My husband and I earn our living because people saved things and because people collect things.
Clothes Represent Memories
We’ve lived in our home for over 40 years and every cupboard and closet is stuffed to the gills with things! This spills over to my closet as well. I have been every size from an emaciated size 6 to an overflowing 16. I remember purchasing every article of clothing in my closet and I look at it with fondness and yearning, hoping that one day I will return to that weight and be able to wear it again. I don’t purchase trendy or cheap clothing. Most of my clothes are timeless and quality. I’m really a very organized person, and had my closet arranged well and neat and tidy. But, when I couldn’t jam one more hanger on the rod, I knew something had to be done!
Two years ago, I began a new system for my closet. I purchased 2 packs of 50 teal, velvet hangers with rose gold hooks and one pack of 20 pant hangers. Every time I laundered an article of clothing, it got hung up on either the velvet hanger or the new pants hanger. Ultimately, I had to purchase more of both styles of hangers. After two years, it was obvious what clothes I had worn and what I hadn’t.
The Big Purge
When the big purge began, I borrowed two clothing racks from my local theatre group and began emptying every item that was on an old hanger. I could not believe the clothes I have not worn in two years! It was excessive and I was ashamed. You don’t have to wait for two years to apply this system. You can do it today!
What was the next step? I reorganized the clothes on the velvet hangers into sections. One for dresses, one for long sleeve tops, one for short and sleeveless tops, one for slacks, one for jeans, and one for casual/athletic clothes.
What to Do
Once my closet was stripped of everything I hadn’t worn in two years, and I’d hung them out in my bedroom on the borrowed racks, I had to decide what to do with it. My speaking clothes, dresses and professional outfits are not really what Goodwill or Salvation Army customers are looking for. I put a post on Facebook asking local friends for suggestions of where to donate my clothes. I got over 35 comments and some great suggestions. Many people wished they lived closer so they could share in my castoffs. A former missionary suggested there might be a “church with a missions ‘boutique’ for returning missionaries—that’s a huge blessing to missionaries coming home from the field.” Another great idea was Working Wardrobes and Dress for Success, for women returning to the workplace. Some of the typical suggestions were; Cancer Society, YMCA closet, women’s shelters, Assistance League and Salvation Army. I emailed an organization that helps Single Moms and they were happy to receive anything I had to offer.
My daughter-in-law wished she lived closer, so I asked what she could use. She lives in a colder climate, so I boxed up some of my favorite sweaters and shipped them to her.
A speaker friend also commented, “I wished I lived near you, that’s my size.” As I went through my beautiful jackets that I wore for speaking, I picked out my favorites and boxed them up and shipped them to her. I was so happy they would continue to be valued and used in ministry. When she received my package she replied, “I just opened the box. It’s like Christmas!! Ohmygosh! I can’t believe it. They are gorgeous and you are so generous. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.” Now that I have someone for whom my clothes work, she may well receive another box!
Beneficiaries
I’ve counted it up and my clothing went to more than 10 different people and causes. From fellow speakers, family members, single moms, friends, and women in need. This was neither a fast nor simple process, but, as my sister said, “I know I am always happier to give my treasured items away when I see them going to someone who will love and appreciate them.”
In that I now have an empty nest, I have taken over three other closets with clothes I haven’t worn in years! One step at a time. Soon, I will move those clothes on to appropriate recipients. Until then, I am enjoying the freedom of a nice clean closet.
What about you? Do you have clothes in your closet that you no longer wear that could be a blessing to someone else? Find someone who would benefit from and appreciate your excess—it makes it easier to part with your treasured memories.
Through her speaking and writing, Lauren encourages people with her heartfelt messages and practical presentations. She is the author of The Art of Helping – What to say and Do When Someone is Hurting. Lauren and her family are active in both church and community choral groups. She lives in Redlands, CA.
I was inspired! I spent the afternoon in my closet. A good friend was there with me to cheer me on, advise, and take the items that suited her. She did take two full armloads. Many of the items I haven’t worn in ten years! This photo represents what I have left. I have posted a message offering my clothes (awaiting approval) on a business womens referral group in am in on Facebook. Like you, I am happy to give them away if someone could use them. Mostly sizes 6/8. I have lots of empty hangers now.
I try to practice good closet cleaning, but recently was in the same boat as you! I had a “living room garage sale” first. I put out some of my better clothes, purses, jewelry and shoes and sold some in order to make some $$ for my 9 grandchildren (soon to be 10). I do not work and this was a way for me to add to their piggy banks! My friends enjoyed the very cheap prices and loved getting something “new”. Next, I boxed up some ‘professional’ clothes and donated them to our University’s Career Closet! They were so thankful for the nice, gently used clothing for college students that cannot afford interviewing clothes! Next, I took the rest to a local charity where they give them to the needy and homeless. A few years ago, my husband decided to get rid of his tee shirts and we gave them all to a painter we knew (his helpers needed some also) for their painting business. There is always someone that will benefit from your discarding efforts!
I Can relate. That is my addiction. Clothes. However I am not the one who shops it’s the hubby. 😁🤣☺️. He’s so sweet but only for me. Not for himself or our daughters.
I go through my closet every January with my sister in law, who owns two outfits and mostly jeans and blouses. She lives in indiana and is quite frugal 😢. However, clothing makes me feel good and all I don’t need I give to my gardener who takes them all to Mexico for ladies and sometimes men to enjoy Dan’s clothes. Thank you for sharing your beautiful clothes with those 10 places and friends. May God richly bless you for it all. Have a blessed weekend friend. ♥️♥️♥️
I saw this and thought of my 15 trash bags of clothes, most of which went home with a friend. Once you get started it is quite liberating.
I then moved on to 35 years of household accumulation and downsized from 2200 square feet to 600. Its hard to believe all the stuff I thought I needed
I agree, it is liberating! Plus, we can bless others!
I am a recipient of some of the beautiful dresses and skirts from this clothing project. I would like to express my gratitude for the generous donations, I kept some, gave a few to my daughter and the rest are going towards our Community Harvest Fair in November targeting families in need. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the love and I appreciate women who build up other women. Thank you Lauren for your heart and generosity.
Great article. I can relate, however, full-time RV living creates a whole other issue. My clothes are divided by Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. I rotate them in and out. When the RV get cluttered, some clothes end up in a crate in storage, waiting for my move into a house, so I can cherish them again. I know I do need to go through all my office clothes and donate them. I haven’t really worn them since I retired. I have occilated less then 10 pounds for the last 8 years, so I can wear 90% of my clothes all the time. I keep saying I’ll have a whole new wardrobe when we stop traveling in the RV.
I have been blessed from your generosity
And cleaning
I think I have worn one of the dresses 3 times already
It was so fun to have an early Christmas
I am already pretty much a minimalist and especially in my closet. With that said , there are other things I need to let go of…. TONS of old music books,
sheet music, and the like. THANK YOU for the practical guidelines and the tips on working through the emotional connections to stuff. SUCH a great post! Thanks, Lauren! You have certainly blessed the many who will
have those beautiful wardrobe pieces to
enjoy!
Sometimes all you need is a little inspiration to do what you already know you need to do. Read this blog last night, spent the morning going through my closet. and took four boxes to the Salvation Army today. More to follow on another day.