I love the fresh feeling spring brings!
The fog clears away and it’s so renewing. Then we get the itch to bring that feeling into our own space.
Is it time to clear away the “fog” in your closet?
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a big, intense experience. It can be comfortable, relaxing, and even emotional. I’ll show you how.
3 Tips to Clean Out Your Closet, the Type 2 Way:
1. Recognize that letting go of something might be difficult.
As a Type 2 woman you naturally connect to the past and certain items, including clothes, can help make that connection.
When you clean out your closet you may come across a dress you haven’t worn in over a year, but it’s special to you because you wore it when you performed your first solo in church. Is this the only reason you are holding on to that dress? Is there another way you can cherish and connect with that memory? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
I still have the skirt and top I wore when my husband proposed to me, even though I don’t wear them anymore. I store them in my “keepsakes” box as a fun memory. There are other items I do let go of even though they carried a special memory. I recognize the memory and the connection lives in my heart, not in that article of clothing.
2. Feel your feelings.
You’ll find yourself strolling down memory lane as you handle each garment in your closet and determine whether or not to let it go. Take your time to feel your feelings and enjoy the process of re-living the memories.
You may feel sad or anxious about letting go of certain items. That’s okay. Don’t judge yourself as silly or foolish for feeling connected to clothing, just feel the feelings that come up.
I deep cleaned my closet last summer after reading Marie Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (which I HIGHLY recommend. Here’s my full review). In her book, Marie suggests you consider your clothing’s feelings and ask them if they want to stay or go.
So, before I dove into the tidying process I had a conversation with my wardrobe and told them what was about to happen: some would stay and some would go. I thanked them and then I started crying.
I felt so silly! Why was I talking and now crying to my clothing?! Who does that? Well, I know exactly who does: a deeply sensitive soul like me!
Rather than staying in a place of judgment I chose to feel my feelings and honor my heartfelt, gentle nature. The tears passed and I was filled with gratitude for my wardrobe. Once the surge of feelings was felt I was able to work quickly through my closet. (Don’t forget your accessories!)
3. Know where it’s going.
Pre-determine where your clothing is going next. I suggest making four piles:
- Friends/Family: Due to your thoughtful nature you may consider gifting certain items to friends and family. You’ll want to make sure the items you are letting go of go to a good home, especially if you’ve loved them for so long. Realize though the person may not really want what you have and then you’ll feel pressured to find another home for it. Don’t be offended if someone doesn’t take what you offer them. Be mindful about what can just go to the thrift store so you don’t have to think about it anymore.
- Thrift Store: You can never go wrong donating to a local thrift store. When in doubt this is the best answer!
- Sell: If you’re getting rid of so much, you may feel like you need to get your money out of it. If you have nicer things you can earn money by selling them to a consignment store. This step can also be time-consuming and not worth it in the end.
- Trash: Some items–whether due to damage or wear and tear–will just need to be thrown out.
5 Questions to ask yourself:
1. Does it fit?
Sometimes we hold on to things hoping to lose an extra 10 pounds. How long have you been holding onto that item? Is it motivating your or discouraging you in your weight loss journey? Don’t hold on to things out of guilt, hoping they’ll motivate you to lose weight. Toss it and embrace your body where it’s at. Loving your body right now is greater motivation than a size-too-small-dress hanging in your closet.
2. Have I worn this in the last 12 months?
If your answer is no, odds are you won’t wear it this month, or next month, or the next. Toss it!
3. Is this true to my Type of beauty?
Is it a “10” or are you compromising? Ask yourself why you’re still holding onto items that aren’t true to your Type of beauty. Is it the fit, the style, the comfort? Take note of what you love about the item and add that to your wish list.
For example, I had beautiful floral patterned top. Oh! The pattern was so beautiful and perfectly Type 2, but it was too short! I never wore it. I tried to make it work, but it just wasn’t comfortable! I was holding on to it because I loved the pattern, but it was just taking up space and making me feel guilty for not wearing it.
So I did the brave thing and donated it. Then I added a “beautiful floral patterned top” to my wardrobe wish list. Guess what?! Now I have 3 beautiful floral patterned tops that all fit great! No more compromises!
4. Am I hanging onto things that I want to refashion, but I’m just not getting to it?
Be honest with yourself. Are you really going to dye that pile of clothes? Will doing so add joy to your life? If the answer is yes, then make it happen! Buy the dye or the other tools you need and do it this weekend! If you aren’t feeling pumped about fixing those items, then toss them and don’t feel guilty about it!
5. Do I feel confident when I wear this?
This question is your ultimate guide! How do you feel when you wear a certain item? Do you feel like you’re compromising in style or comfort? Or do you feel beautiful and put together? Trust your beauty sixth-sense in order to know what’s right for you.
Are you ready to spring clean your closet?
I want to see your results. Post a picture of what you’re keeping and what you’re letting go of. What tips did you find helpful in your process?
