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Original poster

De Clutter - Do I just need a couple of everything?

21 replies

LamaDrama · 02/11/2013 13:12

I need help,

My wardrobe is a mess of unworn clothes, clothes that are too big/small & just rubbish really.

I have started buying better quality clothes in the hope of parting with my old tat.

But I don't know how much to keep.

I have bought 10 lidded boxes & thought of filling them with my favourite items so I would have a box of;

Jumpers/Cardigans
Trousers/Jeans
Vests/t.Shirts
Tunics
Layering tops
Summer tops
Winter tops
Nightwear already in 3 boxes Blush
Underwear
Leggings/tights

Dresses & Coats to hang up maybe?

Then get rid of the rest? But I will have to be ruthless.

Does that sound o.k?

OP posts:
CursiveLetters · 02/11/2013 13:32

How much to keep of your old tat? None! why would you keep boxes of clothes that don't fit or are worn out? Get rid of all of them.

CherryColl1ns · 02/11/2013 13:46

Why keep anything that's too big or small or tatty? Bin the whole lot.

peasypeeler · 02/11/2013 13:58

10 boxes of stuff you don't even like? What on earth for? You'll feel guilty every time you look at them. Guilt be gone, regift the wrong-sized stuff to someone else via the charity shop and chuck the rest.

Original poster
LamaDrama · 02/11/2013 14:18

Sorry i wasn't clear,

10 boxes (clear tubs with lids) of really good clothes to keep & wear.

OP posts:
peasypeeler · 02/11/2013 14:22

Oh! Ok, but what will you keep in your wardrobe then? I hang everything up so I can see it otherwise I forget what I have. Confused

PottedPlant · 02/11/2013 14:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
LamaDrama · 02/11/2013 14:58

Ive just filled 1 black bag, of clothes to get rid of, thats progress for me.

I reckon I could do another 2 or 3 & will try to do it in the week.

I thought I could use the hanging space for dresses & coats, but thats a temptation to keep more.

OP posts:
Original poster
LamaDrama · 02/11/2013 15:03

Potted - Yes I'm definitely overwhelmed with it all.

Its a new start in life for me & DD (baby) & I really want a lighter life.

I want to look nice & get some confidence back, after 'D' P of 10 years left us for OW.

Im getting my hair done regularly, & trying my best.

Out with the old & in with the new Grin

OP posts:
peasypeeler · 02/11/2013 15:17

A whole wardrobe for dresses and coats seems a lot to me. Can you put up a coat rack or something similar?

Lots of hugs to you, be gentle on yourself and enjoy your new life :)

PottedPlant · 02/11/2013 15:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
LamaDrama · 02/11/2013 17:42

I will keep going with it all Thanks

I will reduce the nightwear to one box, & get rid of some coats.

I reduced my linen to only a quarter of what it was & got rid of 3 dressing gowns, a few weeks back.

It is quite therapeutic..

OP posts:
Mrspinacolada · 02/11/2013 19:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

pseudonymity · 02/11/2013 20:55

Good luck. I'm getting rid of things too, it is very therapeutic. Have a massive trying on session. Things that I love & can't part but won't wear with I've put into storage. Not everyone can be utterly ruthless.

Original poster
LamaDrama · 02/11/2013 21:01

I feel guilty about the waste of money, but I have been taking things straight to the charity shop.

So I hope somebody gets some use from them.

OP posts:
Original poster
LamaDrama · 02/11/2013 21:06

My problem was never following the rule -

' If you bring 1 new thing into the house, then get rid of 1 thing'

But I will from now on.

OP posts:
peasypeeler · 02/11/2013 22:43

Charity shop is the perfect place, it's good karma :)

Storage units just add more money to the problem Confused

Original poster
LamaDrama · 03/11/2013 21:43

I did a car boot sale today, with DD. we only stayed 90 mins but made £30 Grin

OP posts:
Notcontent · 03/11/2013 22:03

Well done!
Agree that decluttering and getting organise can be quite therapeutic. I think it can make you feel in control of your life when everything else seems out of control...

Mrspinacolada · 04/11/2013 09:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BeCoolFucker · 04/11/2013 10:01

Lama you are doing so well.

I had a huge clearout after XP and I split last Xmas. I started with the kitchen but eventually did all mine & DC's clothes (and indeed the entire flat) - it feels so good. It's a VERY therapeutic process.

We have quite limited space so that helped focus the mind. I've also read quite a few minimalist blogs which I find inspiring and practical too.

Here are a few links/articles you might find inspiring:

Bare minimum
Own Less
Miss Minimalist

Stuff going to the charity shop is brilliant - far from being wasted, it's benefiting the charity you donate it to as well as the person who ends up buying it.

It you get the bug we have a minimalist/life management (of sorts) thread running in Good Housekeeping.

Original poster
LamaDrama · 04/11/2013 18:45

Thanks for the encouragement everyone & the useful links.

I think I am getting the bug, I have thought about throwing all my c.d cases & putting the discs into those wallet type things!

What I didn't sell at the car boot sale ( 2 bags) went straight to the charity shop today, so it didn't go back in the house.

but I have to admit I took a brand new Billabong blouse out & 3 other tops Blush I have left them in the boot for now.

OP posts:
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