Q: My dilemma is closets! I have two very small closets in my bedroom and I can’t seem to get a handle on keeping them organized and easy to use since they feel like they’re stuffed within an inch of their life! I know you guys are great at living with less, simplifying, and organizing in general- so I thought maybe you could share some encouragement when it comes to paring things down and choosing what to keep? Deep down I know there’s a lot of extra stuff that I don’t need that’s taking up some much needed space, but I have a hard time letting things go for fear that I’ll want them again once they’re gone. Any tips for scaling back and keeping only what I need so I can regain control of my closets again? – Leslie
A: Wouldn’t you just love one of those boutique closets? I admit it, I totally have closet envy. I look at all those magazine spreads with celebrities who have a whole wall of shelves dedicated to bags and a spare 50 square feet for an ottoman in the middle of the room and I melt. And it’s not because of the primo logos on their plethora of purses or the luxe labels on their bevy of ball gowns. I’m just a freak for organization, and the idea that all of their insanely abundant items have a distinct spot to sit (or hang) gets me all hot and bothered. So without further ado, let’s get into it, shall we?
It’s no secret we’re big subscribers to the “a place for everything and everything in it’s place” school of organization. Which is probably why I do my best to keep my closet super edited and pared down in the interest of easily being able to a) see everything that I own and b) toss on an effortless ensemble that I know and love (instead of stuffing the ol’ Ikea wardrobe to the gills with crap that I never wear).
But when people write to me to ask how the heck I only have a few pairs of jeans and a small collection of clothes (read more about our closets here) it’s actually really hard to explain my minimalist ways. I just don’t buy a lot of stuff. And when I notice that I don’t wear something anymore (because it’s damaged, unflattering, or just too worn) I either repair it, consign it, or donate it so I can free up that space for something truly deserving of the square footage. Here’s what the bed looks like when John and I are in the middle of a pairing down spree:
I just go through everything and remove anything that I don’t love (whether it has just gotten too worn, doesn’t quite fit anymore, has a stain, is something I never actually wear, etc). It’s probably rooted in the fact that I lived in NYC in one of those closet-sized studios and literally didn’t have any room to amass even one extraneous item of clothing. Coupled with the fact that I’m a cheap-o (and proud of it) that probably explains how I can easily walk away from things that might look nice but aren’t necessary. But I can easily see how that’s hard to swallow for someone who doesn’t find it quite as easy to let things go (or pass up clearance clothing in the first place). So when I came across this quote in The Lucky Shopping Manual (I’ve had a copy for over five years and I love to flip through it) I realized it perfectly explained my philosophy in a way that I couldn’t:
If a piece doesn’t work, look at it this way: You paid for it once in cash, and now you’re paying for it in valuable closet space. If it’s not right for you, bite the bullet and let it go.
Doesn’t that make perfect sense? If an item of clothing doesn’t fit, is out of date, never makes it out of your closet, looks shaggy or worn, or isn’t flattering just ask yourself if it’s worth paying for again and again in square footage. Or if you’d rather free up the space to be able to better see the items of clothing that you love to wear (and make room for a few more things that will give you more of a return when it comes to sacrificing that closet space).
And as for a tip to keep from amassing too many items that you’ll later regret (or just never wear) this quote (also from The Lucky Shopping Manual) might help:
Don’t buy anything on sale that you wouldn’t consider at full price.
It’s easy to get caught up in how much you’re saving when you find something that’s marked down. But if you don’t need it or it doesn’t fit you well then you’re not saving anything. You’re spending hard earned money on something that will just sit in your closet and take up space. Inspiring right? Maybe just to me.
Anyway, here are some other gems from the book that I thought I’d pass along:
- “If you’re unsure about a big ticket item, put it on hold for 24 hours and think it over.”
- “Don’t buy anything that doesn’t flatter you or isn’t comfortable, no matter how of-the-moment it is.”
- “If you have to talk yourself into a purchase in the dressing room, pass on it.”
- “If there’s nothing in your closet to wear with it, skip it.”
- “Never purchase something just because it looks good on someone else.”
- “Don’t save a pair of jeans for that anticipated five-pound weight loss. Owning them is bad for your psyche. If the time comes when you drop a size, chances are you won’t hesitate to run out and buy a new pair”
- “If a stain didn’t come out at the cleaners or when you toiled over it in the sink it’s permanent. Time to let it go.” <- or turn it into painting clothing like we’ve been known to do
- “If we kept every item of clothing with a memory attached , we’d be buried in clothes.”
- “Ask yourself if each item of clothing in your closet: 1) flatters your shape, 2) fits perfectly or is fixable, 3) is the right color for you, 4) has been worn in the last two years – only things that get four yesses should stay.”
I might be a sick individual but I actually love going through my clothing (and even jewelry and shoes) to see what I can skim down and consign or donate.
Try not to think about paring down & simplifying as actions that result in losing things. Instead, focus on everything that you’re gaining! More space. A no-brainer wardrobe that’s simplified, flattering, and easy to toss on. Money (for everything that you consign, eBay, or sell in a garage sale). And time (no more rooting through piles of stuff to find that elusive tank top). I seriously get a rush when I can look into my closet and proclaim “every single thing in there is something I love.”
But enough about me, what do you guys do about closet upkeep? Do you pare things down once a year? Never get rid of a stitch of clothing? Ebay things and buy new stuff? Wear the same outfit every day? Feel free to share any and all tips for Leslie and anyone else who may find themselves in a similar predicament!
Psst- Looking for more info about our closets? Check out this post and this post. And here’s a general post about keeping things simple. Oh and if you’re looking to learn how we modified two inexpensive Ikea wardrobes to create bedside built ins, check out this post for the deets.
Jane says
I read a great tip somewhere that said to get rid of everything that you wouldn’t want to be caught wearing if you ran into an ex or a crush. Sounds silly but it works!
YoungHouseLove says
You guys are so full of amazing tips. Love it!!!
xo,
s
Beatrice says
I love that last comment from Jane…
it just begs the question, why or why do we have all that crap in our closets?????
windylou says
I haven’t read all the comments, so I apologize if this is a duplicate, but Ana White at knock-off wood recently had an amazing closet transformation post. For those of us that have trouble keeping the closet pared down, it would be a great way to keep a little extra in the closet, while still staying organized.
Here is the link: http://ana-white.com/2010/08/behind-closet-doors.html
YHL and knock-off wood are my go-to blogs right now, so I hope you don’t mind the link!
Carolyn says
A few years ago I would spend most of my pay packet on clothes but now?…
*I have a set amount put aside in our budget for discretionary spending (clothing, art/craft supplies…whatever I choose to spend it on) I have a set amount for each pay period, and when it’s gone, that’s it.
*I have a clothing inventory. Two pairs of good quality (but less than we pay in rent!) jeans. I’ve found spending a bit more on pants/skirts worthwhile whereas I don’t spend a lot on tops. My maximum is two weeks worth, and I think 14 tops is more than enough to keep it interesting!
*Keep things fun with accessories. Most of my tops are different styles of black, grey or cream (safe and dependable, but a bit boring) I like to mix things up with scarves, jewellery that I’ve made (I don’t need carats to keep me happy!) and shoes, of which I only have enough pairs that will fit in to one of those hanging shelves made out of canvas.
*Don’t go to the shops for entertainment. I only go to a shopping mall if I have a purpose. Window shopping just makes me discontent and puts me in a position where I may spend money that we don’t have, and purchase something I don’t need. My closet and purse have thanked me for this..
*Remember that clothes don’t own you. If an item is perfectly good, but not something currently worn and loved, donate it to charity. If it is not fit to pass on to someone else, I’d put it in the bin.
*Be ruthless with editing your wardrobe. Review the contents of your closet seasonally so you know what you’ve got in there. I don’t keep a box for clothes that I “may use again one day”. It would just sit in the garage and be forgotten about.
Hopefully my little comment is helpful to anyone with wardrobe and/or spending issues :) …P.S Apologies for my extra looong comment!
Kelsey says
Great post, I also love a good closet cleanse a couple times a year. I am definitely no fashionista and found myself spending money on things I ended up not wearing or that weren’t flattering or stylish…then I’d just end up donating them! Nina Garcia’s book “The One Hundred” really helped me. I goes over the “100 items every woman must own”. I don’t agree with all of them but it stresses classic style and has helped me shop with purpose instead of purchasing several cheaper things that won’t last.
erin says
For the last few years I have refused to buy any clothes or shoes that I am absolutely 110% in love with. (As a result, I also sometimes buy it in different colors, like the inexpensive light sundresses that I’ve been wearing all summer this year. That helps keep down the number of extraneous items in my closet.
I read an article earlier this year about the emotional attachments to things, and you may have mentioned this once before as well: if the closet/bookcase/whatever is too hard to go through, start with somewhere that isn’t, and work your way up to it. I started my spring-cleaning-out in my laundry room this year, and by the time I got to my closet I was so high on paring down and getting rid of things and the growing donation pile in my garage (hello, tax write-off!) that pulling out the things I didn’t wear was pretty easy.
Kate says
Thanks so much for this post! My husband and I just moved into a studio in the ‘burgh (yinz should know, that’s PITTSburgh!)so it’s the perfect time for a clothing exodus! (Un)luckily(?) we have soooo much closet space that I’m worried I’ll just make excuses to store or hang onto stuff I should really get out of my life; I definitely have a little hoarder inside me! Thanks for the motivation – I hope it sticks with me in the next few days of move-in-organization!!
Jasmine @ EatMoveWrite says
These tips are awesome. I tend to hang on to stuff wayyyy too long. Our tiny 2 bedroom apartment is overflowing with MY crap. I am really going to try to pare down per your suggestions.
Camberley, The Bella Life says
I have the same ceramic egg crate from Anthropologie (I’m assuming that’s where you bought yours) organizing my jewelry. I was totally meant to blog stalk you ;)
-C
Claire says
Great post! I recently slashes my clothing stash by well over 50%. I had been hoarding clothing from my single days when I went out a lot more that was dated and unflattering. The key for me to get rid of stuff was to have my best friend there helping. I trust her opinion more than my own so if she hesitated at all when I asked her if I should keep something it went into the toss/donate/sell pile right away. After I was ruthless with the clothes I moved on to shoes. I no longer wear heels often so they are moving on a a more loving home as well. After all was said and done I took it all to a local thrift store that buys clothes and scored $28 in store credit, which I used to purchase a handbag that I ADORE (for an extra $4 out of pocket) and use daily. Its doing much more for me than those clothes were! The rest will be donated and will make for a nice tax deduction in April. LOVE cleaning out the closets! Love the fact that I can reach in and I will want to wear anything my hand falls on without any doubts even more.
AnnabelVita says
Oh my… I totally need to clear out my closet. It’s my dirty little secret. It’s so full that I can LOSE favourite dresses for months because I can’t see them and I forget about them. It means I only wore my favourite summer dress for half the summer!
Maybe if I post a photo it will shame me into sorting it out http://www.flickr.com/photos/annabelvita/4953301791/ I wish mine was clear enough to invest in all those lovely wooden hangers and see everything! We’re moving soon and I’m going to be super ruthless.
Talking of those lovely wooden hangars: How do you stop your clothes falling off them? Do you get the ones with the rubber bits or what?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey AnnabelVita,
Our hangers are just solid wood (no rubber things) but things stay on really well. Maybe because they’re not sloped as much, so the shoulders of tops grip the hanger thanks to the improved shape? They’re just basic wood hangers from Ikea and Linens N Things.
xo,
s
YourDreamHouse says
I agree with Jane. I am personnally rather exacting in shopping. But if I like some item, I would buy it for any price. :)
Louise C says
To keep my over-buying down, I work out exactly what it is that I need for the next season – for this past winter (I’m from New Zealand!) I listed things like new boots, woolen tights, knitwear etc, and kept it with me when I went shopping. If it wasn’t on the list, then I didn’t get it. Sometimes I’ll go thrift/opshopping if there’s something I know I can’t find in a normal retailer, but I find myself coming home with “stuff” that never got worn.
Also, buying better quality items will usually mean you get can get more than just one winter/summer out of it – you can use it for two, three, four seasons, and actually get what you paid for out of it. Sounds like it’s more expensive, but if you buy 3 cheap pieces of say, knitwear, rather than one quality piece, then those 3 cheapies will probably have died by the end of the season, whereas a more expensive piece will last the distance, and you can haul it out for the next winter. This also means less clutter in your wardrobe, and things that you appreciate far more, because you paid a bit more for it.
However, I can be a bit of a hoarder, and moving overseas in 3 weeks has forced me to reconsider what I can actually take over with me. I’m moving from 4 seasons in one day Auckland New Zealand to balmy perpetual summer Dubai, so all of my winter things can pretty much go to an opshop (thrift shop) or into storage for when I come back home.
Sarah at the Stroller Ballet says
This is my first visit to your blog (can’t believe I haven’t found it before!) But I already love it and will definitely be back. I go through my wardrobe at least 2 times a year and get rid of anything I haven’t worn recently. I detest excess and clutter (unfortunately my husband wasn’t on board with me from the get-go – I’m training him, though ;). I also have recently become a DIY-er (moving into an old house in Forest Hills, Queens, NY has required some updating). So finding all these resources is a dream! Thank you!
Sarah
Alisa says
I’m getting my Masters in Fashion Design so you can imagine how much I love clothes. My trick? As I’m folding laundry (I wash constantly, but I despise folding laundry so there’s always something in the “clean” laundry basket), I ask myself if I reallllly need that item of clothing. 9 times out of 10, I don’t. I consign whatever possible and donate the rest. I do this several times a year (though it’s been less since I quit working in retail) and it helps keep us in check. My husbands clothes are either taken for sewing projects (he knows I do this), or I ask him to pull out what he doesn’t wear and I sell them on eBay.
Cassi @ Miles from Suburbia says
Amen Sista Friend!
The hubs and I recently decided to divide and conquer our clutter, starting with the closets. (I recently wrote an ode to my high school letter jacket on my blog. It has since found a home at the local Goodwill.)
Our biggest problem remain Weekend v. Work clothes. We both work at “professional” offices where we are required to wear nicer-than-business-casual attire. Trouble is, we’re totally jeans and T-shirts kinda folks. So when we go in to make cuts, we’re pretty much forced to scale back on the clothes that we love to wear, because we have to keep the ones we *have* to wear. Talk about a struggle!
What is your opinion about the Weekend v. Work conundrum?
YoungHouseLove says
We totally understand that people who have to get dressed up for work may need more of a range of clothing. Back when we both worked at an NYC advertising agency we had tiny closets (and owned even fewer clothes than we do now) so the key was to buy flexible multitasking clothes (tees that could be layered with a blazer and dress pants for work or worn with jeans on weekends, or tanks that I layered under cardigans or sweaters for work and wore alone on weekends). Maybe keeping the tees that can be dressed up or down and getting a few flexible multitasking tops would work for you? And don’t forget about how nice accessories (jewelry, shoes, a belt, a purse, a scarf, or a watch) can elevate an outfit to work status as well!
xo,
s
Allison says
At the beginning of this year I donated a bunch of clothes–the type that made me wonder halfway through the day why I ever decided to wear this. Then I made a goal to not buy ANY clothes or shoes for 1 year. I remember my dad doing that a while back and I thought he was crazy. Now it’s already September and it hasn’t been very difficult.
It’s helped me be more creative with layering and mixing up the fail-safe pieces I already owned. It’s also helped me walk right past the sale racks in the clothing department at Target when all I stopped in for was toilet paper anyway. It is sooo freeing and I plan to carry over some of what I’m learning even next year when I can buy again!
If a year seems too long, you could just commit to not buying anything for a month or another period of time.
Elisa says
Am I the only one who read this post and wanted to buy MORE clothes?! I actually did a Google image search for “my closet” and it produced the most wonderful eye candy I’ve ever seen in my life.
Meagan Francis says
I love this post! I also get a big thrill out of going through my closets and paring down. I love beautiful things, but it helps that I don’t really enjoy shopping and don’t have the budget to shop in the kind of stores I actually would love to shop in–so I keep shopping excursions to a minimum. And I’ve made a commitment to only buy things I love and look fantastic in. That really keeps me from making shopping mistakes! I’ve never had buyer’s remorse after buying something I really love, even if it was expensive; but I’ve had plenty of buyer’s remorse after picking up stuff I didn’t really love off the clearance rack. Loved this quote: “Don’t buy anything on sale that you wouldn’t consider at full price.”
Another rule of mine is to try to get rid of roughly the same amount of clothes as I bought after a shopping trip. Since yesterday was my once-yearly trip to the mall (no joke) I have some culling to do today–thanks for the inspiration!
Kate says
I love the people who brought up the tax write off! I know it’s not the best bonus ever, but it does help to think that donating the clothes I no longer wear can net me both some much needed storage space and eventually some cash (my clothes are not nice enough for consignment to buy). It really helps to soften the blow.
Erin C. says
Great post! Where do you two keep dirty clothes? We keep ours in a hamper tucked away in a corner, and then lug it down to the laundry room when we want to do a load.. just wondering if there was a better way.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Erin,
We use the hamper method too. You can catch a glimpse of our dark brown woven hamper under the framed pics of Clara in this post: https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/07/wedding-week-iii-celebrating-our-third/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Nicole says
I love posts about purging and organizing closets. Sickly, it is one of my most favorite things to do! One of my goals during my maternity leave is to comb through my closet and get rid of all of those items I’m keeping around “just in case”. Thanks for the tips…they’ll be useful when I embark on this process! :)
Chrissy says
“And it’s not because of the primo logos on their plethora of purses or the luxe labels on their bevy of ball gowns.”
Hardcore alliteration power, Ms. Copywriter ;)
marissa says
Thanks for the inspiration! I got up directly after reading this post and finally tackled my closet. Come to find out (after trying virtually every item on) I have some clothing I really love that I honestly think I wasn’t wearing because these good pieces were hanging next to not so good pieces, “tainting” much of the closet. Not sure if that makes sense. :) Anyway, I now can say that everything in my closet is something I like and fits properly. Also, I made enough room to put my dresser into the closet, freeing up tons of floor space. Score!
nic says
I wholeheartedly admire your minimalist approach to living – you guys always look great and you don’t need a huge wardrobe to do it. But – what do you with your off season clothing? And outergear?
I live in Canada (just near Detroit) so I do need different things for different seasons, but I also find I cannot seem to pare down my outerwear. For instance, for winter I have 1) a long wool coat for wearing to work with skirts/dresses 2) a huge puffy jacket for walking the dog when it is really cold out, or playing with the kids/tobogganing 3) a shorter stylish wool coat for when I go out at night and don’t want to drag a long wool coat with me and it seems too formal to wear a long coat when you are wearing jeans to a a restaurant etc. 4) ski jacket for when I go skiing
I seem to have some version of this arrangement for all seasons – any suggestions?? When I look at it all it seems like toooo much, but then I go through and think that I do really “need” all of the items…. Help me oh minimalist guru! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Nic,
We actually keep all seasons of clothing in our closets, mainly because we layer the same things that we might wear alone in warmer weather and don’t have a lot of one-season-only stuff. But we’ve seen people who can’t fit all seasons of their clothing in their closet use those under-bed storage bins or Space Bags to condense them down to easily store things that aren’t in rotation). And when it comes to outerwear, we used to use a hall closet but now actually can fit all of our jackets and coats in John’s wardrobe (thanks to a bit of paring down). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Julie says
I think your closet skills are amazing! One weekend I cleaned out 7 bags worth of junk and gavet all to Goodwill. I called it my “young house loving day”. I really probably could stand to get rid of a few more bags of clothes.. I’m a hoarder… but, it was a good start!
hyz says
This is pretty inspirational for me, but I still feel like I could never get away with such few clothes. My problem is having to have several different wardrobes to choose from, including daily work (business casual), formal work (I need at least 1 week’s worth of suits in case I am travelling on formal business to a place with no accessible dry cleaning), casual/weekend (jeans, yoga pants, etc.), formal/dressy clothes, work clothes (yard work, painting, etc.), exercise clothes, then there’s hiking gear, horseback riding gear, and right now, my closet is packed because I had to pull my maternity clothes out of storage! And all of that doesn’t even take into account seasonal stuff, outerwear, etc. I hardly ever wear most of this stuff, but about once a year, I need 7 presentable business suits, or whatever. And having a toddler and being 8 mos pregnant, I don’t get out hiking or horseback riding or running as much as I used to, but I want to, and those clothes were expensive, and are still good and functional….
Still, I’ve been trying to make hard cuts lately, and I’m going to keep it up. I have a bit more storage space than you do, but it’s jam packed, and I just hate that….
Laurel says
I don’t have trouble going through my closet and getting rid of stuff – but I have learned over time to bag it up and immediately donate or resell it. Otherwise I start convincing myself I might wear it again!
Living in DC, and walking past hundreds of homeless and people in need every day, helps remind me to often shed what is not essential to me so that someone else has what might be essential to them.
Christine Schwalm Design says
It’s hard to let go of stuff, right? I try to donate any unwanted work-appropriate clothing to a charity called “Dress For Success”. I figure it’s selfish of me to keep something that I don’t really use when there is someone out there who would love it and could really use it. Nothing motivates like good ole Catholic guilt. =>
Monica says
Straight-up great advice. Buying things I don’t need that are on sale?? Guilty as charged!
wendy says
Ok…those shoes, the beighe leather with the sisal wrapped wedge and the big buckles…TO CUTE!!! Tell me where you found those…or who made them!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Wendy,
Those are super discounted Michael Kors wedges that I found a while back at Dillard’s ($25 or so). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jody says
I got about half way through reading the comments, stopped, and went on a closet purge (shoes included!). Reading all of the comments, tips, and of course the post made me realize that holding on to so many clothes (when I wear less than 5% of what I own) was just a waste of time and space. I’m about to get back up and go through my bags as well, but I wanted to say thank you for this post and all of the amazing work that you do. It has inspired me in so many ways and saved me a tonn of money and ever so many headaches.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jody, so glad this post helped you so much! And a big thank you to all of our wise and inspiring commenters who shared their tips!
xo,
s
teenie says
ugh i just love love love this closet!
have a beautiful weekend ladies :]
teenie xo
{etsy} wellies.etsy.com
{blog} loveandwells.blogspot.com
Beth says
I have recently enjoyed reading all of your wonderful hints and organization tips. I noticed that you really love Ikea and their products. However, you are also really into being eco-friendly. You probably aren’t aware of Ikea’s true identity in the retail world. Please, please read “Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture” by Ellen Ruppel Shell. You can check out the reviews of the book on Amazon. The first or second one mentions Ikea. The book really looks into the background of discount stores and shows us the true cost of cheap. Of course, please also do some further research as well. Don’t just rely on the book. There are other resources out there on this subject. I don’t want to rain on your parade, but you seem to be very real (and nice) people who want to make the world a better place. Just thought you might want to know. Thanks and I look forward to each and every one of your posts!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Beth! We checked out those Amazon reviews you mentioned! Ikea actually does offer home shipping now (which was one of the things the author mentioned as a negative, which they have now corrected) and they flat pack all of their stuff to save consumers’ money but also to reduce their shipping footprint by more than half of most furniture retailers. They also now offer many items from beds to desks made from 100% solid and sustainable wood and even manufacture mattresses without the common fireproofing chemicals with purity in mind so that’s another recent change. Their latest catalog also had a ton of other eco things that they’re doing (which really make a difference when they’re done in such a large scale by such a large company) which you might want to check out. We also have to say that the author’s argument that all Ikea furniture doesn’t last doesn’t ring true to us since we’ve had these wardrobes for nearly four years and they look as good as the day we got them (and work just as well, too). We also own an Ikea Malm bed (for over 4+ years) that is in mint condition along with an Ikea chair that we picked up secondhand (so who knows how old it is) and it’s still in great condition and very comfortable! We truly believe them to be a company with green initiatives and good intentions (and we know more than a few college friends who worked there and had nothing but amazing things to say about the experience). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Erin C. says
ha! I just realized I have the same heels– the dark gold ones with the cut-outs on top and the loop for the big toe. They are super cute.. but umm ironically, I haven’t worn them in like 2 years cause I don’t have anything to pair them with. They were a gift from my husband, so I’ve been holding onto them…BUT out they go… when hubby isn’t looking ;)
Lisa says
I really enjoyed this post, great advice.
I also wanted to pass along that your coveted jewelry organizer is now being sold online by Anthropologie under the name Farmer’s Egg Crate.
Erin says
Someone blogged once that you should think of your style icon – for the blogger I think it was Jennifer Aniston) and ask yourself – Would Jennifer Wear This?
I play the same mental game but with my pink and white polka dot dress. I love that dress and I think it is very ME. So I ask myself, would the girl who wears the pink and white polka dot dress also wear this? This helped me eliminate over 50% of my closet before my move into a new apt with a tiny closet. I feel so happy after the purge!
Elizabeth says
That’s it! I’m going to clean out my closet this weekend! Thanks for the inspiration guys! I really enjoy your blog.
Cait says
Oh I needed this inspiration! :) I use the extra bedroom closet while hubby uses our master bedroom closet. Lately I’ve discovered that it’s quite ridiculous how many clothes we have while also being so good about getting rid of things! I consign each season and am always amazed by the money I make. If they don’t accept it, I have made a rule NOT to allow myself to bring it home. I drive it right down the road to Goodwill and let it go. Never have I gotten rid of something and missed it later on. (Which is always my biggest concern.) Clothes are definitely the hardest thing for me to de-clutter…but with your inspiration, I just may make the closet combining my project for today! :)
kelly says
so my husband and i are moving apartments next week. and i am 7 months pregnant. usually i would LOATHE moving but due to the recent crazy nesting instincts coming to me in full swing, i am LOVING the fact that we get to start fresh. our closets have always been out design downfall (particularly when we lived in Chicago and our entire closet was often taken over by huge down feather filled jackets!), but this gives me a huge boost of confidence to keep organized, and keep only what we love. thanks for the insight and great ideas!
by the way, i still love looking at your wedding photos! random, yes, but i just wanted to let ya know :)
Mrs. W says
I complete agree with this quote…
Don’t buy anything on sale that you wouldn’t consider at full price.
Now I just need to remember it!
alliferg says
where is your jewelry egg crate from? after reading this post, i put all my jewelry in an actual (clean) egg crate but now going back and noticing yours is a lot nicer!
YoungHouseLove says
Ours is from Crate & Barrel about 5 years ago but although we haven’t seen one there in a while they sell them at Anthropologie. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Monica the Writer Chic says
Just wanted to say thank you for this post. I originally just skimmed it, then went back and read it word for word. I needed it. And now I’m proudly smiling at the first (of many, I hope) bag of clothes that failed one if not all of your “four questions” test. It’s gonna feel GOOD to drop it off at the HOPE center tomorrow. Thank you!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re so glad! Have fun giving those clothes a second life!
xo,
s
Amy says
Thanks for this post. Off to clean out the closet!
Teresa says
I need to tackle my closet and dresser drawers – soon! 3 years ago when we moved we went through our closets and donated about 12 garbage bags full of clothes to the Ukraine clothing drive that our church was having. It was liberating! Most of it came under the heading of I might fit in that again some day! Or in my husbands case, it still has good wear – he rarely ever gets rid of clothes – I have to make him. When we married in 1984 he still had several 70’s shirts – I put my foot down. Alas, now they’d be right in style! Thanks for the inspiration to purge, purge, purge!
Melanie says
Great post! It seems with the start of fall many bloggers have the same idea about purging and organizing. I also love the photo of what I assume is your home in the header. Lovely, lovely!
Ebbie says
Excellent post, S&J! Your organizing posts are always some of my favs!
It took me this long to read all of the comments and I have to mention that I love Erin’s tip when considering whether to keep an item: ask yourself whether your favorite style icon/celebrity would wear it. I truly had an AHA moment and have been envisioning what my closet will look like for hours. Genius!
Thanks for the inspiration! ?
Elizabeth says
P.S. That ? is supposed to be a heart:-)
Rebecca Foxworth says
Question: Did you PAINT your closet rod. Because my husband, mother-in-law, and mother all advise me it is unwise to do so. But yours looks painted. And it seems to be working. Do tell.
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve painted all the wood ones in our house (wouldn’t ever dream of painting a metal one because that would just peel right off). With semi-gloss paint and ample drying time they all work wonderfully and look like new. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kelly Bridges says
I try to remember that some things aren’t worth donating, they will just end up in the donation places dumpster. I go through my things and trash any “unsellable” items before I donate so I can actually “help” the “cause” rather than costing them more money in their dumping fees. My tax deduction might be a little less, but I know that what I’m donating is really helping and not hurting.