What To Ask To Figure Out What You Should Keep, Toss, Or Donate
You’ve decided to declutter your closet, but you’re not sure where to start. Should you use a popular decluttering method such as the KonMari method? Or should you just start at one end of your closet? With so many options, it’s no wonder that you’re feeling overwhelmed.
At Closet & Storage Concepts of South Jersey, one method we like to use is asking a ton of questions. Asking key questions can help you decide how you feel about the items in your wardrobe and help you declutter. Consider the following questions to figure out if you should keep, toss, or donate an item.
When to Keep It
Do I Love This Wholeheartedly?
If you love wearing an item, it’s a definite keeper. Asking this question is similar to the KonMari method of only keeping items that spark joy.
Can I Wear This Three Ways?
Flexibility can be an important factor to consider when deciding what to keep. If one item can be worn in at least three different outfits, consider keeping it. This is a sign that it’s a wardrobe workhorse.
Do I Need to Wait For a Replacement?
Sometimes you need to keep some clothes while you’re hunting for the perfect replacement. Don’t feel discouraged if you keep a few items that you want to replace. To avoid forgetting about them, make a note or label the item so you can donate or toss the items once you find a replacement.
When To Donate
Is This Still In Good Condition?
Ask this question when you’re not sure if an item should be donated or trashed. If items are still in good working condition, consider adding it to your donate pile.
Does This Suit My Personal Style?
When it comes to deciding if an item should be donated or kept, consider your personal style. If you can’t see yourself wearing an item regularly, it could be a good candidate to donate.
Could a Friend of Family Member Use It?
Another reason to donate an item is if you know a friend or family member would love it. If they’ve expressed interest in something, consider gifting it to them.
When To Toss It
Are There Stains?
If there are any questionable stains, it should probably be tossed. If you can’t use a textile anymore as a rag, it’s time to toss it. If you don’t want to use it, chances are no one else will either.
Is There Any Damage?
Look for fraying seams, large rips, tears, or broken straps. If there’s any damage that is past repair, don’t donate it – toss it.
Is It Just Plain Garbage?
For lint in pant pockets or wrappers found at the bottom of your handbags, this one is a no-brainer. Toss that trash!
It’s Time to Get Organized!
After you’ve culled clutter in your closet, it’s time to organize your items. Start your closet organization project with the experts at Closet & Storage Concepts. Serving the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas for more than 30 years!
Image credits: © Nattakorn Maneerat. © Jovanmandic. © Vichai.