https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:12:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1081529 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:24:51 +0000 SandyG 1081529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's 2 true stories:&nbsp;A couple girlfriends moved last year&nbsp;from big suburban homes into small San Francisco flats (and are very happy with city style, walkable venues and the creative life without worrying about parking or add'l expenses).&nbsp;Neither wanted to move at first, BUT their husbands did, and so they managed it quite well by focusing on moving forward themselves in a short time.&nbsp;Big garage sales for house stuff, many donations of books and misc. and of course downsizing closets to a wearable, walkable, travel friendly closet. One splurged for a built-in, custom fitted closet so she would HAVE to live within that space It sure reduces temptation. No storage units to prolong the decision making ... they didn't want the extra expense after settling into the new space. They let friends pick clothes and shoes they liked,&nbsp;consigned,&nbsp;made selective donations to women's organizations, and their favorite charities got the rest.</p> <p>Both of them ended up&nbsp;looking forward to the new venture (after the first shock of protests)&nbsp;even though it was a lot of&nbsp;work to get there. No one really likes moving, and more possessions mean much more work. Based on their experiences, I'd urge you to&nbsp;keep foremost in mind what you will get out of this new adventure in life,&nbsp;and find some pleasure in it to encourage your progress and keep your energy steady during the working phases of moving.</p> <p>After watching them and the calm, productive&nbsp;energy they both summoned, I could make that move myself. &nbsp;It was a tutorial &nbsp;Before, I would have thought it impossible to even think about moving from a big house and lot. After, I see lots of happiness and larking adventure in them doing new things in a new environment.</p> <p>I don't want to preach but I'm really proud of my girlfriends. We'll be proud of you too, whatever you decide is the best workable solution. Sending energy and good vibes your way -- </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1081105 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 11:11:59 +0000 Helenedith 1081105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can imagine this will be a really tough process. Can you look at multiples, most of us seem to collect a variety of black pants and only wear several, or many white shirts which are never quite what we want. By gradually working through groups you may be able to whittle the numbers. This may require you to pack in a specific way so that when you choose to look at your stock of trousers they are all packed together. Even going to the trouble of packing seasonally. I hope that you can find a solution that sits well with you.<br /> Caro how did you downsize from 4 brm house to a smaller home. What did you do with all of those "things" that one collects over a lifetime? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1081095 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:53:03 +0000 krishnidoux 1081095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs to you.&nbsp;<br />I think that for the moment, asking you to make such huge decision as what to keep or not is unfair.</p> <p>To me, it seems like keeping your stuff is paramount. Storage is excellent, and if it becomes impossible, ask friends if they could keep some of it while you settle a little bit in your new surroundings and in your new lifestyle.</p> <p>In the meantime, I wouldn't worry too much about making a "wise" and well thought of clothes and shoes selection. Go for what you use most right now, know that you'll be making a few trips to the unit to fetch more if needed, and go from there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1081082 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 09:56:53 +0000 froggiebecky 1081082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm late to this thread, too, and as someone who does a lot of moving, I feel your stress! No, it's not silly or pretentious. Moves are stressful, and moves that require you pick and choose what you can take with you add more, I think.&nbsp;</p> <p>As someone who likes a little variety, but is forced to live out of a suitcase, I can tell you&nbsp;it's not all it's cracked up to be. If you can avoid it, then I would do so. (Unless it appeals to you, then go for it)</p> <p>I really like the permanent storage idea, so that you can sort as you go. It sounds like this is a move that won't involve a change in climate or lifestyle? Is it a permanent move?&nbsp;</p> <p>If you really feel like culling is unavoidable, I'd start with a small goal--10% of your wardrobe, perhaps. Coats are a good place to start, as is underwear and socks/hosiery. Those are areas that can kind of sneak up on you--they don't take up room, but then you don't realize just how much you have (and that you're not wearing the older stuff anymore anyway). Every little bit DOES help.&nbsp;</p> <p>The other thing about packing it away for 6 months or a year is that you may realize that you didn't miss some items. I know I've got quite a few things in the US in storage that I"m going to say "what was I keeping this for??" when I finally get back in a couple months. (I'm going to do a clean out then...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1081060 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 09:20:07 +0000 Anonymous 1081060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh, Sarah. I'm late to this thread, but what an upheaval to go through. I don't think you should be too quick to part with too much stuff just yet. If you can afford to keep up the storage rental, maybe just for a little while, I would wait until the dust settles and see how you feel. As Rachy said, it's surprising how clever storage can be. You may be able to eek out more room than you think.<br />Rebekahphoto makes a good point too, you may feel that your style will change along with your circumstances, as your style needs could change. Good luck.<br />Hugs to you. (ps did you get my e-mail a couple of weeks ago?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1068826 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:31:25 +0000 Anonymous 1068826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No need for any of it. Rent the storage unit on a permanent basis and bring your off season clothing there. Lots of people do it where I live. With time, you will realize you are not missing what you have stored and you can then purge. The move is a huge adjustment, why add another level of complexity now? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1068729 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 19:09:44 +0000 rebekahphoto 1068729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I started grad school my husband and I moved into a tiny bedroom in my parents house, to save money for our own house.&nbsp;What was planned to be 6 months max, turned out to be 3 years!&nbsp;</p> <p>We had a rented large storage unit for all of our stuff (we had a 4 bedroom house at the time), and I took only my favorite, "capsule" like clothing and footwear. Thinking like I was travelling europe from a suitcase....I did end up purchasing more clothing as time went by&nbsp;(like new winter coats and boots) since they were packed so far away.</p> <p>When we unpacked, I realized I should have done a much, much&nbsp;more careful edit/donation, as many clothes no longer fit my style needs, or didnt fit anymore. The storage fees ended up costing more than we anticipated, and we could have replaced many things for less.&nbsp;</p> <p>I did donate a lot to the women's shelter, and to my friends who needed clothing, so I felt good about downsizing!~</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1068543 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:18:52 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1068543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just a very quick reply for now.&nbsp;Thank you so much, everyone, for your incredibly kind advice and support. I really appreciate it. I am ashamed of myself for being so silly about this. I know I am exceptionally lucky in so many ways.&nbsp;</p> <p>What a lovely idea to donate to something like a battered women's refuge or perhaps Dress For Success or other such organisations. That certainly feels better than more random donations. And I think giving myself a year of storage is another good idea to make it all seem more doable. It all happened horrendously quickly so I am still reeling from the shock.</p> <p>I am saving a copy of the comments here to reread later.&nbsp;Now I need to investigate internet service providers, getting my post redirected, and so on.</p> <p>Thanks again everyone.</p> <p>Sarah </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1068190 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 06:35:03 +0000 Ingunn 1068190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No wonder this feels stressful. But don't panic, it can be done! I learned a long time ago that boxes I had stored away and not missed for a year could be tossed unopened. There's some truth in that. You don't have to get rid of a lot right away, but eventually you will. By bringing only a selection of your best pieces, you will be able to recognize what's most valuable to you. Then you more easily can sort it out along the way. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1068185 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 06:15:57 +0000 Greyscale 1068185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My sympathy - that sounds incredibly stressful. You have a very hard transition to make, so I vote for keeping a storage unit for at least a year to give yourself time to adjust. (If it fits your budget.)</p> <p>I just finished moving today, a much less stressful move than yours, but even so a bit overwhelming. Best of luck to you in handling everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067956 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 02:08:24 +0000 Gigi 1067956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, I can only imagine what you are going through. That sounds super-stressful! And you don't sound pretentious or spoiled; you simply sound&nbsp;like someone who is having to make a huge change and who enjoys expressing herself through her wardrobe. :^)</p> <p>The only thing I can think of to help maximize some storage space in your apartment is vacuum storage bags. I've never used them myself, but they supposedly can triple your storage space. This would enable you to perhaps store more clothes in your apartment while you figure out a more permanent solution. Here is a link from Bed Bath and Beyond:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/55048-ziploc-space-bag-super-12-piece-combo-set.html">http://www.bedbathandbeyond.co.....o-set.html</a>. There is a video on the web page&nbsp;that shows how the vacuum bags work.</p> <p>Another thing that may make you feel better about giving stuff away is to give it to a battered women's shelter. It sounds like you have nice clothes, and for a woman in that situation to be given something really nice to wear is so uplifting to her. She feels like someone really cares, not like she is just getting someone's castoffs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067907 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:23:50 +0000 DonnaF 1067907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If your move involved changes in activities and climate, that may help you eliminate some clothes.&nbsp; Also, I am assuming that your exercise equipment gets used a lot and works better for you than a gym?&nbsp; (Just thinking about freeing up space. . .)&nbsp; I also recently bought space saving slimline hangers that stack, and they enable me to cram a bit more in my closet along with the stacking skirt/pants hangers.</p> <p>This is a lot of change for you all at once.&nbsp; You might want to consider how you want to tackle your wardrobe reduction in small bite-size tasks.&nbsp; Examine outer wear first?&nbsp; Coats take up a ton of room. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067776 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:01:38 +0000 ClaraT 1067776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not silly, not spoiled, not pretentious. Anyone making such a radical change would panic, at least a bit.</p> <p>I don't have any 'numbers' advice but if you can afford a storage unit for a year, that is a great holding pen. Is there a rush? With moving, this may be overwhelming you, but there may be more pressing issues that have to be resolved right away.</p> <p>If you start with suitcase full of clothes and a decent number of shoes, within a short period you may start to notice holes (which, lucky you, you can fill with existing inventory). Maybe just give yourself permission to store for a year and, maybe seasonally or as you have the energy, slowly winnow your wardrobe from huge, to large, to handleable.</p> <p>Q: how do you eat an elephant? A: one bite at a time. If you try to eat it all at once, it is just too much! Breathe, chew, take another bite. metaphorically, of course.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067768 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 23:56:50 +0000 Suz 1067768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. This is a huge change. It's no wonder you're feeling stressed. But you'll get through it, and what an adventure and opportunity it presents to refine your style and figure out what really matters to you.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would consider first whether this move reflects a lifestyle / work/ climate change. If it does, you'll really need to focus on your new practical needs. That's why your idea to temporarily store some items might be really helpful.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also like Tracey's suggestion to store one season's clothing while keeping as much as you can for the relevant season. I do this within my own home -- I store off season clothes in a second closet. I share the main closet with my husband. It is a regular closet, not a walk in -- I have a rod about 6 feet long, if that, plus a couple of shelves and a bureau for socks, workout gear, etc. This arrangement works just fine for me; I do not feel cramped and have plenty of variety.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067757 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 23:36:08 +0000 Mo 1067757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is this temporary or permanent move? &nbsp;I have been moving so much over the last decade I am kind of a pro at it, whether I like it or not. &nbsp;<br />3 moves ago I decided I would photo catalog every item in my closet as I slowly packed it up. &nbsp;That was a daunting task, but valuable. &nbsp;Nothing like taking the time to snap each and every item to make you realize just how much you have. <br />I also like variety, but I can attest that 150 pieces can give you plenty of variety provided it mixes up fairly well. &nbsp;That takes at least 2 things, though, a chosen color palette, and a defined style. &nbsp;I don't mean a uniform, just that you know if you are preppy or rocker or country boho. &nbsp;<br />I firmly believe that if you plan a little, you can have a fabulous wardrobe, with variety to spare, that fits in one standard closet.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067748 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 23:27:48 +0000 deb 1067748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are you changing your lifestyle? If so, then elimination of the clothing that you will not use in the new lifestyle will help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067741 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 23:23:15 +0000 rachylou 1067741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the idea of ceremonial photos :)</p> <p>I did something similar - moved from suburbs to city and lost 1/2 my living space. I moved in with a capsule of clothes, a few cookbooks, sofa, footstool, two stackable Ghost chairs, credenza, two shelves, bed, bedside table - and a Victorian plant stand that someone snuck in but wasn't supposed to come with. The rest went into my mother's basement. Not even a table to eat off, and the place is jam packed anyways. The credenza which used to hold CDs now is my pantry.</p> <p>I should add that I spent about 3 months packing.</p> <p>Three years a later, I'm still sorting out the stuff in my mum's basement. I had to bite the bullet and sell most of my books (actually my mum did all the work on that). Workmen needed access. That was a tragedy. Books are the 11th commandment in my family.</p> <p>It's actually been a lot of fun, tho, the great tragedy notwithstanding. With Angie and YLF at my side, the whole thing has sharpened me up a lot. I can't tell you how much I've learned from what I broke into storage for and the things I've never thought twice about again.</p> <p>Also: small space design. This is a booming, fascinating field. People are incredibly clever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067718 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 22:52:06 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1067718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone who likes choices, you are living my nightmare. What you describe seems like this could be a good opportunity to only keep things that are a ten! I woud also suggest researching clever storage solutions. My other question is if you pair down using the photo idea you suggested and still have too much is it worth it to store things in two seasons, one in your flat and one in a small storage and switch them out for warm and cold seasons? It all dspends ob how much this means to you because it sounds like there is a lot of change going on for you already. Take your time but be prepared to be brutally honest when you see photos. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067701 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 22:25:29 +0000 Caro in Oz 1067701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These things are real &amp; any move is stressful - so not&nbsp;<span>spoilt and <br />pretentious :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Can you try&nbsp;re-framing&nbsp;the whole thing? Look on this as a wonderful opportunity to work out what is really important to you in the longer term.&nbsp;</span>As far as your clothing goes can you make like you&nbsp;are building&nbsp;a travel capsule - take only the best :)<span></p> <p>Other than that I have no concrete advice. I am at the other end of the spectrum I actually don't like having stuff anymore. I have gone from a four bedroom house on 1/4 acre to a one bedroom apartment - so it can <br />be done :)</p> <p></span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067693 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 22:20:48 +0000 Astrid 1067693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There's always talk about capsules for different occasions on YLF, but maybe you could do one big&nbsp; "capsule" making out a whole wardrobe and build it with your absolute favourites (and the pieces you need to make them work)? And maybe try to adjust the size of your "wardrobe capsule" to the size of the storage space you have available? I'd then take these things to the flat - try to use them as if the stuff in storage wouldn't exist. Then after a few days/weeks you could see if you're missing something terribly, if you want to exchange something for another piece that's still in storage or if you suddenly think you could let go of a certain piece. That only works if you have some time of course.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-crisis-of-the-missing-3000-feet---advice-sought#post-1067658 Tue, 29 Oct 2013 22:05:35 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1067658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in the midst of a nightmare move from a house (getting on for 4000 square feet of house&nbsp;in fact, of which a large proportion was housing my wardrobe (3 large bedroomsworth)&nbsp;and&nbsp;sewing room), and in addition I had two rooms, each about 20 feet by 20 feet, for exercise) to a tiny rented 2-bedroom flat&nbsp;that is so small that even crushed into moving boxes my clothes alone would take up the entire space. (And that is before we even get on to all the other stuff I have, like books and whatnot!) I'm claustrophobic and a minimalist neat freak&nbsp;in terms of how I like my home space. I like empty space and hate clutter.&nbsp;Can you feel my panic?! I think I'm having a panic attack just thinking about this move.</p> <p>As an interim measure I am renting a huge storage unit in which to put everything except bed, treadmill, exercise bike and two suitcases of clothes and a box of shoes,&nbsp;but in the long term, I clearly need to radically change the way I live including, in particular, my policies WRT clothes and shoes. I can see why so many YLF readers seem to get rid of so much good&nbsp;stuff. Having taken weeks and weeks just to pack my stuff, I am beginning to be attracted to the idea of living out of a suitcase and getting rid of everything that won't fit in one suitcase (like one friend of mine does)... but I am finding this whole business very difficult.&nbsp;I have turned into a basket case! How do people do this? I am freaked out by becoming a tenant with all manner of exhausting rules to abide by (talk about suffocating!), and I feel positively grief-stricken by the idea of having to get rid of thousands of books and beautiful pieces of clothing and shoes. And whenever I read posts from people who admit that having got rid of half their wardrobe they then had to go out and buy similar items again, I fear making the same mistake.&nbsp;</p> <p>I can understand that for those who enjoy wearing a 'uniform' my current panic must seem very silly (get a grip, Sarah!, I hear you say, it's only clothes, not terminal cancer) but I'd get bored wearing the same sort of thing every day -- I like to play, I love dressing up and having fun with fashion and style. I express myself through my attire, and in particular&nbsp;different aspects through different outfits. Having fun with my attire is a large part of my life. How on earth do I deal with this need to get rid of about 95% of my perfectly good wardrobe? (I also feel terribly guilty about having spent so much money on all this stuff only to now have to get rid of it all!)</p> <p>How can I bring myself to part with a large proportion of my footwear collection? I have long had the policy of getting&nbsp;rid of any shoes that turn out&nbsp;not to be&nbsp;comfortable or that cease to&nbsp;delight to me, so those I have can't be whittled down in the obvious ways.</p> <p>One idea I have come up with to help me part with stuff is to start taking a ceremonial photo of myself in each piece, which I am hoping might (1) draw to my attention any pieces that don't look good (to me) on me, and (2) give me a concrete system for gradually going through my entire archive (oh for goodness sake, girl, ARCHIVE?!) and facing getting rid of stuff.</p> <p>Any other ideas? Sorry to sound so spoilt and pretentious!</p> <p>Sarah</p> <p> </p>