A Life Decluttered: Biannual Upkeep Decluttering
Next week I'll be attending Style Swap, an annual event here in Indianapolis that benefits Indystar's Our Children campaign and other women's shelters. To attend, one pays an entry fee, brings some lightly used items from the ol' closet, and swaps them for something new (to you). It's fun, it spruces up your wardrobe and all proceeds go to a good cause. What a wonderful way to declutter.
Which got me thinking... what are all the ways I've decluttered my closet over the years?
It's a good question because, for me, decluttering doesn't happen all at once. Yes, there was that Initial Overhaul -- the ruthless stripping away of items that I hadn't worn in years and wasn't going to wear any time soon (honestly, I questioned why I'd purchased them in the first place). For these epic downsizing moments, I donate items to local charities. Goodwill is my choice, but there are a plethora for you to choose from. If you are associated with a religious organization, a phone call to the secretary can often result in discovering their charity of choice. Also, the company you work for often partners with charitable organizations. Inquire within. Donating is the simplest way to declutter. You just drop of your bags and bags (and bags) of unwanted pieces, and go about your life.
But after my initial closet downsizing... as time wore on... as the seasons changed... my decluttering became more of a biannual event. What I like to to call Upkeep Decluttering. Upkeep Decluttering is a smaller, more curated event. As I'd switch out the warmer weather clothes and go through all my sweaters, I'd be able to get rid of that one sweater that heretofore I just wasn't yet ready to part with (yet hadn't worn once last winter). As I put away my sweaters and uncovered my collection of flowy summery dresses, I could be real with myself that the paisley dress I'd so loved initially, had become the least worn item in the closet. Biannual Upkeep Decluttering results in a much smaller quantity to get rid of, yet it is just as important as the Initial Overhaul. When items are packed away for months there is an objectivity I have with them when they re-enter my wardrobe. Maybe that trend I followed last summer just isn't meant to stand the test of time. Maybe the pattern I was sure I'd never grow tired of now annoys me. MAYBE I want to add a few new items to this season's wardrobe, but I like to adhere to a strict policy of one time in, one item out.
But here's the hang up with Biannual Upkeep Decluttering. Sometimes this means I get rid of really nice pieces. When that happens, I take my cast-offs to second hand stores and resell them - either locally or online (I prefer Tradesy) - and re-coup some of my cash... cash that will go to the few, consciously consumed items I'll add to the wardrobe this season. Now reselling takes up a bit more time and energy, so it's really your call if it's worth it to you, or if you'd rather just wash your hands and drop off a donation. But there are options, friends: donating or reselling...
OR, attending a wonderful event that helps a great cause but also allows me to shop, like Style Swap. If you are in the Indy area, come join me next Thursday!
