A step by step guide for a closet clear out - WITHOUT THE CHAOS!

How do I benefit from a closet clear out?

Reducing physical clutter reduces mental clutter. It's economically beneficial. It's good for the environment.

Let's get started. Baby steps, don't pull everything out at once. It will just create an overwhelming mess.

As you remove items, leave them on the hangers for now.

Reducing the clutter

1. Flick through the hangers and take out all of the clothes that don't fit. Whether too small or too big. You don't need to change your body to fit your clothes. You deserve to have clothes that flatter your body shape now.

2. Start at the beginning again and remove the clothes that still have tags. Ask yourself why you haven't worn them? Could someone else give them the love they deserve?

3. Now look for the items you know you shouldn't have bought, you knew you wouldn't wear it, it cost way too much but went ahead and bought it anyway…it's called buyers remorse, and at one time or another, we have all had it. Each season you leave it to sit in your closet, the less chance of recycling for a price you will be happy with.

4. Back to the start again. Now look for the items you know you haven't worn in the last 6-12 months. You know, the ones that just don't sit right on you or you don't like the feel of the fabric. For whatever reason, you don't wear it. Let it go and give someone else the chance to love it before it goes out of fashion.

5. Number five is a tough one. Take out your old favourites—the ones you have worn to death. You have loved them a little too much. The ones you wear and pray you don't see anyone you know. They have to go, no one likes contributing to landfills, but sometimes it is inevitable. Repurpose what you can into cloths, rags etc. If you're creative and can sew, perhaps you can use some of the material and ditch the rest. You deserve to have some newer clothes to love.

6. Ok, Number six is tough too. Look for the sentimental pieces that I know you skipped in number four. Items you haven't worn in years, but they are attached to a memory. You have the memory you don't need the clothes. Don't keep items for your children to wear one day either. They will NOT want them. As you know, fashion and tastes change.

7. Shoes, shoes and more shoes. Do you have many but wear only a few? You have a collection of nearly new shoes you don't wear because they are uncomfortable and hurt your feet. Comfortable shoes are a must. They should look good and feel good too. If not, let them go.

8. Now, do a visual stocktake for your up and coming purchases. What do you have? What do you need? Do you have enough wardrobe basics and just need to add a little spice?

Financial benefit

You can put all of the clothes you now have piled on your bed into a suitcase with the hangers still on. Book a stall and sell them at Fab Find Markets. Expect to get five, ten, twenty dollars an item. It doesn't make up for what you spent, but it doesn't take long to add up to a few hundred dollars over the morning.

You can do a few markets and keep adding clothes to the suitcase in-between. Grab a friend and turn it into a coffee date too.

Eco friendly

Recycling your closet, buying second-hand at those similar prices you sold for to replenish your wardrobe, is shopping with sustainability in mind. You are joining the circular fashion movement. Spread the word that shopping second-hand is no longer a second choice.

Congratulations, the hard work is over. Now grab a coffee and relax. You deserve it!

Fab Finds Markets

SHOP | WEAR | SELL |REPEAT