Which Comes First: Replacing or Clearing Out

I've realized lately that I'm (waaaaaay) past due for replacing bras. It occurred to me that I tend to wait to toss/donate something that isn't working until I find its replacement. That can mean I go months (years) without bothering to replace a dud (usually a bad fit). So, I think I'm going to try tossing the bras that don't work for me, just to motivate myself.

Which do you do first? Find or toss?

14 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

Queen Mum

Veteran

I'm a little of both. When it comes to bras, you kindof have to have a few in rotation, so I guess I wait until the replacements have been brought in.
I do remember a pair of black boots that for 2 years I kept wearing despite the fact that they really needed to be replaced. I got rid of them at the end of 2 winters ago so that I would be forced to find a new pair.
As far as clothes, I think I toss when something is no longer a viable part of my wardrobe, whether I have a true replacement or not.... because if it is still wearable, even if I find a "replacement" I have a hard time pitching the old one.

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

With bras, I replace before tossing.

14 years ago

HeleenH

Veteran

I think it depends... If you have 5 bra's and 2 are worn out, throw those 2 away and replace them as soon as you can, you can wear the remaining three. (or throw out the worst of the lot, if they happen to all fall apart at the same time).
I am in the proces of learning not to hide clothes that I don't wear, but send them to goodwill. And either repair or throw away clothes that are damaged.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I think I'm with Kim - clothing gets cleared out regardless of whether there's a replacement yet but most bras and undies stay around until I find the replacement first.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

You all make me laugh-- of course I'm not going to run around with my huge ridiculous bust and no bras! I meant in general, not advice for this example.

14 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

It depends on how soon I can replace something and how badly I need it. Sometimes I toss first, like with a generic top... I have other tops. But if it's a necessary top for my wardrobe to function... like a long sleeved black layering top... I would replace before tossing it. For me, having a less-than-perfect option is better than having nothing, in that case.

14 years ago

Barbara

Veteran

Find, then toss. As soon as you toss it, you may not be able to find a suitable replacement in a timely manner. Happens every time!

I SHOULD say: Find, toss, buy multiples!

14 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

I find that my clothes get moved down from going out to housework so tend to hang on and look for replacement.

14 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Funny, I just bought two new bras yesterday - I tend to pick them up at Kohl's or similar whenever I get a discount coupon in the mail. That's what I usually use all those coupons and reward certificates on - they're not usually a lot of $ at a time and you can almost always find basics, like underwear and socks, or basic knit tops.

If the item that needed to be replaced was the only one of its kind (a type of bra that works with a certain outfit, your only black layering t-shirt, etc.) I would tend to keep it until it had been replaced in case I needed it. But if it was truly beyond repair - holes, etc. - I would go ahead and trash it to a) keep myself from wearing it anyway and b) motivate myself to get out there and get a replacement asap.

14 years ago

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I aspire to reach the stage when I am on the lookout to replace something, buy then clear out. I want to have a smallish closet in the long term, so that if I threw out something first it could cause a problem. I have just fallen foul of this recently; wanted to replace my dress pants but felt that they were 'ok for now' suddenly realised that they have worn out (how did I miss that?) and the pants I was going to replace them with eventually are no longer available...

So frustrating.

Glad you don't intend to go bra-less, though. You paint a very funny picture of it!

14 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Find, then toss. I don't have enough to toss without replacing.

14 years ago

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