3 Reasons to Clear Your Closet

Last weekend, I embarked on a challenging project – going through all the clothes in my closet (and drawers) to see what fit.

This started because, as I’d mentioned before, I’m a bit heavier than I was eight or nine years ago, and when I tried on something a couple of weeks ago, it didn’t fit. Plus, I found some tops that had mysterious stains on them, so I figured it was time to do a real inventory and clear out what I couldn’t wear.

Now, I know some people like to hold onto their “skinny” clothes in the hopes of someday wearing them again. And it might seem like it would be depressing to go through and find out what you can’t wear anymore.

But I actually found the process rather liberating for a few reasons.

1: Know what you have

Before this exercise, I realized I’d been wearing a fairly limited subset of my clothes because I knew those were the ones that fit. Everything else just stared back at me from my closet, collecting literal dust, and making me feel slightly bad and oddly guilty for “ignoring” them.

Going through everything and being realistic about what fits and what might fit again let me clear out so many things I hadn’t worn in years. But it also helped me find some things hidden away that I’d forgotten I had – clothes that I can and will wear now that I’ve rediscovered them.

I will admit that I was relieved to discover that the clothes I most care about still fit. A couple of things are snug, but at least I have a reasonable chance of fitting into them more comfortably again, unlike many of the items I took to Goodwill.

And on top of all that, I found some things that simply weren’t worth keeping due to holes, elastic that no longer acted like elastic, or stains. Between everything, I got rid of three bags of clothes.

2: Find what you want

That brings me to the second benefit of this process. With fewer clothes to worry about, I could organize what I had left much better. I didn’t get a before picture, but this is how it looks now.

Now I can find what I want! Instead of digging through things piled on shelves or hunting for shirts between other items on clothes hangers, I can easily see what I have.

This not only makes it easier to decide what to wear, but I also have more options. Since I know everything in my closet fits, I don’t have to avoid anything for fear of finding it will be too small.

3: Accept where you’re at

And finally, going through this process helps you accept your body size – or at least, it did for me. Even if it’s not the size you want to be at forever, it’s still helpful to acknowledge and accept yourself as you are now.

Plus, wearing clothes that fit you well, no matter your size, will help you feel more comfortable and confident, which in turn impacts how you approach going out in the world. So, this process can make a big difference.

What’s in your closet?

Maybe you’re good about keeping your closet in order. Or maybe, like me, your closet has gotten a little wild and weedy.

If you fall into the second category, I recommend taking time to do a thorough review and clear out what doesn’t work for you anymore. I realize that may typically fall under the category of “spring cleaning,” but you can do it at any time of the year.

And whenever you do this, you’ll see the benefits. You’ll know what you have to wear that fits you well, you can find everything, and you’ll be better able to accept your body as it is. Pretty good for an hour or two of work.