Every Wednesday is Tip Day.
This Wednesday: Tips…to clear clutter.
About an article of clothing, ask yourself:
n Does it fit?
n Do you actually wear it?
n Do you love it or, if not, is it truly useful?
n Even if you love it, is it in such bad shape that you ought to get rid of it?
n How many fungible items do you own? If you have five pairs of khaki pants, will you ever wear your two least favorite pairs? How many t-shirts can one person wear?
n Do you worry that it’s out of date? If you think it might be, it probably is.
n Can it only be worn in a limited way? Like a shirt that’s stained so it can only be worn under a sweater.
n Does it fill a need that no longer exists? This can be hard to admit, so press yourself.
n Get rid of an item of clothing if you describe it by saying, “I would wear that,” or “I have worn that.” Those phrases mean that you don’t wear it.
n If you’re saving clothes for sentimental reasons, or to hand down to someone else, or to wear to a costume or theme party, store them away from your active closet. And be choosy; only save things that really deserve it.
About papers, ask youself:
n Do you actually need this piece of paper or receipt? What specific use does it serve?
n Have you ever used it?
n How easy would it be to replace it if you needed it?
n It is something that will quickly become dated—like travel information?
n What’s the consequence of not having it if you do need it?
n Was it once necessary, but now related to a part of your life that’s over?
n How long has it been since you looked at it?
