You open it and something falls. You close it and something gets stuck. Yet somehow, you still feel like you have nothing to wear.
That was me for the longest time, staring at a wardrobe so stuffed that the middle pole actually started bending under the weight.
The moment I realised things had gone too far was when I bought a new white shirt because I thought I needed one.
A few days later, I discovered I already had the exact same white shirt hiding behind everything. Still crisp. Still clean. Still untouched. I had basically paid twice because my closet was a jungle.
My Closet Detox Journey
My decluttering journey didn’t happen in one smooth weekend. It was dusty, messy and very very slow. I would remove things, feel proud of myself, then somehow find those same clothes creeping back into my wardrobe – because maybe I MAY miraculously fit into it..
It was as if my clothes had their own feelings and kept saying, “Keep me, JUST IN CASE, JUST…IN…CASE…….”
The ‘What If’ Pile
I held on to jeans that no longer fit, hoping my hips would magically cooperate one day.
I kept dresses for imaginary dinners or beach holidays that I still haven’t planned.
I even kept sentimental tops I hadn’t worn in years because they reminded me of a slimmer, younger, hotter version of myself.
The Clothes That Had Lived Their Life
Some items were not emotional at all. They were simply worn out.
Thin cotton T-shirts, faded home clothes, pieces with stretched-out necklines.
Instead of throwing them away, I cut them into small squares and turned them into cleaning cloths. Old cotton makes the best wipe-down rags for the kitchen and bathroom, so at least those pieces found a second life.
The Nice Stuff That Still Deserved a Home
The things that were still in great condition went into two categories.
– Mint condition pieces were donated.
– The nicer, higher-value ones were posted in pre-loved groups.
I was surprised to see how many people were happy to buy them.
It made me feel better knowing those pieces would be worn and appreciated by someone else instead of sitting untouched in my cupboard.
The Rule That Finally Helped Me Let Go
Eventually, I made a deal with myself – reluctantly.
If I had completely forgotten that I owned something, then I probably didn’t need it.
If my style has evolved or my weight can no longer accommodate that size 24 ultra skinny jeans – well..such is life.
If I needed to purchase something so badly, its the 1 in 1 out rule.
It was hard and my inner hoarder was struggling to make an appearance, however certain things just needed to be done.
I have less clothes now and look similar most days.
I still occasionally shop in the sale section for ‘what if’s’ and it’s all part of the process – slowly but surely some would say and I agree.