We read every year about cleaning out closets of garments that we haven’t worn in a year. This rule may be fine for some, but depending on your lifestyle/budget, priorities can vary greatly.
The University of Alabama’s Paula Robinson offers some suggestions that you can adapt to your situation:
- Pull everything out and organize your garments, separating by type/use. This may take your entire bedroom to accomplish, of course. Some items may go immediately to the dust cloth bag or trash can.
- Separate items that need altering (that you’ve outgrown or whatever) and items that may need minor repairs, and decide if you’re going to do anything about those. If not, are they suitable for charity? I have a stack of garments that I “intend” to alter that I never seem to get around to fixing. There are also family or friends who would be happy to get them.
- Another choice, for some, is taking garments that are “gently” used and still very wearable to a consignment shop that is willing to take those garments and return to you a small percentage of the profit when sold. They will also take all manner of accessories and other household items. It’s best to check with the owner about what they will sell. Another popular option is selling garments online.
- At this point, you might also consider actually cleaning the closet and taking a pencil/paper to inventory what you have. Make a list of items to buy that will fill in the “gaps” and provide some fashion update. This step may require re-examination of garment styles to buy that are both functional and flattering because of body changes that we all experience sooner or later. If you want to hit the gym at this point, as many do, that’s great, but you will still need clothing to wear.
- It’s a great idea to have a friend who can provide a kind, sensitive, objective and knowledgeable opinion – good luck with that. Then comes the fun part – take advantage of the great prices offered on apparel this time of year.
Robinson is an instructor in the department clothing, textiles and interior design in UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences.