Filtering Through That Ever-Consuming Clutter
Why do we hold on to an item as opposed to throwing it away? Does it link us to a dream of what was or of what we hope will be again? We might cling to a more pricey article, unable to bear thoughts of throwing money down the drain. Or we think we’ll need the object someday. And so it goes, and the closets remain chock-full.
Take a serious look at each article in your closet. If you haven’t used it in the past three seasons, make a decision. Force yourself to throw away, give away, or pack away. All of these options will remove the item, thus increasing the availability of that much-needed space.
Ponder this example. The size five suit you purchased years ago will probably never fit again. Or by the time it does, it will be so out of style you’ll look like Miss Hathaway of Beverly Hills fame. So why not pass it to a program like Dress for Success that collects business attire for women who are struggling to make a future for themselves?
To gather such contributions in one place, designate a box in the basement or inside a closet. Then, when the box is full, drop it off at your favorite charity. Some nonprofit organizations will even come to your door to pick up your donations. Sorting as you go makes the filtering process an ongoing one instead of a huge ordeal that must be taken on once or twice a year. The next time you wash the pajamas that seem snug on your toddler, cast them into the give-away box instead of into the overstuffed dresser drawer.
Once you’ve decided to gather and pitch, consider these routing options:
- As tempting as it is to host a garage sale, donating items prevents adding another item to your already jam-packed agenda. By giving away, you eliminate the hassle of advertising, pressing, tagging and sorting articles for people to browse over. And the tax write-off is probably worth more than the small amount of cash you’d collect at a sale.
- As an alternative, try a resale store. Check your local phone directory for consignment shops near you. Most owners require you to make an appointment. They’ll have a list of what items they sell and at what times of year they’ll take them. Checks are usually distributed to consigners on a once-a-month basis. You’ll receive a predetermined percentage of the sale price. And if your wares don’t sell, you have the choice of picking them up or allowing the shop to donate them for you.
- Don’t forget to offer unwanted articles to family members, friends or neighbors. With the high price of clothing and toys, hand-me-downs often receive a wonderful welcome. If you pass along favorite brands that wear well, your sister-in-law will love you dearly. And isn’t it easier to part with a treasured outfit if you know it’s going to a happy home?
- A clothing swap might be your bag. Set-up a neighborhood swap in which each person brings unwanted clothes and toys, cleaned and sorted by gender and size. Make up rules for the evening — such as no give-backs and no renegging. Everyone takes turns choosing items until they’re gone. Any leftovers can go to your favorite shelter for a tax write-off.
Bonus Tip: You know you shouldn’t, but you have an attachment to the blanket sleeper your baby wore, your son’s championship jersey or the shirts you’ve accumulated on family vacations. Here’s one last thought before discarding. Collect the items that stir emotional warmth in a box in the attic, a separate one for each child, you and your spouse.When the box becomes full, use the clothes to piece together a quilt. If you don’t sew, someone you know probably knows someone who does. Or search for quilters in the phone directory or on the Internet to take on your special project. A quilt with squares from your child or spouse’s most cherished clothing makes a great graduation, wedding or anniversary gift.
Bonus Tip: Now that you’ve uncluttered your closet, be sure to keep at least two ready-to-go outfits for times when you have a last minute appointment or need to change in a jiffy. These outfits should be ready-to-wear, no ironing necessary, and should be stored at the end of the rack so you can grab, throw on and go.
Now that you’re armed with these simple tips to de-clutter, get ready, get set, go!
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