Maybe you could post pics of the stuff you want to give away and then we can tell you how dated everything is and how it's not your style and then it will be easier? ;^)

May I suggest the duo of ClearlyClaire and Marley? You should have seen them go to town. Loved the video link you provided of "Portlandia." Really funny.

Half a dozen items is progress. I do a great job moving things out of my closet into the holding zone. But actually leaving the premises ha.... often they will make a few return to the closet back to holding round trips before I remember why they don't work for me. I think the idea of selecting a portion of clothing and time period (summer) then packing the rest down tightly is a good step. Some of the packed items might not be missed and go away later. Or might not. But that could help bring some clarity. Or they will get ruined being packed up and ... same end result. Yikes! Maybe ruined is too harsh....

The situation is worse than y'all know. When I moved, I put most of it storage and just had a capsule. Well, now I'm trying to get rid of all the stuff that I went and got from storage because I missed it...

Run! Run for your life! haha.

Are you okay with getting rid of things that are wearing out? Pilling a little? faded? shrunk? shoes very worn? After all, those things usually have valiantly put in their working time and are ready to take off their saddle and head for a nice green pasture somewhere...

Oh, I do have two bags already in the car of worn things, waiting to be taken to Goodwill... I could get rid of a few more sweaters, but I have to wait for winter. I can't toss those until I get replacements. They are key warmth sweaters.

I like the idea of pulling out a Summer capsule while space bagging the rest. I could probably stand to do that myself. If nothing else, it would certainly be great to have some more room in my closet.

Baby steps are better than no steps

Vicki actually has a nice idea. Are there any fabbers in your area that you would like to invite over to help you purge? Sometimes having someone else around who can offer an extra pair of eyes can help.

Ack! But Gigi, I have to purge first so I can clean up so people can come over... lol!

I feel your pain. I have a hard time letting go of my clothes too and I also have a large wardrobe. I can't remember where I first heard or read this tip but it said one easy way to declutter anything is to let go of 1 in 10 items. If you are cleaning your kitchen cupboards and you have 20 glasses, get rid of 2. If you have 30 pair of pants get rid of 3 of your least favorite pair. If you do this with each category you have just downsized your closet by 10% and they say it's pretty painless, lol.

That's pretty genius, Cheryl. (Altho, I'm already arguing myself against giving away any of my glassware...)

Why don't you work backwards? Wear a completely new outfit everyday & every evening whatever didn't feel stellar (& I mean STELLAR) goes in the donate bag It may take you two years to work through it all but at least it will all get worn & assessed.

That's brilliant, Caro!

I'm kind of doing a version of what caro suggests with my prior year's clothes and some inexpensive thrifted things I'm on the fence about. Some I still love, some I THINK I love then I wear them around for a day and realize nope, I don't love them anymore or there is something a little fiddly or off about them and they immediately get put in the donate bag when I get home (assuming they don't need a wash of course).

Also cheryl's one in ten idea is genius.

Shoes are the hardest thing for me to purge. Heck I almost purged my Birks last year in an attempt to look less frumpy and I'm glad I didn't. Shoes have a way of coming back in style. It sounds like you did a good job getting rid of a few things. Baby steps!

I think shoes are particularly difficult. They fit, don't blister or rub your feet, are comfy....sigh. Stellar job doing so much purging in such a short time. I like both Cheryl and Caro's ideas. For me I so have to be in the mood.
Having these insane allergies recently has also helped. Anything that is too scratchy gets tossed.
Good luck!

Well, this morning I did as Caro suggested... although I didn't wait until the end of the day. I wanted to wear my red suede peep-toe wedges, and gave them a good look before putting them on. They've gotten a little scratch. So out they've gone.

But I don't know how long they'll count as a purge, because I wanted to wear them. They were an easy finish to a lot of my outfits I feel. The moment I find something similar, red peep-toe wedges will back in the ol' closet.

Just a quick note- recently went to a seminar taught by a neuro-scientist. Because of how all the neurons/pings/connectors/food/whatever work together your decision making ability declines all day long. Never make an important decision after 4pm (I can anecdotely (word?) attest). 10-11am is prime time decision making.

So, if you do wear your clothes for the day to test them, bring a second outfit to change into at lunch.

Housekeeping will wonder why there are all these clothes in the trash every day... hehe.

I think my chronobiology is off. I don't digest food very well before noon and I don't really shake off the fog until then either.

Caro has a great idea. I also struggle with closet purging. It takes me a long time to 'let go' of something when it is still in good condition. I have no new advice, just sympathizing with you, you are not alone.

I appreciate the sympathy, Lisa. *Sigh.* I put a bulletin board and LED stick on light in the giveaway bag. Does that count for anything? Lol.

Rachy, my birthday twin, I think I have the same clock as you. I'm borderline useless before noon

Blame the stars!