20% of the clothes in the average person’s closet are worn on a regular basis: this according to California Closets when interviewed by the Wall Street Journal. Wow, that means that 80% is: I’ll wear it someday, could still be sporting the original price tags, not your style (what were you thinking?), too tight, too baggy, too-too-too something. Yet we persist in holding onto these garments……WHY?? They could even have bad memories associated with the last wearing or were a rash purchase on a day when a retail boost was needed etc. etc. etc. Anyway you shake the hanger they are low rotation items and are taking up space and inspiration in your closet.
What to do? GET RID OF IT!!!!
But how you ask once you muster the courage to take on your closet either alone or with the assistance of a Style and Image professional like me. Ok, so now let’s just say you actually do the purge what now? So glad you are thinking that way because there are scads of ways to “repurpose” those discarded garments: all quite noble and worthy of the original purchase.
Here are a few of my top picks: Host a garage sale and donate proceeds – to your own piggy bank or a local cause.
Directly support those in need, I am a drop location for Wardrobe in Need and Spy (Safe Place for Youth). Both extraordinary organizations helping teens and adults who are trying to make a new start in life, in a new set of clothes.
Thrift Stores, like Habitat ReStore and Housing Works.
A Clothing swap – fun social endeavor especially good for kids clothing. The Westchester Playa Del Rey Mom’s page has a whole section for “Buy Nothing”.
DIY (Do It Yourself) into a new life, for instance a fun tee shirt into a pillow and perhaps a jacket cut down to a vest. Be creative it extends the life of the purchase and can be quite the conversation piece.
Consign and Resell, this is recommended for your higher end garments, as that is what most resale shops are hankering for.
Last but not least, Recycle, Seriously recycle, there are textile recyclers who dependent on the material will shred to make fiberfill and stuffing, cut down to create rags and other fabrics will be baled and sold by weight. A quick Internet search will provide multiple local options.
Bottom line – Only buy what you L.O.V.E. Then getting rid of it will never be an issue, I promise you because you will have worn it so much that you will happily let it go.
If all else fails and you absolutely positively need a Fashion lift – Ladies buy a new lipstick – Guys some new fun sports socks – something that makes you happy and won’t occupy space in your closet.
