Closet Clean Out

There’s nothing like a good ol’ closet clean, eh? I get it – my closet is huge. I’m soooooo lucky. Actually, I am. But having a large closet just means more to manage. Honestly, the before’s and after’s from about a year ago don’t look quite as amazing as they are. Yes, I still have all the sections with clothes. But when I see pictures and remember what it felt like – stuffed. It was hard to move clothes in and out and honestly I didn’t know where my style end or began. About a year ago, I followed Dawn’s plan for closet clean outs (I know, we are shocked right? But her methods DO work!). I thought about my categories and I laid outfits out on the bed and just started putting items in bins or donate. This was the first time it felt freeing. I know I can manage a decent amount because I wear lots of hats, but I also knew I couldn’t manage everything. Here were my goals:

1. Everything fits my TODAY body.
2. Items can be mixed and matched – a pair of pants I wear once in a blue moon have to go.
3. Have room to breathe between hangers – it doesn’t have to be empty, but it should be manageable.
4. Narrow down my categories – they were too big!

One thing to remember is it’s ok to have clothes if you want! But updating my wardrobe really helped me identify places I wanted to beef up. For instance, I got rid of the majority of my sweaters for work. I spent time searching for sweaters I actually loved, that fit right during the fall/winter and built a section I really love and am actually excited to wear in winter again. I also had a full shelf of jeans and realized I don’t really wear jeans. I got rid of the majority and found a pair from Madewell (finally) that fit perfect and I really love. I wear them all the time. So my closet is full now, but I’m much better about buying what I actually need, returning what doesn’t work and building a closet that is all an option.

Bags were also downsized to the classics. I bought my first Louis Vuitton 17 years ago I think now and it still remains something I reach for on occasion. Again, the reminder of I don’t need to buy new because I’ve built a collection I love really helps. Yes, I had a lot to get rid of, but I gave myself some grace and let go of breastfeeding tops, ill-fitting shirts, pants I never wore… and now I buy better as the name of the game is mindful consumption. Do I have a lot of Lululemon tank tops? Sure. Do I wear them regularly and have I had many of them for 2 years? Also yes.

The video below is from a recent maintenance declutter & I talk more about my categories.

Video: