Downsizing our closets matters. Buy, why? Since wellness is a top priority in aging gracefully, this post will explain the often unknown, but the researched reality of a disorganized closet and its negative effects on our health and wellbeing.
Reasons Downsizing Closets Does Matter
1. Causes Stress
Cluttered closets equals stress.
Visual confusion causes stress.
Disorganization affects how your clothing works for you, which adds more stress!
2. Triggers Regrets
Hanging on to clothing from a former lifestyle is a sure way to bring us down emotionally. Let it go.
Lifestyle changes require changes in our clothing. So do it. Get with where you are at now—in your current life stage or circumstances.
Calculate what you really need routinely. Make a list to avoid buying mistakes. A huge mistake: buying to feel better or because it’s on sale.
3. Produces Shame or Guilt
Our excesses, never worn clothing, may act as a constant reminder of weight gain. These items just hang there screaming: “We no longer fit you!”
A job loss or a new change in life, that is drastically different, may cause the excess clothing to hang. This was my major dilemma, and oh boy, I struggled because I loved my former life a lot. I loved those clothes that came with it. Yet, I really don’t need them anymore.
Clothes that you do not wear, but keep hanging on to, can cause negative feelings of guilt from constant procrastination. You may ask yourself: “Why can’t I get this done?”
OUT those clothes should go! No one needs this daily emotional hit?
Positive Rewards of Downsizing the Closet
Renewed Positive Outlook
An organized closet requires continued effort to keep clothing, shoes, accessories, all organized. However, after I did another recent refresh of my downsized closet, I receive what I call a “heart smile.” This gives me my very own hug. It says: “Good job Mitzi!” This is an affirmation for me to, again, acknowledge how a messy closet does add to my stress levels.
Acceptance of A New Reality
Okay, so this is my new life acceptance—no matter my size, my lifestyle, or my space available. But wait, this is not so easy if it’s the result of an unexpected major move or life change or losing one’s spouse or partner. I, Mitzi Beach, took a major downward spiral into that, never comfortable, place of my own. I had to ask myself: “Who am I now? What do I do with my new life?”
Admittedly, over a couple years, I did accept my new reality. I took the leap into downsizing. I finally donated my career clothes. And, in the end, it gave me a fresh re-start!
Ok, I kept a few items that were timeless for any occasion, wink-wink.
Now You Know
Most importantly, now you know that you are really ready to let go of those clothes.
Don’t Forget Tips
If possible, move off-season or dressier items to another closet.
As I say in my book, if it’s stuff you don’t wear “it is actually cheating to merely delay downsizing to move to another closet.”
Please remember, even after your closet re-organization is completed, changing out seasonal clothing, plus, maintaining the downsizing lifestyle will be a forever endeavor.
To continue reaping the rewards, maintain a closet that embraces who you are in the now. Maintain enjoying a stress-free, daily experience of easily finding what works for you and portrays the beautiful you—that you are right now.
Additional Resources
Take A Peak Into Mitzi’s Downsized Closet
Short Video of Finished, Installed Closet Units
Mitzi Beach, A.S.I.D., C.A.P.S. is an award-winning interior designer, author of Design Smarts, and latest book, The Door to Restoration, a conference speaker, and 50+ marketing and interior design/lifestyle specialist. Armed with 30 years of experience and a Master’s Degree in Interior Design, she is one of Design Hounds’s top 100 influencers. Quoted in Wall Street Journal, Women’s Health Magazine, & other periodicals on Aging-in Place trends. For more information, visit https://mitzibeach.com.https://mitzibeach.com
Good article Mitzi 🙂 Also wanted to give a shout out to Mitzi’s book “Design Smarts” — it’s changing my life! I just got it a couple of months ago and am ready to rethink our house and get us living on the main level. 42 years in this 2 story farm house has been good, but it’s time to get smarter as we are getting older. She gives a ton of great ideas — check it out! https://mitzibeach.com/shop/
Thank you Jill, for your awesome comment on my article but also on my book, “Design Smarts”.
Nothing makes me happier than to know my book and posts make a difference in someone’s life stage choices. I am proud of you for not only reading my post but taking it to an action to implement your future well being by being proactive now, before you have to or before you need to make a change under duress. Good for you Jill!