many other items collecting dust. When you need a solution to a problem...Google it. Normally when I Google something WebMD tells me I’m on my deathbed, but this time was different. Whew!
One of the search results was a book, ‘Less’ by Rachel Aust. The book was amazingly helpful beyond clearing out my closet. Some of the tips and suggestions really took some inner strength but trusting the process paid off. A process that I found useful:
Create 3 piles (or use bags/boxes) KEEP. DONATE. TRASH.
Ask yourself when did you buy the item and when did you last use it.
If it hasn’t been used or worn in the past 3-6 months (this covers most seasons), it should not go back in the closet.
Repeat 1-3, often.
There is no “this works for all” process. You can modify the suggestions or find new and creative ways that make it easier for you. And don’t worry about getting it all done in 1 round. Sometimes you have to do what you are comfortable with and then go back through again when you’re ready. Less things do not make you less of a person. It allows you to focus on what is most important and useful.
Now go start cleaning out that closet!