hoarding?

Connie

What is the consensus regarding clothes hoarding and deciding how to let go of clothing that I don't know whether or not flatters me?
It is depressing to have too much and to only wear a few regular things over and over.
So many scarves but surely some are not nice looking or current.
Shoes, bags, clothes that don't fit. How and who do you enlist to help with the decisions?
Panic sets in when thinking about getting rid of something that may be useful next year!

12 years ago

Off Topic

9 replies

Latest reply was from jennifer

kellygirl

Veteran

Check out Angie's posts on closet editing:
http://youlookfab.com/2012/08/.....t-editing/
http://youlookfab.com/2012/08/.....et-review/

I think it will help break the process down for you.You can also post pics of things that you are unsure of. The forum is great at evaluating pieces!

12 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

"If I got rid of something that may be useful next year, then what is the worst that might happen or what would it say about me as a person?"

Use answer to ask again, in the same format, until you unearth what thought is causing you the panic. It's called Downward (or Vertical) Arrow technique. After all, *having* the stuff is not causing panic but the thought of possibly not-having is. It's as much or more of a Thinking About problem than it is an Obstruction problem.

Panic attacks, I have some sometimes, are mostly about catastrophizing about physiological sensations and what they may mean. If you have them otherwise than in this instance, Zuercher-White is incredible. An End to Panic.

http://www.ocfoundation.org/hoarding/

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

People on the forum have all different sizes of wardrobes -- proof that what works for one person isn't the right choice all. However, if you're feeling overwhelmed and underdressed, this is a good place to be to make some changes.

Why not begin by giving what "works" in your wardrobe the best real estate --- put it in the front and center. You may notice people posting "orphan" outfits. This is when we take an item that fits, and one which we still like on some level, and try to work it into one or more outfits. Even working with one piece a week this way can be very helpful.

People on the forum are very good at helping you refine your style goals and sorting through the items already in your closet!

12 years ago

Connie

Active Member

kellygirl: Thank you for the links to the closet editing. I'm also terrible at finding links, not just editing closets, so that was a big help!
Vildy: Thank you for the link to the hoarding website. This looks like an interesting read.
Beth Ann: Thank you for the idea of outfits. Of course I've heard the term before, but your comment was a lightbulb for some reason and stuck this time in my head!
In the meantime, to put off the actual work of editing, I am making chocolate chip cookies. Classic avoidance technique of mine!

12 years ago

kkards

Veteran

I am fortunate enough to have 3 closets, so I keep a lot, but since joining YLF I have come to realize that just because I have it, doesn't mean I will want to wear it. So I have been donating a lot. I find this question helps.....does this item speak to who I am today? If the answer. Is yes, I try it on. If it fits, as is, without any alterations, I keep, if it doesn't it goes into the donate or sell pile. Try going thru one category at a time.

12 years ago

Active Member

Connie, if you haven't been updating your clothes but haven't gotten rid of them and they no longer fit your body and your lifestyle then you may need to go shopping before you can dress in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. On the other hand, if you have been an overshopper you may have enough good clothes but may be unable to find them in the clutter. Whichever your situation I think the first thing is to stop wearing a few things over and over. That's depressing for a woman who cares about fashion. Do what you must (shopping if required and/or shopping your closet) to assemble six or seven outfits for your real life that you can enjoy wearing. As Beth Ann advises, put them front and center and wear them with a sense of accomplishment. Then you can address the longstanding issues and use the purging strategies that work for you. You may want to read the Recovering Shopaholic blog (author Debbie Roes) along the way for emotional support and practical tips.

12 years ago

karymk

Veteran

It's true; put your most worn items front and center. Off season or out-of-circulation items can go towards the back or in your kids' closet. I also pack up clothes I don't want to see for awhile in suitcases and drag them into the attic. They'll get their chance to delight you again. And what doesn't delight, should be ditched.

12 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

I get my sister to help me. She has a good eye and is not afraid to tell me what looks good. I get rid of things that look worn or are ill fitting and put items that are good quality but not fitting (size wise) or not in style in my basement. It take the stress out of the decision. If after a year, I find I am not excited about pulling the items out and wearing them for the season then I feel better about letting them go. I tend to change sizes so I have pulled out items that are not fitting one year and wear them in a year or 2.

12 years ago

jennifer

Veteran

Try doing Rounds in your closet .
Round 1.Condition Stains ? Pitch it.(and have black garbage bags for this )
Holes? Pills? Crocking dye? Wierd Fading ? Pitch it.
Go through undies and bras too . And if this catagory isn't working take care of it first as it affects round 2.

Round 2. Does it fit ?
If it is too large will I alter it myself THIS SEASON !(or have it done ) Would it be worth it to me to pay to have it altered and it would then be perfect or should I pass it on (donation/consignment/swap) and free my life for something else and bless someone else in need.This is where YLF helps .

Round 3. Does it suit ME ? Consider your life and what activities You do . If you are a corporate lady you need suits & office appropriate clothes. If you're a ski instructor lots of ski gear.etc.
Consider the climate YOU live in and how many seasons/temps you have to dress for and how often -Casual wear/gear weekend only orM-F? Suits M-F or for church/ special events/interviews only?
Also have something appropriate in warm or cold weather for weddings,funerals, nice dinner out, theatre,showers(bridal/baby),interviews,etc. as these don't always get considered when planning the usual weekly/monthly life activities.

If something is very sentimental pack it away out of your wearing closet . Try to limit what qualifies as a sentimental keepsake.

12 years ago

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