I found it quite shocking when I realized how much junk I actually have. Because I like to think of myself as the Anti-Packrat (not to be confused with the Anti-Christ). I'm not particularly sentimental and I don't like to keep useless stuff. Clutter drives me batty and I despise knickknacks. Still, it was a slap in the face when the enormity of the junk situation unfolded to me.
For instance:
> I found three pairs of shoes I didn't even know I had! I couldn't quite face the music as to the exact number of shoes I really have, but it was above 50. *Was* being the operative word because (you should all be proud of me) I got rid of 7 pairs of shoes!! (which includes those 3 because I figured if I didn't even known about them, I probably wouldn't be wearing them in the near future.)
> When I set all my purses and wallets out, I was forced to admit I had 20 purses and 10 wallets. Again, focus on the past tense, people. I did pare down the number.
> I found cell phone chargers for not one, but two phones I no longer possess.
> I definitely don't need gloves or scarves. I think six pairs of gloves and five scarves should have me set up for winter quite nicely.
In the end, of course I'm glad started (and completed) this project. There were many, many good results that came out of it. I can find things! My closet is neat! My summer clothes are properly stored! I have less STUFF! I found Christmas presents I didn't remember, so I won't have as much shopping to do!
One question did come out of this project that remains unanswered, so let me pose it to you: Why do women wear the same clothes over and over when they usually have a lot of clothes? I asked five female friends who all told me the same thing: yes, they have lots of clothes, but they still wear the same outfits. Do you do the same? Why do you think women do this?
I'd definitely recommend this undertaking. It's a tough job, but it'll be worth the effort. And then you can go out and celebrate like I did: by buying more shoes.
- J -
3 comments:
I think we just automatically wear the clothes that make us feel the best. For instance, if (in our mind) we feel a skirt makes us look a little fatter than another skirt, we unconsciously shun that skirt...and don't even realize we are doing it! When we sit down and say, "Why don't I ever wear this?" we really don't know why. I think that we (or at least I do...don't know how 'normal' I am!) have certain emotional reactions to clothes. For instance, I used to love this one sweater and wore it quite a bit. Then one time when I was wearing it, something happened to me (and I don't even remember *what* now!) that caused me to have a negative emotional reaction. Now I just can't bring myself to wear it - no matter how much I like it - because I associate it with that sinking, criey feeling.
I am so with you on this post. I recently cleaned out my "space" which I thought was pretty decluttered already. I was brutal, and ended up getting rid of four trash bags of clothes. FOUR!!! And two of shoes and purses. And I STILL don't have room in my closet for one more thing! (Sigh) Guess it's a girl curse or something...either that or we're just spoiled rotten!
Right on, Rachel and Juls...and since you guys sound like you're pros at decluttering, I'd like to personally invite both of you to my space this weekend! Huh, how 'bout it girls? :)
Rach, I think you're right. And I have had emotional reactions to my clothes, too. Thanks for your perspective! You must have a small closet, girl.
Friend X, one weekend of decluttering was enough for me. I'll cheer you on, though. :)
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