Keep, Charity or hand down?

[vintageviolets]

Hi I am in a bit of a mess, wading through clothes.

I rarely get rid of anything, which is stupid because I also keep buying new things.

I have talked myself into being ruthless, but I end up putting things in bags to go in the loft 'just in case'

Gok would have a field day and throw 75% probably. I think it overwhelms me really, so I don't get anywhere.

I don't know where to start?

I too have way too many clothes however I developed the following strategy which is helping, although am not yet cured:

• One thing in, one thing out. Basically if I buy anything new something else has to go. Meaning that I think twice before buying and also stop a stock pile (in theory)

• Each season have a clear. Anything that doesn't fit (even slightly) or I just haven't worn goes.

• There are lots of places that sell good quality stuff and give you half of what it goes for. There's a lovely place near me that does this. So I sort things into what goes to charity shop and what goes there. Then anything I make can be used to buy new stuff without hurting purse.

• When I try something on and have any 'not so sure' thoughts, I no longer buy. Regardless of how cheap/special/fashionable it is. I have found through experience this feeling rarely goes away.

• I try to buy more from Charity Shops. Limits choice and is better for the environment/society/purse!

• Give stuff to friends who have less disposable income. Not as charity but as a nice thing to do. E.g- friend of my was saying how she wanted new bag but couldn't afford. Told her I had too many and she could have one, then had fun rummaging through and she got a Kipling bag for free :)

• Try to stick to a set colours and won't buy outside of tried and tested items.

• Am trying to remove cheap buys and building a higher quality, less is more wardrobe...

Anything i. The loft you havent used for a year, take straight to charity shop. Dont even open the bags. You will be amazed at the relief when you look in your empty loft and go I wish Id done that before.

Holly willoughby said in a mag to get rid of anything that doesnt fit, as it will always be unflattering. Just take it way. Less is more.

(Am clearing like mad today DH on second charity shop run!)

Start with the stuff in the loft. If it has been there while and you haven't raided it for any items you can give to charity/toss.

Thanks for the ideas, , it is getting stupid, I just had a glance in spare room as have put things on the bed and I must have roughly

Coats 20+
T.Shirts 30+
Trousers/jeans 40+
Dresses definitely over 70.

And I don't go out a lot, live rural so am at work or walking the dog in in my blinking wellies ect.

Maybe I buy things so I don't feel I'm missing out. God I could scream.

You can definitely get rid of loads! Maybe you could divide up into eg smart coats, casual coats, work coats etc, then get rid of your least favourite in each pile. It would be a start!

I was wondering to keep 15 of everything but then panic sets in!
1st baby due in April, so I must make some space.

15 of everything is still shitloads, panic not. I own precisely 3 coats (trench, wool biker and warm wool winter coat), and have yet to feel I am lacking a coat in my life

I'm going to try to stick to 15!
All other stuff can go to an Animal charity. I've tried boot sales before and people don't want to pay much, also tried eBay and never made a lot.

I find turning my hangers helpful. Every now and again I turn them around to face the wrong way. If I wear something it goes back in the wardrobe with the hanger the correct way round. After a couple of months anything still hanging the wrong way goes in the bin (unless it's out of season and I know I will wear it).

I still haven't sorted anything out! Maybe at the weekend.
I'm dreading it, but I know I will feel better after