Decluttering Help Before Overseas Travel!!

I found out this week that my travel plans have changed radically for the better--leaving to the Middle East in a few days for a few months, and then Europe for the remainder of the year after that! I don't have much storage space and I'd love to use the opportunity to get rid of clothing. The 20/80 rule is sooo true, and it makes me sad. I've read the tips here and on minimalism sites, but what works for you? What's the critical question/reason that prompts you to finally dump whatever not-loved-enough item into the Goodwill bin (ex. for a minimalist blogger, it was "Would I embarrassed to run into my ex wearing this")?I'm a student and I've hung onto things because of the feeling that if I give it away, I will have wasted money, when I know that if I had a higher income, I mightn't be so choosy.

To give you an idea of what I'm dealing with, see the photos--chaos!!! Lots of tops in cotton, linen and silk for Midwest winters and Middle East summers; sweaters in linen and wool; four jackets, which are next to mid-length skirts; mini-skirts; and pants. Some fitness clothing is here (Icebreaker merino wool tops), but I've excluded the bulk of my exercise gear.

I've sacrificed my bed for this cause, so hopefully, the problem will be resolved by tonight!

P.S. Hope to post a blog with photos on hijabi fashion once I'm settled!

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13 years ago

lamireille

Active Member

Wow, how exciting! You must be thrilled!

One thing I just recently found helpful is the experience of not missing or even remembering any of the stuff that was so painful to get rid of. I recently donated several great big bags of clothing and within a few days I couldn't remember a single specific piece that was in there. (Of course, that could be because I don't have a super good memory....)

I'm with you on the hating to waste money thing. That's a big obstacle for me too. It's much easier for me to throw away a ton of stuff rapidly than to look at a few individual pieces and deliberate over each one's pros and cons--once you really get going, each piece is a smaller proportion of the financial sum. And you definitely have a time and space incentive to be ruthless. It's hard, though. It just is. Maybe simply acknowledging the fact that it's hard and uncomfortable but it has to be done, rather than trying to make yourself feel happy and cheerful about it, would help.

Have a phenomenal trip!

Sylvie

Veteran

Wow, such an exciting time in your life! Good luck with your travels and the packing.

Here's what I recommend:

Try on every single garment and ask yourself "Would I be happy walking out the door in this right now?"
If yes, keep it.
If not, evaluate why:

Doesn't fit? Toss
Doesn't make you feel good? Toss
Needs ironing/mending/alterations? Fix it immediately (ok, you have 24 hours) and then reevaluate.
Doesn't feel like you/you have something better? Toss.

Especially when you're moving, there's no point in holding on to a single piece of clothing that doesn't make you feel fabulous.

(Now if I could only take my own advice...)

Kim

I kinda had an epiphany on giving away things that I don't use any more and the actual cost-per-wear of the item. As I see it, if the item stays in my closet and I don't wear it the cost-per-wear stays the same, (and it's usually high). If I donate the item where it can be resold, or give it away to someone then hopefully it will become a workhorse for them and my cost-per-wear-of-the-item goes down significantly. (It doesn't matter *who* is wearing it, any wear will reduce the cost per wear in my eyes.) So as I see it is*less* wasteful* than hanging onto an orphan because I paid good money for it. (I also am more choosey about what I buy in the future because I remember donating expensive hardly worn items in the past! LOL)

Epiphany or good girl math maybe??

Anonymous

I like Kim's girl math!

Wow, what an overwhelming task you have! I guess I would start from the opposite end of the spectrum and start picking out my must-have basics from the pile. The things you love, wear in current rotation and couldn't live without. Then do the same for the winter clothes, doing the best you can to remember the outfits, formulas and accessories you loved and wore from last season.

Knowing, like Kim said, that the items you leave behind will go to a *good home* somewhere else should make it easier to part with them. I would cull anything even remotely dated or worn, along with anything that isn't supporting you on your style journey right now. It's important to choose things to pack that are good quality, but I don't think the amount of money you spent on them matters as much. You might need to just put that out of your head for this job. Good luck! It sounds like you're about to embark on an exciting adventure!

Just another idea...after you cull as Sylvie and Claire have suggested, you might reread Angie's capsule post and form capsules for work, going out, etc. with what's left. That could lead you to purge more that won't fit in a capsule or add things back in that will help complete the capsule and give you more choices.

MsMaven

I'd advise you to go through and pull out anything you love to death and can't live without. Don't toss those unless they are easily replaceable generic items. After that, I don't know. Every time I try to pare down I immediately go out and buy replacements.

JennyAnne

(website)

Good luck with the closet purge. That's tricky. I've stalled on the one I started a few months ago. One thing that's helped me with things I like but aren't really current in style anymore - I think if this were back in style, would I want to get somethign newer andf resher? If I would, out it goes.

Suz

Wow! What a formidable task ahead of you, and what adventures! You will need to be dressed well for what lies ahead!

I love the advice you've received. So smart!

Once all dated, worn, or badly fitting items are disposed of, the question I ask myself these days is simply: does this item support me in my current or aspirational style? If not, out it goes. But I am a radical editor by nature (and profession, come to think of it...) so this is quite easy for me as a rule.

Where I still fall down is BUYING the odd piece that isn't fabulous or doesn't play well with others or isn't quite right. Sigh...

Good luck!!

Lyn D.

You can see this as a great opportunity to closely consider each item of clothing you own and to de-clutter. Try the 'I haven't worn this item in the last 1-2 years' so out it goes, but also consider the tips you have learnt here about S.Y.C. There might be a few gems you haven't worn much because you hadn't realised their versatility before. (These are the ones you might regret tossing later, so take your time.) You can always separate the items you are still unsure about, keep them elsewhere for a while until you are happy with your decision.
Good Luck.

harmonica

You've got very good input already. What works for me is to toss or donate
- every item I havn't worn in 1 years time, like Lyn Dodd said. I might not even try it on.
- every item that does not fit or needs repairing (or repair it stright away)
- follow a plan of how many trousers/toppers/skirts/blouses/camis etc do I need and narrow it down
- color coordinate the items I keep (does everything go with everything colorwise)

I can't say I'm missing any of the items I've parted with the last 3 years - and its been alot! Well, only two things - a pair of shoes (very replacable) and a suede jacket from the 1970's (not replacable, but I think it was a tad too big). I can definately live with that "loss"

This is a great step and you will feel so liberated when done!

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