Great closet debates

Confession: my closet is full of guilt and shame.

There's no shortage of discussion around the KonMarie method of organizing and "tidying up." Basically, you should get rid of anything in your home that doesn't bring you joy. And I get it. Who doesn't want to look around their home and feel joy? But I think beyond feeling joy, we should aim to minimize the things that cause us negative feelings like guilt or shame. My closet is a prime example of negative feelings.

There are so many things that I have kept "just because." Just because I might fit into it some day. Just because I spent a lot of money on it and I haven't worn it enough. Just because someone bought it for me and I'd feel bad getting rid of it. You have my permission (if you need it) to end the self-debate and get rid of all those items that just don't work for you. Don't continue to open your closet day-in and day-out to be confronted by negative feelings.

Here are my top three things to ask yourself when cleaning your closet:

1. Am I wearing it?

Yes: keep it.

No: then why do you have it? And be honest here. "I might wear it someday?" Really? I mean if you seriously might wear it someday then keep it but if you find yourself saying this each and every time you clean our your closet then give yourself the permission to be honest and get rid of it.

Hoping you'll fit into old clothes is a pretty common sentiment. If it's a realistic goal outfit then go ahead and keep it. If every time you open your closet you see a glaring reminder of the fact your body isn't what it once was then it's time to let those clothes go. Replace that space with things that make you feel good about yourself. And if you find yourself back in the best shape of your life, then reward yourself with something new.

Sometimes I find clothes that I totally forgot I had because they got stuck somewhere in the back of a drawer. Great finds!

I also put special occasion outfits in their own category. I don't wear fancy dresses very often but I love to have them on hand so that I know I'll have something I love rather than going through the torture of having to find something in a pinch. (Case in point: my sister planned her wedding for two weeks after my due date and I would like to give a big thank you to the beautiful burgundy v-neck dress that just happened to cover all that I needed it to cover and still be breastfeeding friendly.)

2. Am I giving everything proper real estate?

Make your day-to-day life as easy as possible by making sure your everyday clothes are the easiest to access. For me, that's office wear. It all gets hung so that it's wrinkle-free and I can grab it quickly on busy mornings. I keep my drawers for casual wear since my jeans and socks can withstand being shoved in a drawer.

If you tend to wear the same pieces together all the time, consider placing them together. If you have a lot of mix and match pieces, sort them by type so that you can easily grab a top to go with the pants you had selected for the day. Whatever makes a busy morning easier.

3. Why would I not give joy to others?

Feeling guilty about giving away that shirt your mom bought you? Or the pants that haven't fit since baby? Just because you don't like or fit into an item, doesn't mean it won't bring joy to others. Why deny them that feeling?

I've given stuff away to my (skinny) sister. I've also donated stuff to mom's in need through a local Facebook group. Many communities have an organization that will accept used clothing that is in good condition to resell. There are people who can put your items to good use and that may give you enough of a boost to motivate you to finally get rid of the stuff you have no business keeping.

Take it from me, a freshly culled closet will feel good. You'll find things that you love. You'll find space and get things organized in a way that makes your life easier. You will be happier! Go for it and let me know how it goes.