This Wednesday: Tips...to clear clutter.

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n      Do you worry that it’s out of date?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?

Comments

[Elizabeth Craft]

Another good idea re: clothes one wants to keep for sentimental reasons. Take a photo.

Also, I find that if I have a person in mind to give clothes to -- someone who will appreciate and wear them -- I'm much more likely to part with any given item. So my advice? Find someone who needs your stuff!

[Monica Ricci]

I always tell my clients that anything they own but aren't using is effectively "dead". It's dead energy, it's dead, unrealized value. However, by donating it (or selling it) they are literally giving it a new life and contributing to someone else's life at the same time. ~Monica

[Ariane from NeatLiving.Net]

I love your list. And Monica and Elizabeth's comments are great, too. to add my 2 cents, I also ask, if I don't wear this and it sits in storage, how long will take till the elastic is bad, or moths eat it, or it turns yellow and stiff. Honestly, clothes literally deteriorate when not used. I think that's where the "dead" energy comes from. The rotting. So then I say, what's better? Let it rot? Or let someone else possibly actually use it? Giving it away to someone or to charity always wins. : )

[Cedar]

Thanks for a most informative site.

I've just posted it on my links page.

It'll be very useful for my readers.

Keep up the great work!

Cedar

[Joya Sutton]

I am just starting the "clean RV" project....too much stuff. Just got back from a feng shui meeting and it was there that I got inspired...the hardest part is starting and I realize how much of my high energy is being blocked by having 75 pair of shoes and 93 skirts etc. Thank you for this plethra of info..I'm diving in and someone is going to be happy with lots of size 2 clothing!!!