I recently purged my clothes that I used to wear to the office. I’ve been doing telehealth since March 2020 and realized if I ever do have to stop working from home, I’ll get clothes for that then. And I also finally got rid of my “cancer clothes” - scarves and caps I wore in chemo, and post-surgery compression items. If my cancer does come back I’ll re-buy that stuff, but seeing it on my shelf just made me feel sad and scared.
Good for you! I was especially touched by what you said about cancer items making you feel sad and fearful. I'm sure that was a big and very important decision. What a revelation...I'm glad you did it. That was a positive move and a sign of power and strength, not to mention a sign of faith. 😊
@@josefinacervera8229 Thank you. And while I appreciate the point I think you are trying to make, I would say cancer is a very personal experience and each person gets to choose the language they use to cope. For me, it was happening to MY body and thus is MY cancer. If in your own journey with cancer it makes you more comfortable to say THE cancer, I absolutely support that choice for you. But not for me.
I watched , hit liked, ran to my wardrobe and spent a super productive hour or two going through everything with all your tips in mind, trying on clothes I hadn’t worn in ages, looking carefully at the fit, quality, usefulness etc… wow! 3 bags later I feel sooo much lighter. Thank you!
I used to buy a band t-shirt after every gig/show I went to back in the 90s and early 2000s. I had bags of them in the attic, and they were all too big for me (as was the style at the time). When I discovered minimalism a few years ago I photographed them and sold them on ebay. I made £££s and it completely funded a holiday to Vietnam.
The only thing I disagree with in part is clothes you haven't worn in over a year. I have a couple of outfits that I wear for special occasions, like weddings. I'm retired and my daily clothes are very casual. So that is what I mainly have. But occasionally I get invited to something where my daily casual clothes aren't appropriate. So I keep 1 or 2 outfits for those rare times. Better than having to go out and buy something.
Yes - I haven't needed a 'dress up' outfit since pre Covid, but I'm not getting rid of it. The last thing I need is the stress of trying to find something that fits and is within my price range the next time I get invited to a wedding or special event.
While working in a professional vocation I cycled my clothes. Meaning I wore items I really liked & fit well & remained stylish. Then I packed those aside & brought out items from the bin I kept of well fitting & stylish clothes. When I did this coworkers would comment that I must’ve just had a nice shopping spree. Unlike we think people had forgotten that they were items I’d previously worn. Felt great & saves a ton of money. Yet you still have a great wardrobe you like & fit well. Just remember to keep it down to items you love & that fit you well. Get rid of worn out, ripped clothes & you will feel great about it. Great video & ideas for serious purgers wanting to simplify their lives.
Around 2015, I had a massive weight gain due to a myriad of issues but kept my "skinny" clothes in the closet. Finally, I decided to donate the clothes so that at least somebody could use them. Lo and behold my weight-loss efforts (calorie-counting) started to make a difference and I am so happy and grateful! Now my closet is pretty bare but I love it that way and will be very deliberate about any new pieces.
Thank you for sharing your story! It just bums me out when my favorite jeans and shorts still don’t fit me despite trying to eat healthier and exercise again. I was foolish to think that I could still live the active lifestyle I lived before becoming a dad of 2. I will try what you did and hopefully 🤞 it works out.
Something similar for me, and its happened a couple times when my weight has gone up, tying in with the change in my regular activity levels during the day, for work primarily, (and going through it now, again): I felt so uncomfortable squeezing into my ill fitting clothes that I sucked it up, accepted I put on weight, so I bought a few pieces in my current size. I felt better in my clothes, instead of constrained. Which I guess tricked my mind; I more often made better choices with my food, then starting noticing my newer clothes were getting too loose, to the point of looking schlumpy... ultimately going back down a size. Feeling more positive about how I looked and felt was probably the best "diet" assistance.
Right on. Everything hanging in the closet should fit. I find that 10# change is a size. Luckily if a worthy piece, bit tight or too big & good fabric, it gets stored in the attic along with out of season clothes which are also annually reviewed to keep or donate.
Special occasion outfits and emotionally charged clothes are my nemesis. The candystripe uniform and handmade Trinidadian mother of the bride outfit will stay with me until I die. Let's just call them 'collectibles'. I get a warm, loving feeling every time I see and touch them, a photo would not have the same affect.
Soon after my beloved ❤ husband passed away, I tried to donate his clothing: suits, jackets, coats, etc . . . but psychologically I was not ready. I would break out in tears every time I tried to do it because I felt like I was trying to erase his memory. I must admit it took me years to finally get around to doing it even though the clothes were taking space in the closet. The clothes were in good condition and was happy to know someone would benefit from my donation. Others might disagree but that’s just me, a sentimental woman.
This may seem weird,but I have some items of my Dad,Mom,Nana,Papa,and I wear them once and it makes me feel HAPPY and close to them- as I remember them wearing them.❤❤❤ It is like a 🤗HUG from each of them!!😊
Mostly good advice. But I would strongly disagree about the clothes that you have not touched in a year. Many of mine are outfits that are not guaranteed to see the light every single year (heavy parka, trench coat, dinner jacket and more). Also, many clothes that do not fit can be altered.
I found that decluttering my clothes has also significantly reduced my laundry chore. I can't wait as long to do laundry, so I end up with much less to do. Great ideas in this video!
Funny thing about clothes. One ends up reaching for that same pair of jeans, footwear and top nine times out of ten! The rest is hanging there just in case.
Clothes are the hardest thing for me to get rid of. My excess pieces are stored neatly, awaiting the day that one of my current pieces wears out. They are like money in the bank, and I never buy anything new since I retired a few years ago. Part of me says to get rid of them. The other part says I'm saving myself the time, inconvenience, and cost of eventually having to replace them. Sigh... The struggle is real.
I know this runs counter of what is preached (rightly so), but I do the same and sometimes I indeed look into the boxes and get stuff out and I am happy to wear it again. But I never was a mindless shopper before, so I really only have clothes I like(d).
Clothing and shoes will certainly not get cheaper, especially when living on retirement income. If you have duplicates of your favorite timeless pieces and the storage space, it's probably worthwhile to keep them. Consider it similar to an emergency food supply, except you don't have to rotate stock.
It's always wise to keep those good quality pieces that you may fit again if you can keep it to 1 suitcase. I've kicked myself for thrifting classic items and then gaining or losing that weight again. Much as I tell myself, this is it, invariably I fluctuate.
"money in the bank" .. So true. And the clothes that are most commonly accessible (affordable) these days are poor quality compared to clothes around 30 years ago & prior (better quality the older they are 😊)
1) no fitting clothes 2) clothes untouched for 1 year (not sure I agree) 3) damaged clothes 4) special occasions outfits untouched (everyone needs a special occasion outfit) 5) special memory clothes 6) unwanted gifts 7 uncomfortable shoes 8) clothes that doesn’t fit 9) emotionally charged (I included all items not only clothes)
#2 I’m going to a family wedding in 2 weeks. Wearing a dress that I haven’t worn in 2 years. So I too disagree with getting rid of things we haven’t touched in 1 year
The "not fitting clothes" is an exception if you're actively in process of losing or gaining weight. I know someone who was obese and now weigh less than half of what they did back then
I have always been slim, although I always ate a lot and always loved eating. But when Menopause came along I gained a lot of weight, althogh I haven't changed anything in my diet. Then at one point I realised that I will never be able to loose the weight, so I gave away all my slim (and very nice) clothes. Short time later my love passed away and through grief I lost so much weight (without wanting to) that I ended up totally skinny (My weight at that time was 50kg). So I regret that I had given away all those clothes because they might have fit me then - even though they might have been a bit too big. So I had to buy a lot of stuff.......But because I had less money I started buying most everything second hand, so it was affordable at least....Nowadays my weight is pretty normal again- thanks to the Lord🙏Greetings from Germany 😊
when I was younger and made more money I used to clear out my closet once and year and live pretty minimalist, but at this point I know if I got rid of something nice I would never be able to afford to replace it - so I do hang on to some skinny clothes, some special event clothes but not damaged clothes
I’ve been decluttering for about 3 years now and I’m finally starting to let go of the things that I’ve passed over many times before. I’m getting brutal with my own honesty. And once you give yourself permission…it’s truly liberating. Loved this topic Joshua. Clothes are so personal and easy to unintentionally hoard.
Same here. I have been decluttering since the global lockdown in year 2020. Surprisingly, there are still many that are in my closet. I just discarded them yesterday and will give them away.
Damaged clothes - I keep them in a separate bag that I dig into before going on trips. You can get one more wear out of them before discarding while on the road. It saves travelling around with dirty laundry and frees up space for things you might pick up on the way.
My Hubby & I recently cleaned out our garage & got rid of several huge garbage bags full of clothes. It felt good to get rid of them & gain back the space in our garage. Great video. 😊
I had a lot of somber clothing items from my years as a hospice worker. I kept them for years after retiring thinking I could use them as wardrobe stretchers. Wrong! I always felt like I was going to a funeral! I felt so much better just donating all of them!
I’m not getting rid of clothes I love unless I absolutely know I will never fit into them. I buy nice clothes and only what I love. I’m fitting back into clothes since I lost weight and I’m so glad I kept them!
I agree with you Daisy! I have lost close to ten pounds and I started to give away some of my clothes that I love. A lot of my clothes can be paired with something else in my closet! It has saved me from buying new clothes! Great 👍🏽 comment! 😎❤️
There are piles of clothes filling up landfills all over. I grew up in sight of a landfill and saw it fill up as Mt. Trashmore. It messes with your perspective on all purchases as you know it all has to end up somewhere. After you've purged, choose carefully.
I understand people getting rid of clothes they don't wear anymore. I understand them donating those clothes to charities. But i was born in a place and time when clothes were not replaced merely because they were out of fashion. We wore our clothes until they nearly fell off our backs and then they were relegated to cleaning clothes or cushion stuffing. The biggest problem with donated clothes is they are being packed into containers snd shipped to the “poor africans” or “poor indians” in tropical countries. These countries are so hot that most of the inhabitants barely wear any clothes and certainly not Arctic coats and puffer coats. So when these kindly donated clothes arrive they shoved in a warehouse and left to rot. Most synthetic materials will never disintegrate and will just become landfill. Fashion is the worst waste of everything.
My closet is filled with clothes and has been for years. It doesn't stress me the least bit. The things that are worn out or just don't fit right because the sleeves may be too long or it hangs over my shoulders I get rid of. There are many things that are over 20 years old that I still wear. I have at least 15 sweatshirts that I wore constantly years ago. For the last 2 or 3 years I didn't wear them because I got too hot. Now that it is cold I wear them everyday. I don't need 15 but it gives me variety. 10 years ago I bought dozens of my favorite jeans and slacks when I could pick them up for $10. I have had no need to buy any clothes since. The same goes for shoes and sandals. I was paying $25-35. Now they want over $100. I have no need to buy them either. I really don't care what the latest fashions are.
@@melliecrann-gaoth4789 I do organize, but no one would call me tidy. I try to have a place for everything. My issue is using something and then not returning it to its place. I am getting better. I would never be a minimalist because it makes no sense to me to get rid of perfectly good things, just because you haven't used or worn it for awhile. Putting things used regularly in a cabinet like a toaster or coffee maker makes no sense either. It is just more work having to take it out and put away all the time.
One thing is to not have to know “why” we avoid wearing certain clothing items. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut on it and be ok with not needing to know exactly why you should get rid of it. Our heads go into all manner of questioning and reasoning but our guts only know two words. “Yes or no.” Seems like it makes life simpler to not always need to know why a yes is a yes and a no is a no. It just is…and that’s ok too. Perhaps a great plan for a perfectionist or an over thinker or if you have obsessive inclinations or are just extra curious about a lot of “why” things. I think I might be all of the above lol).
I love this comment bc I'm an overthinker / overanalyzer and you're so right about the "why" thing... Sometimes we overcomplicate the answer when our gut had it at hello..
I only started donating a few years ago. I wish I could get rid of my 30 yr old wedding dress (still happily married! Daughter didn't want it. No christening outfits for our faith). Why did I get so attached to something I would never wear in public again? The pearls , beads & lace are still so pretty. If I donate it to the Salvation Army, it might very well end up in the big semi-truck parked out back. (Going to be shredded for insulation). I've seen videos of updated vintage gowns (cut off those puffy sleeves, etc). I've heard of organizations that make burial outfits for precious infants. Military Brides charity wants only recent gowns. I'm supposed to be downsizing & I'm not much of a seamstress. Sorry for the long post. Maybe future brides should rent like the grooms rent a tux!
@CH-1984 I've been looking into Unbox the Dress...they create items out of wedding dresses for you. Also, looking into donating my dress to be made into infant gowns that are given to parents when their child passes away. I'm hoping it can be recycled and bring some joy.
You can get a dress made into something else, or, as PP commented, give to one of the charities that make gowns for stillborn babies. I deliberately chose my wedding dress material and style so that I could dye it and turn it into a formal dress for future occasions!
If you adore it and the detailing then keep it. It was literally a once in a lifetime dress. I think that’s ok. My wedding dress was made from a hundred year old one. You could always put it on marketplace if you want to give it a chance to be remade and worn by another bride.
I had my wedding dress in a box for 30 years that I never opened. Finally opened it and had pillow made from some of the material from a shop on Etsy. I also had a locket made with a little piece of the fabric. I took a piece of the train and put it in a picture frame which sits on my dresser. Much better than being boxed up in the basement.
For my wedding in '77 I bought my dress at a regular dress shop. Nothing fancy. I usually wore jeans so it was hard picking out a dress. I only wore it once, don't know what happened to it later. We invited our 30 or so friends, one of whom could perform weddings. I made a big carrot cake. A friend played guitar. It was fun. For honeymoon we went camping and fishing. That marriage lasted 11 years so, not bad. We had two kids and grandchildren so the whole thing did feel like a success. Ok, the divorce was hard but I got over it.
It should not be necessary to say, but some people need to be reminded. Donated clothing should not just be dumped into a bag, creating a wrinkled mess of everything. We need to be respectful of the people sorting the clothing, and those who will be recipients, by making sure they are washed and folded nicely. Let's not make them have to do our sorting, by having to look for stains, tears, holes, threadbare areas. Thank you...
Thank you for your comment. I used to work for a Salvation Army charity shop and people might be surprised to know how carelessly some people donate - as you say, clothes are often stuffed into garbage bags unwashed and crushed by books, pots and pans and whatever else is being donated! At the end of my shift, I used to take home a bag of clothes to be washed and ironed, so that they were in a fit state to be sold!
@@susannegiesen2114my daughter volunteered in a charity shop when in secondary school. She told me they received bags with disgusting things like dirty clothes. Worn out clothing is not fit for donation, cotton things maybe could be cut up for reuse as painting or cleaning cloths.
@@RS-gl9ht I send the stuff in divided up, sorted and ready for display. I’m very far from on top of jobs at home- I just can’t imagine doing it any other way- it seems like an insult to me. I
I think it is easier for men to declutter clothes than for women. It is also easier if you are retired or not expected to wear business appropriate clothing. That said I am in process of decluttering. It is taking longer than I anticipated.
I don't think the actual act of decluttering is any easier for men, but women are far more likely to experience judgement for having a minimal wardrobe. For example, when I was in my 20s, I would get invited to maybe 6-7 weddings a year and I wore the same dress to each one. I often received negative comments/criticism for wearing the same thing all the time - yet none of the men in my peer group were judged for wearing the exact same suit to every wedding!!!
@@pippas5808 yes this is so true. I wear the same four things to church all the time and I’m sure everyone’s sick of looking at these items but I hate trying to find clothes that I really like so if I really like something you’re gonna see it over and over, LOL!
Unfortunately, I frequently "discover' clothes I haven't worn for ages. When you face retirement, you know you won't be able to afford buying new ones, so you keep them. Now ugly or uncomfortable - bye!
Definitely a good list - time for another round. Right now a little at a time does the trick for me; working 10-15 min in here and there can make a big 'dent' my collection of clothing. It is silly to think I need anymore than a few articles of clothing. After all, I am just one body and there are only 7 days in the week if I consider a weekly laundry routine and the possibility of wearing something more than once in those 7 days.
I'm in process of cross-country moving with everything in one jeep load. Majority of clothes are in same suitcase I left home for college with 50 years ago. Been my biggest purge yet 😊
I have kept clothes for over 40 years. I look after them, they are all classics. I still get compliments on my dress sence/style. Buy expensive classics and they never date.
Not me, Courtney. I hate the superciliousness of minimalists as much as that of vegans. It’s fine to give hints as how to organize etc. but sheesh!! I have a lot of clothes that I wear maybe once every 2or3years. They are called’cosplay’. I’m also not going to get rid of my ‘sentimental’ clothes just to ‘make space’. Also I’m a seamstress so if I can’t fix it or it doesn’t fit I tear it apart for the material. I BTW donate at least one full garbage bag of clothes to charity shops a year (not to mention other stuff).
I declutter my clothing occasionally, but the one piece I will never throw out is a top my late mum bought me, before her cancer diagnosis.. it’s been nearly 15 years and I still cherish it..
I still can’t part with a shirt (I don’t really like) from my mom who passed over 25 years ago. I wear it occasionally and someday may just put in the memory box instead.
I must admit after I joined this channel 8 months ago. I start keeping a donation bag in my closet whenever I see something that is no longer in use. I tosh in it. Believe me, my closet is 40% clean. My house is lot declutter then before. Cleaning is easy. Tidying is easy. Thanks Josh
There are few things that encourage weight loss more than keeping a lot of great clothes that you can no longer wear because you fell off the discipline wagon and gained too much weight.
Joshua, I usually agree with your guidance. But I have to say, the feeling I got when I could put on a thirty year old shirt, after losing 100 pounds, was absolute astonishment and delight. That response was a reward in itself and I’m glad I kept that shirt.
Same. I have a few items I loved that I got too big for. I’m losing weight and it’s so nice to be fitting back into them one at a time allowing me to get rid of bigger items without spending money right away as I lose.
I thought about that too. The pandemic did me no favors, but our whole family has had one upheaval after another since 2019 really. My cortisol is already high and just has been bad since then. I have all this stuff from when I was thinner, but it’s prob hurting me to keep all of it. I may just keep one or 2 absolute favs and try and let go of the rest. I wish I could let go of my “what if” mentality. This gets me stuck to often.
@@JoshuaBecker To clarify, I donated my extensive professional wardrobe from that era, because I knew that part of my life was over. I kept two blouses that I still get a kick out of to this day. Thank you for your part in forming my view of minimalism, Joshua.
My Life is much improved since I found your site and I have great satisfaction knowing people are benefitting from my donations, so it's a Win-Win situation! I was a poor kid who needed more clothes and now I am very comfortable and like my mother said "Share the wealth!" It makes me very, very Happy to do so!!! Thank you Joshua!!♥️♥️♥️♥️
This is great advice. I read Courtney's book Project 333 a few years ago, and I went from two double wardrobes to 25 pieces of clothing. They are all my favourites, I feel great wearing them, and getting ready in the morning is so quick and easy. Thanks for another great video 😊
I STRONGLY disagree. A few years back, I tried keto, and lost 16kg. I was DELIGHTED to have heaps of nice clothes that now fitted me again, and not having to buy new. Two years later, when half of that weight has been re-gained, again delighted to have clothes that fit, without buying new.
If you are going to constantly fluctuate so drastically in your weight, keeping many different sizes of clothing works for you. It’s a very unhealthy lifestyle, however.
Five years before I retired, I stopped buying business clothing. I wanted to wear out what I had. Some of the clothing were business casual and others were suits. I have since decluttered more. I kept a couple of suits for special occasions. It really helped me to move on from my past career and to live in the moment.
I am in the minimalism journey and Thank you again for the great video and the reminders! I struggled with memorable clothing, but have been very blessed by being able to change my mindset to bless others in my church, and community with items that my adult children didn’t want. I Select organizations that are purposeful. For example, senior centers often need craft scrabbooking stuff, china set can be donated to church groups that entertain often, etc. Don’t let items sit in your closet that others can be blessed by and appreciated today 😊
I’ve lost a lot of weight but did keep some old pants instead of donating. Well I shopped my closet and have some pants fit me now. They are getting looser but in one or two months I can fit into the next shopping size. Lol
My justification for holding on to some dressy and business casual clothes, even if I haven't worn them in a year, is with the expectation that a special and/or sad occasion will come up and I'll need something to wear. I work from home and I live in a very casual place, and my day to day uniform is hoodies, t-shirts, jeans, Vans, Patagonia, and a few button-up shirts.
My current frustration with clothing is that I am eight months postpartum, and while I do fit back into my pre-pregnancy clothes, I’m exclusively breast-feeding, and hope to for quite a while. Because of this, nearly my entire wardrobe, is not easily nursed in, and therefore useless to me, but it won’t be once I’m done. Meanwhile, I still have to have nursing friendly items. I have boxes up my non nursing friendly clothes that I know I will wear again, and my closet is full of things I can nurse in, which then will get boxed up since we’ll likely have another little one. I’m trying to be as intentional as possible, but I miss my old clothes and don’t love spending this extra money!
I completely understand this. Women in their childbearing years need clothes in several sizes (plus clothes you can nurse in, if breastfeeding). You can still weed out the stained and worn out clothes though, and those you don’t feel good in.
Nursing tops that you actually want to wear are so hard to find. I ended up just using tee shirts that were a size up. I just made sure they were super soft fabric with a good drape. Heavy cotton made me look swallowed up.
Nope I'm not giving up my costumes that I wear only when working at faires and I'm not tossing clothes I can mend and wear another year. I'm not buying new clothes this year other then one secondhand long wool coat I got last week.
I declutter on a seasonal basis. For example, I will donate spring clothes in early March and summer clothes in early May. And fall clothes in early Sept, winter clothes in November and December. This way, the thrift store can actually sell them.
Don’t laugh, but I’ve been decluttering my closet for the past three years. I was a school counselor, making a good salary, and I loved shopping! I had SO MUCH that in my previous home I had a special closet built for all my clothes, shoes and designer purses. Over the top idea but that closet helped sell my house in one day. Anyway, I am retired now, and my intention is to have a basic capsule wardrobe. I said all that to say this was an excellent video! Very good suggestions!
@@angelirohival6270 that bambina (just like its name) is a childish thing trolling you for a response in order to get attention. ... what a sad existence
I was amazed by how few pieces of clothing Courtney had. I finally got down to 40 items of shirts, slacks, sweaters, jackets, and sleepwear because I'm retired and no longer to out dancing. It's so freeing to live with so few items, almost all of them were bought secondhand. Even my three pairs of athletic shoes were bought used. I learned early in life from my dad that used things are just as good and useful. Most of what I have at home was found at house sales.
I have a different take on this. I have half my closet full of things I bought but never wear. This is a constant reminder of my past overspending and I use it in a positive way to remind myself why I shouldn’t buy more. The scarcity mindset that I feel when I over-purge my space doesn’t work for me. I need to have all my extra books, kitchen stuff, makeup, etc, etc around me to feel like I am satisfied and don’t need more. Whatever works for the individual to minimize the pull of consumerism is the best choice.
My wardrobe used to stress me out every. single. morning. Memory-laden clothing items were always my biggest issue. I'm so thankful for Minimalism and not feeling that twinge of stress every time I open my wardrobe anymore :) Thanks for your wonderful videos Joshua :)
I repurposed my torn worn out clothes into cleaning rags. I don’t have to purchase paper towels in bulk anymore, so I’m saving money. I put my savings in a high yield savings account.
I have a fun way to declutter clothing, footwear, and accessories. I imagine how I would feel if someone whose opinion matters to me saw a picture of me on the internet or published in a magazine in that item. Decision fatigue is no longer something I experience very often in my decluttering journey. Think about it, you're dancing in a parade in your favourite purple tutu and National Geographic snaps a shot for its next edition. Before I know it, Robert Plant is ringing me up to tell me he's just not ever going to be seen with me because I wore a purple tutu. Yeah, that purple tutu is in the fire barrel out back in about five seconds flat. No second thoughts. At least not until I am the purple stripe in the rainbow for next year's parade, anyway.
I can’t believe the number of T-shirts college students are given for free by clubs/organizations/departments/welcome events. Insane how many of them end up in parents’ homes
I have way too many clothes and shoes! I find this my hardest area to declutter!!! My latest strategy is to ask myself why don't I wear this, and that is making it easier. I also ask myself do I love this more than I hate ironing it😂
Like others have commented, I regret donating clothes that no longer fit. I lost 40 pounds and donated all my "fat clothes." I've regained 15 pounds, mostly as muscle mass, and am now buying clothes in sizes I once wore. Yes, it's a first world problem, but I work two jobs and money is as tight as the skinny clothes that no longer fit.
I’ve stopped buying anything that must be dry cleaned. I’ve kept some professional clothing that I do still take in, but I usually use the at-home dry cleaning cloths first to get a wear or two more from them. I also found a much more affordable dry cleaner.
Lost 70 pounds so I don't have non-fitting clothes. I don't keep clothes ripped or damaged. I need more clothes not get rid of. I have no clutter. I got rid of everything I don't use at least once a month.
Just returned from a 3-months journey with only a small set of garments and it was enough clothes. Having only few clothes that I really enjoyed wearing made me reconsider my whole wardrobe. Obviously for alpine winters a few more layers will be required but all in all, I will try the next season with only limited clothes again because it was so soothing nit having to stress about what to wear. Also, I only buy clothes from two brands, therefore everything fits the same style.
Interesting about the negative memories of some clothes. I had a beautiful silk shirt which I never wore and couldnt understand why, till I realised the o nly time I had worn it someone was really nasty to me. Donated now. More closet space Yippee!!
No way, I have beautiful clothes. When my health lets me go out again, I’m going to wear all my beautiful clothes. Of course there’s some stuff you let go, but nope I have a treasure in my closet.
I gained weight slowly ore 1990s. Then research proved the low fat model was wrong (even dangerous) so I went low carb & lost a lot of weight. Now, even tho I do have carbs, Im still losing about 5 lbs per year, since long term low carb permanently changed my hormone profile. Im so glad I saved my favorite clothes from before weight gain. I love them & enjoy wearing them again so much.
PRACTICAL VIDEO I did this three years ago, when I moved from California to Colorado. Having an empty and organized closet was freeing and very rewarding. It’s time to go through my closet again, and let go of the unused items I am not regularly wearing.
My one disagreement is about getting rid of clothes not worn in 12 months. I have some clothes I don't wear in a year because the weather may not be right for them that year. E.g. winters can range from mild/wet one year to dry and cold the next. Or an item that I love but no longer have something that currently goes with it, and I have to wait to find the right pairing/colour. Usually I do finally.
The most important thing I did was to stop shopping. And I'm constantly picking up things that I let go of, I have a big garbage bag in my garage, I keep on adding stuff to it and when it's full it gets taken to goodwill
I'd add to this list, clothes or shoes that you hang on to because they were expensive. Sell them, gift them, donate them, just don't keep them based on guilt for spending a lot of money on something you no longer use.
I recently purged my clothes that I used to wear to the office. I’ve been doing telehealth since March 2020 and realized if I ever do have to stop working from home, I’ll get clothes for that then. And I also finally got rid of my “cancer clothes” - scarves and caps I wore in chemo, and post-surgery compression items. If my cancer does come back I’ll re-buy that stuff, but seeing it on my shelf just made me feel sad and scared.
Good for you! I was especially touched by what you said about cancer items making you feel sad and fearful. I'm sure that was a big and very important decision. What a revelation...I'm glad you did it. That was a positive move and a sign of power and strength, not to mention a sign of faith. 😊
@@JLR4244 Thank you!
Congratulations don’t say MY cancer please call it THE cancer.dont make it yours
@@josefinacervera8229 Thank you. And while I appreciate the point I think you are trying to make, I would say cancer is a very personal experience and each person gets to choose the language they use to cope. For me, it was happening to MY body and thus is MY cancer. If in your own journey with cancer it makes you more comfortable to say THE cancer, I absolutely support that choice for you. But not for me.
I also got rid of things that I wore during my illness as well. They only brought back bad memories.
I watched , hit liked, ran to my wardrobe and spent a super productive hour or two going through everything with all your tips in mind, trying on clothes I hadn’t worn in ages, looking carefully at the fit, quality, usefulness etc… wow! 3 bags later I feel sooo much lighter. Thank you!
❤❤❤
I’m about to do the same today. Thanks Joshua!
I used to buy a band t-shirt after every gig/show I went to back in the 90s and early 2000s. I had bags of them in the attic, and they were all too big for me (as was the style at the time). When I discovered minimalism a few years ago I photographed them and sold them on ebay. I made £££s and it completely funded a holiday to Vietnam.
Wow, that's so cool!!
Bet you had some cool stuff
You can also have t-shirts like made into a quilt. I've made a couple for people.
💡That’s a darn good idea!
You look like Rob Kardashian, Sr.
That’s a compliment btw❤
The only thing I disagree with in part is clothes you haven't worn in over a year. I have a couple of outfits that I wear for special occasions, like weddings. I'm retired and my daily clothes are very casual. So that is what I mainly have. But occasionally I get invited to something where my daily casual clothes aren't appropriate. So I keep 1 or 2 outfits for those rare times. Better than having to go out and buy something.
Yes - I haven't needed a 'dress up' outfit since pre Covid, but I'm not getting rid of it. The last thing I need is the stress of trying to find something that fits and is within my price range the next time I get invited to a wedding or special event.
Yep, keep it. Follow what you want, not some dude on social media.
@@maryl234 these are just guidelines. Take from it what is useful to you.
I have a winter coat for that, it's classic.
While working in a professional vocation I cycled my clothes. Meaning I wore items I really liked & fit well & remained stylish. Then I packed those aside & brought out items from the bin I kept of well fitting & stylish clothes. When I did this coworkers would comment that I must’ve just had a nice shopping spree. Unlike we think people had forgotten that they were items I’d previously worn. Felt great & saves a ton of money. Yet you still have a great wardrobe you like & fit well. Just remember to keep it down to items you love & that fit you well. Get rid of worn out, ripped clothes & you will feel great about it. Great video & ideas for serious purgers wanting to simplify their lives.
Around 2015, I had a massive weight gain due to a myriad of issues but kept my "skinny" clothes in the closet. Finally, I decided to donate the clothes so that at least somebody could use them. Lo and behold my weight-loss efforts (calorie-counting) started to make a difference and I am so happy and grateful! Now my closet is pretty bare but I love it that way and will be very deliberate about any new pieces.
Thank you for sharing your story! It just bums me out when my favorite jeans and shorts still don’t fit me despite trying to eat healthier and exercise again. I was foolish to think that I could still live the active lifestyle I lived before becoming a dad of 2. I will try what you did and hopefully 🤞 it works out.
I thought you were going to say you regretted getting rid of your skinny clothes 😂
Something similar for me, and its happened a couple times when my weight has gone up, tying in with the change in my regular activity levels during the day, for work primarily, (and going through it now, again): I felt so uncomfortable squeezing into my ill fitting clothes that I sucked it up, accepted I put on weight, so I bought a few pieces in my current size. I felt better in my clothes, instead of constrained. Which I guess tricked my mind; I more often made better choices with my food, then starting noticing my newer clothes were getting too loose, to the point of looking schlumpy... ultimately going back down a size. Feeling more positive about how I looked and felt was probably the best "diet" assistance.
Right on. Everything hanging in the closet should fit. I find that 10# change is a size. Luckily if a worthy piece, bit tight or too big & good fabric, it gets stored in the attic along with out of season clothes which are also annually reviewed to keep or donate.
Special occasion outfits and emotionally charged clothes are my nemesis. The candystripe uniform and handmade Trinidadian mother of the bride outfit will stay with me until I die. Let's just call them 'collectibles'. I get a warm, loving feeling every time I see and touch them, a photo would not have the same affect.
Why do I keep 3 night gowns I never wear ? I hate night gowns , I keep then in case I am sick ? Lol , ok , they are gonna go
I’ve kept two in case I need them. But I had them for the hospital when I had surgery and couldn’t wear any bottoms with elastic.
Soon after my beloved ❤ husband passed away, I tried to donate his clothing: suits, jackets, coats, etc . . . but psychologically I was not ready. I would break out in tears every time I tried to do it because I felt like I was trying to erase his memory. I must admit it took me years to finally get around to doing it even though the clothes were taking space in the closet. The clothes were in good condition and was happy to know someone would benefit from my donation. Others might disagree but that’s just me, a sentimental woman.
This may seem weird,but I have some items of my Dad,Mom,Nana,Papa,and I wear them once and it makes me feel HAPPY and close to them- as I remember them wearing them.❤❤❤ It is like a 🤗HUG from each of them!!😊
Once in a while I meant- not once.😁
I lost my husband 5 years ago and I still have all of his clothes in my closet! Don’t feel bad it took you time to process. ❤
Mostly good advice. But I would strongly disagree about the clothes that you have not touched in a year. Many of mine are outfits that are not guaranteed to see the light every single year (heavy parka, trench coat, dinner jacket and more). Also, many clothes that do not fit can be altered.
I found that decluttering my clothes has also significantly reduced my laundry chore. I can't wait as long to do laundry, so I end up with much less to do. Great ideas in this video!
Funny thing about clothes. One ends up reaching for that same pair of jeans, footwear and top nine times out of ten! The rest is hanging there just in case.
Clothes are the hardest thing for me to get rid of. My excess pieces are stored neatly, awaiting the day that one of my current pieces wears out. They are like money in the bank, and I never buy anything new since I retired a few years ago. Part of me says to get rid of them. The other part says I'm saving myself the time, inconvenience, and cost of eventually having to replace them. Sigh... The struggle is real.
I know this runs counter of what is preached (rightly so), but I do the same and sometimes I indeed look into the boxes and get stuff out and I am happy to wear it again. But I never was a mindless shopper before, so I really only have clothes I like(d).
Clothing and shoes will certainly not get cheaper, especially when living on retirement income. If you have duplicates of your favorite timeless pieces and the storage space, it's probably worthwhile to keep them. Consider it similar to an emergency food supply, except you don't have to rotate stock.
It's always wise to keep those good quality pieces that you may fit again if you can keep it to 1 suitcase. I've kicked myself for thrifting classic items and then gaining or losing that weight again. Much as I tell myself, this is it, invariably I fluctuate.
@@andreadavey1597 Absolutely!
"money in the bank" .. So true. And the clothes that are most commonly accessible (affordable) these days are poor quality compared to clothes around 30 years ago & prior (better quality the older they are 😊)
1) no fitting clothes
2) clothes untouched for 1 year (not sure I agree)
3) damaged clothes
4) special occasions outfits untouched (everyone needs a special occasion outfit)
5) special memory clothes
6) unwanted gifts
7 uncomfortable shoes
8) clothes that doesn’t fit
9) emotionally charged (I included all items not only clothes)
#2 I’m going to a family wedding in 2 weeks. Wearing a dress that I haven’t worn in 2 years. So I too disagree with getting rid of things we haven’t touched in 1 year
Thank you for the summary!
I agree I'd keep clothes for ten yrs if special occasion clothing also classical cut jackets wool not cheap Zara clothes rtc
I’d add out of style or trendy clothes too. Of course that means they’ve been hanging in your closet a long time anyway!
😮😂
The "not fitting clothes" is an exception if you're actively in process of losing or gaining weight. I know someone who was obese and now weigh less than half of what they did back then
I have always been slim, although I always ate a lot and always loved eating. But when Menopause came along I gained a lot of weight, althogh I haven't changed anything in my diet. Then at one point I realised that I will never be able to loose the weight, so I gave away all my slim (and very nice) clothes. Short time later my love passed away and through grief I lost so much weight (without wanting to) that I ended up totally skinny (My weight at that time was 50kg). So I regret that I had given away all those clothes because they might have fit me then - even though they might have been a bit too big. So I had to buy a lot of stuff.......But because I had less money I started buying most everything second hand, so it was affordable at least....Nowadays my weight is pretty normal again- thanks to the Lord🙏Greetings from Germany 😊
when I was younger and made more money I used to clear out my closet once and year and live pretty minimalist, but at this point I know if I got rid of something nice I would never be able to afford to replace it - so I do hang on to some skinny clothes, some special event clothes but not damaged clothes
I’ve been decluttering for about 3 years now and I’m finally starting to let go of the things that I’ve passed over many times before. I’m getting brutal with my own honesty.
And once you give yourself permission…it’s truly liberating.
Loved this topic Joshua.
Clothes are so personal and easy to unintentionally hoard.
Feels amazing!
Same here. I have been decluttering since the global lockdown in year 2020. Surprisingly, there are still many that are in my closet. I just discarded them yesterday and will give them away.
Yes!!!
VC bills@@catherinemacapagal1640
I kept waiting until I retired to start this journey. I am now here, so now begins the decluttering phase. So excited. Thanks for the video.
Damaged clothes - I keep them in a separate bag that I dig into before going on trips. You can get one more wear out of them before discarding while on the road. It saves travelling around with dirty laundry and frees up space for things you might pick up on the way.
I do this with underwear! Take traveling, wear once and toss. It’s a really great way to have less dirty laundry in your bags on the way home!
Such a good idea
i am impressed with this idea!!! Good thinking 99!...(hope you are old enough to get the reference LOL).
Interesting idea! Never heard of this one!🤷🏼♂️
Chances are if you haven’t worn it in one year, you are working from home.
Or retired!
My Hubby & I recently cleaned out our garage & got rid of several huge garbage bags full of clothes. It felt good to get rid of them & gain back the space in our garage. Great video. 😊
I had a lot of somber clothing items from my years as a hospice worker. I kept them for years after retiring thinking I could use them as wardrobe stretchers. Wrong! I always felt like I was going to a funeral! I felt so much better just donating all of them!
Thank you so much for all you did for those people, and their family and friends, in incredibly difficult times.
I’m not getting rid of clothes I love unless I absolutely know I will never fit into them. I buy nice clothes and only what I love. I’m fitting back into clothes since I lost weight and I’m so glad I kept them!
I agree with you Daisy! I have lost close to ten pounds and I started to give away some of my clothes that I love. A lot of my clothes can be paired with something else in my closet! It has saved me from buying new clothes! Great 👍🏽 comment! 😎❤️
I wear all my different clothes. I couldn’t just wear the same black tshirt over and over again. Variety is the spice of life 😀👍🏻
I only own dresses. Minimalism doesn’t have to be boring
There are piles of clothes filling up landfills all over. I grew up in sight of a landfill and saw it fill up as Mt. Trashmore. It messes with your perspective on all purchases as you know it all has to end up somewhere. After you've purged, choose carefully.
Choose carefully is key.
I understand people getting rid of clothes they don't wear anymore. I understand them donating those clothes to charities. But i was born in a place and time when clothes were not replaced merely because they were out of fashion. We wore our clothes until they nearly fell off our backs and then they were relegated to cleaning clothes or cushion stuffing. The biggest problem with donated clothes is they are being packed into containers snd shipped to the “poor africans” or “poor indians” in tropical countries. These countries are so hot that most of the inhabitants barely wear any clothes and certainly not Arctic coats and puffer coats. So when these kindly donated clothes arrive they shoved in a warehouse and left to rot. Most synthetic materials will never disintegrate and will just become landfill.
Fashion is the worst waste of everything.
Love that it was straight forward, short and informative. I have no time to listen for long intro as other content creators videos
I find he talks too slow for me so I increase speed by one notch. Lol
My closet is filled with clothes and has been for years. It doesn't stress me the least bit. The things that are worn out or just don't fit right because the sleeves may be too long or it hangs over my shoulders I get rid of. There are many things that are over 20 years old that I still wear. I have at least 15 sweatshirts that I wore constantly years ago. For the last 2 or 3 years I didn't wear them because I got too hot. Now that it is cold I wear them everyday. I don't need 15 but it gives me variety. 10 years ago I bought dozens of my favorite jeans and slacks when I could pick them up for $10. I have had no need to buy any clothes since. The same goes for shoes and sandals. I was paying $25-35. Now they want over $100. I have no need to buy them either. I really don't care what the latest fashions are.
It sounds like you being you is the right thing to do!
I wear out my shoes and sandals and now even more so with my bunions
@olderandwiser. I’m thinking that perhaps you are very tidy and organised.
That part would make a huge difference. Skills I would love- I do try.
@@melliecrann-gaoth4789 I do organize, but no one would call me tidy. I try to have a place for everything. My issue is using something and then not returning it to its place. I am getting better. I would never be a minimalist because it makes no sense to me to get rid of perfectly good things, just because you haven't used or worn it for awhile. Putting things used regularly in a cabinet like a toaster or coffee maker makes no sense either. It is just more work having to take it out and put away all the time.
But... when money is so tight & there's no way you could afford these clothes again, the hope that you may fit back in them is hard to shake.
I like ALL the clothes in my closet and I’m not getting rid of them. Where I live, we have 4 seasons in one day.
One thing is to not have to know “why” we avoid wearing certain clothing items. Sometimes you just have to trust your gut on it and be ok with not needing to know exactly why you should get rid of it. Our heads go into all manner of questioning and reasoning but our guts only know two words. “Yes or no.” Seems like it makes life simpler to not always need to know why a yes is a yes and a no is a no. It just is…and that’s ok too. Perhaps a great plan for a perfectionist or an over thinker or if you have obsessive inclinations or are just extra curious about a lot of “why” things. I think I might be all of the above lol).
I love this comment bc I'm an overthinker / overanalyzer and you're so right about the "why" thing... Sometimes we overcomplicate the answer when our gut had it at hello..
I only started donating a few years ago. I wish I could get rid of my 30 yr old wedding dress (still happily married! Daughter didn't want it. No christening outfits for our faith).
Why did I get so attached to something I would never wear in public again? The pearls , beads & lace are still so pretty.
If I donate it to the Salvation Army, it might very well end up in the big semi-truck parked out back. (Going to be shredded for insulation).
I've seen videos of updated vintage gowns (cut off those puffy sleeves, etc). I've heard of organizations that make burial outfits for precious infants. Military Brides charity wants only recent gowns.
I'm supposed to be downsizing & I'm not much of a seamstress. Sorry for the long post. Maybe future brides should rent like the grooms rent a tux!
@CH-1984 I've been looking into Unbox the Dress...they create items out of wedding dresses for you. Also, looking into donating my dress to be made into infant gowns that are given to parents when their child passes away. I'm hoping it can be recycled and bring some joy.
You can get a dress made into something else, or, as PP commented, give to one of the charities that make gowns for stillborn babies.
I deliberately chose my wedding dress material and style so that I could dye it and turn it into a formal dress for future occasions!
If you adore it and the detailing then keep it. It was literally a once in a lifetime dress. I think that’s ok. My wedding dress was made from a hundred year old one. You could always put it on marketplace if you want to give it a chance to be remade and worn by another bride.
I had my wedding dress in a box for 30 years that I never opened. Finally opened it and had pillow made from some of the material from a shop on Etsy. I also had a locket made with a little piece of the fabric. I took a piece of the train and put it in a picture frame which sits on my dresser. Much better than being boxed up in the basement.
For my wedding in '77 I bought my dress at a regular dress shop. Nothing fancy. I usually wore jeans so it was hard picking out a dress. I only wore it once, don't know what happened to it later. We invited our 30 or so friends, one of whom could perform weddings. I made a big carrot cake. A friend played guitar. It was fun. For honeymoon we went camping and fishing. That marriage lasted 11 years so, not bad. We had two kids and grandchildren so the whole thing did feel like a success. Ok, the divorce was hard but I got over it.
It should not be necessary to say, but some people need to be reminded. Donated clothing should not just be dumped into a bag, creating a wrinkled mess of everything. We need to be respectful of the people sorting the clothing, and those who will be recipients, by making sure they are washed and folded nicely. Let's not make them have to do our sorting, by having to look for stains, tears, holes, threadbare areas. Thank you...
I thought that was common sense? But maybe some people don't do it😐
Thank you for your comment. I used to work for a Salvation Army charity shop and people might be surprised to know how carelessly some people donate - as you say, clothes are often stuffed into garbage bags unwashed and crushed by books, pots and pans and whatever else is being donated! At the end of my shift, I used to take home a bag of clothes to be washed and ironed, so that they were in a fit state to be sold!
@@susannegiesen2114my daughter volunteered in a charity shop when in secondary school. She told me they received bags with disgusting things like dirty clothes. Worn out clothing is not fit for donation, cotton things maybe could be cut up for reuse as painting or cleaning cloths.
@@RS-gl9ht I send the stuff in divided up, sorted and ready for display. I’m very far from on top of jobs at home- I just can’t imagine doing it any other way- it seems like an insult to me.
I
@@melliecrann-gaoth4789 I really don't understand why people act this way.....maybe they got no education.....
I think it is easier for men to declutter clothes than for women. It is also easier if you are retired or not expected to wear business appropriate clothing. That said I am in process of decluttering. It is taking longer than I anticipated.
I don't think the actual act of decluttering is any easier for men, but women are far more likely to experience judgement for having a minimal wardrobe. For example, when I was in my 20s, I would get invited to maybe 6-7 weddings a year and I wore the same dress to each one. I often received negative comments/criticism for wearing the same thing all the time - yet none of the men in my peer group were judged for wearing the exact same suit to every wedding!!!
@@pippas5808 yes this is so true. I wear the same four things to church all the time and I’m sure everyone’s sick of looking at these items but I hate trying to find clothes that I really like so if I really like something you’re gonna see it over and over, LOL!
Unfortunately, I frequently "discover' clothes I haven't worn for ages. When you face retirement, you know you won't be able to afford buying new ones, so you keep them. Now ugly or uncomfortable - bye!
I purged my closet of everything that did not fit, I no longer liked, and was worn. Best thing ever. I now think carefully about what I do buy.
Definitely a good list - time for another round. Right now a little at a time does the trick for me; working 10-15 min in here and there can make a big 'dent' my collection of clothing. It is silly to think I need anymore than a few articles of clothing. After all, I am just one body and there are only 7 days in the week if I consider a weekly laundry routine and the possibility of wearing something more than once in those 7 days.
This is rudiculous ! You don't think people can figure out for themselves what clothing they want or need ?
I'm in process of cross-country moving with everything in one jeep load. Majority of clothes are in same suitcase I left home for college with 50 years ago. Been my biggest purge yet 😊
Blessings on your new chapter 💜
I have kept clothes for over 40 years. I look after them, they are all classics. I still get compliments on my dress sence/style. Buy expensive classics and they never date.
Not me, Courtney.
I hate the superciliousness of minimalists as much as that of vegans.
It’s fine to give hints as how to organize etc. but sheesh!!
I have a lot of clothes that I wear maybe once every 2or3years. They are called’cosplay’. I’m also not going to get rid of my ‘sentimental’ clothes just to ‘make space’.
Also I’m a seamstress so if I can’t fix it or it doesn’t fit I tear it apart for the material.
I BTW donate at least one full garbage bag of clothes to charity shops a year (not to mention other stuff).
I declutter my clothing occasionally, but the one piece I will never throw out is a top my late mum bought me, before her cancer diagnosis.. it’s been nearly 15 years and I still cherish it..
I still can’t part with a shirt (I don’t really like) from my mom who passed over 25 years ago. I wear it occasionally and someday may just put in the memory box instead.
Uncomfortable shoes are easy to get rid of. I'm not the type to buy high heels just to look good & not be able to walk in. That's such a waste!
I must admit after I joined this channel 8 months ago. I start keeping a donation bag in my closet whenever I see something that is no longer in use. I tosh in it. Believe me, my closet is 40% clean. My house is lot declutter then before. Cleaning is easy. Tidying is easy. Thanks Josh
There are few things that encourage weight loss more than keeping a lot of great clothes that you can no longer wear because you fell off the discipline wagon and gained too much weight.
Joshua, I usually agree with your guidance. But I have to say, the feeling I got when I could put on a thirty year old shirt, after losing 100 pounds, was absolute astonishment and delight. That response was a reward in itself and I’m glad I kept that shirt.
Same. I have a few items I loved that I got too big for. I’m losing weight and it’s so nice to be fitting back into them one at a time allowing me to get rid of bigger items without spending money right away as I lose.
How many 30-year old shirts did you keep?
More importantly, of course, congratulations on losing 100 lbs! That is a wonderful accomplishment.
@@JoshuaBeckerI was wondering the same thing.
I thought about that too. The pandemic did me no favors, but our whole family has had one upheaval after another since 2019 really. My cortisol is already high and just has been bad since then. I have all this stuff from when I was thinner, but it’s prob hurting me to keep all of it. I may just keep one or 2 absolute favs and try and let go of the rest. I wish I could let go of my “what if” mentality. This gets me stuck to often.
@@JoshuaBecker To clarify, I donated my extensive professional wardrobe from that era, because I knew that part of my life was over. I kept two blouses that I still get a kick out of to this day. Thank you for your part in forming my view of minimalism, Joshua.
They're better left in closets than in landfills. They're a huge issue as they aren't biodegradable !
My Life is much improved since I found your site and I have great satisfaction knowing people are benefitting from my donations, so it's a Win-Win situation! I was a poor kid who needed more clothes and now I am very comfortable and like my mother said "Share the wealth!" It makes me very, very Happy to do so!!! Thank you Joshua!!♥️♥️♥️♥️
"Bring intentionality into your closet, and you will begin to find it elsewhere." Sounds right. Thanks.
My favorite RUclips channel!
We should be buying great quality well fitting basic clothing and enhance them with accessories to express our personal style.
Very good idea, that makes so much sense and will not be adding clutter for which I would have to find space.
This is great advice. I read Courtney's book Project 333 a few years ago, and I went from two double wardrobes to 25 pieces of clothing. They are all my favourites, I feel great wearing them, and getting ready in the morning is so quick and easy. Thanks for another great video 😊
I make my own clothes. Hours go into making them and I’ll be damned if I’m getting rid of them. I will alter them if needed.
Always the best information and every time you hit home at the right time. ❤
I STRONGLY disagree. A few years back, I tried keto, and lost 16kg. I was DELIGHTED to have heaps of nice clothes that now fitted me again, and not having to buy new. Two years later, when half of that weight has been re-gained, again delighted to have clothes that fit, without buying new.
If you are going to constantly fluctuate so drastically in your weight, keeping many different sizes of clothing works for you. It’s a very unhealthy lifestyle, however.
Five years before I retired, I stopped buying business clothing. I wanted to wear out what I had. Some of the clothing were business casual and others were suits. I have since decluttered more. I kept a couple of suits for special occasions. It really helped me to move on from my past career and to live in the moment.
I am in the minimalism journey and Thank you again for the great video and the reminders! I struggled with memorable clothing, but have been very blessed by being able to change my mindset to bless others in my church, and community with items that my adult children didn’t want. I Select organizations that are purposeful. For example, senior centers often need craft scrabbooking stuff, china set can be donated to church groups that entertain often, etc. Don’t let items sit in your closet that others can be blessed by and appreciated today 😊
I’ve lost a lot of weight but did keep some old pants instead of donating. Well I shopped my closet and have some pants fit me now. They are getting looser but in one or two months I can fit into the next shopping size. Lol
My justification for holding on to some dressy and business casual clothes, even if I haven't worn them in a year, is with the expectation that a special and/or sad occasion will come up and I'll need something to wear. I work from home and I live in a very casual place, and my day to day uniform is hoodies, t-shirts, jeans, Vans, Patagonia, and a few button-up shirts.
My current frustration with clothing is that I am eight months postpartum, and while I do fit back into my pre-pregnancy clothes, I’m exclusively breast-feeding, and hope to for quite a while. Because of this, nearly my entire wardrobe, is not easily nursed in, and therefore useless to me, but it won’t be once I’m done. Meanwhile, I still have to have nursing friendly items. I have boxes up my non nursing friendly clothes that I know I will wear again, and my closet is full of things I can nurse in, which then will get boxed up since we’ll likely have another little one. I’m trying to be as intentional as possible, but I miss my old clothes and don’t love spending this extra money!
I do the same thing. It's just good stewardship!
I completely understand this. Women in their childbearing years need clothes in several sizes (plus clothes you can nurse in, if breastfeeding). You can still weed out the stained and worn out clothes though, and those you don’t feel good in.
Nursing tops that you actually want to wear are so hard to find. I ended up just using tee shirts that were a size up. I just made sure they were super soft fabric with a good drape. Heavy cotton made me look swallowed up.
Nope I'm not giving up my costumes that I wear only when working at faires and I'm not tossing clothes I can mend and wear another year. I'm not buying new clothes this year other then one secondhand long wool coat I got last week.
OMG 90% of most of our clothes haven't been worn in a year.
Too keep a house clean you always need to reduce your home from things you don't need. It will be so much easier.
This video is a breath of fresh perfection. Duration, pacing, lighting, music choice, narration and practical, doable content.
I declutter on a seasonal basis. For example, I will donate spring clothes in early March and summer clothes in early May. And fall clothes in early Sept, winter clothes in November and December. This way, the thrift store can actually sell them.
Don’t laugh, but I’ve been decluttering my closet for the past three years. I was a school counselor, making a good salary, and I loved shopping! I had SO MUCH that in my previous home I had a special closet built for all my clothes, shoes and designer purses. Over the top idea but that closet helped sell my house in one day. Anyway, I am retired now, and my intention is to have a basic capsule wardrobe. I said all that to say this was an excellent video! Very good suggestions!
So u gave up on life
@@bambinaforever1402 , 😳🤣😂🤔, how did you arrive at that conclusion? Do tell!
@@angelirohival6270 that bambina (just like its name) is a childish thing trolling you for a response in order to get attention. ... what a sad existence
This short video & your details have motivated me to do the same, thank you 😊
I was amazed by how few pieces of clothing Courtney had. I finally got down to 40 items of shirts, slacks, sweaters, jackets, and sleepwear because I'm retired and no longer to out dancing. It's so freeing to live with so few items, almost all of them were bought secondhand. Even my three pairs of athletic shoes were bought used. I learned early in life from my dad that used things are just as good and useful. Most of what I have at home was found at house sales.
I have a different take on this. I have half my closet full of things I bought but never wear. This is a constant reminder of my past overspending and I use it in a positive way to remind myself why I shouldn’t buy more. The scarcity mindset that I feel when I over-purge my space doesn’t work for me. I need to have all my extra books, kitchen stuff, makeup, etc, etc around me to feel like I am satisfied and don’t need more. Whatever works for the individual to minimize the pull of consumerism is the best choice.
My wardrobe used to stress me out every. single. morning. Memory-laden clothing items were always my biggest issue. I'm so thankful for Minimalism and not feeling that twinge of stress every time I open my wardrobe anymore :) Thanks for your wonderful videos Joshua :)
Those were some simple and easy clothes decluttering Ideas. 👍😁
I repurposed my torn worn out clothes into cleaning rags. I don’t have to purchase paper towels in bulk anymore, so I’m saving money. I put my savings in a high yield savings account.
We love you!
I have a fun way to declutter clothing, footwear, and accessories. I imagine how I would feel if someone whose opinion matters to me saw a picture of me on the internet or published in a magazine in that item. Decision fatigue is no longer something I experience very often in my decluttering journey.
Think about it, you're dancing in a parade in your favourite purple tutu and National Geographic snaps a shot for its next edition. Before I know it, Robert Plant is ringing me up to tell me he's just not ever going to be seen with me because I wore a purple tutu. Yeah, that purple tutu is in the fire barrel out back in about five seconds flat. No second thoughts. At least not until I am the purple stripe in the rainbow for next year's parade, anyway.
You can't be strong all the time. Sometimes you just need to be alone and let your tears out.
Who’s Courtney Carver?
I can’t believe the number of T-shirts college students are given for free by clubs/organizations/departments/welcome events. Insane how many of them end up in parents’ homes
"...even having more than we even want." Now that is a sobering thought. Makes me wonder just how much control we have been under.
Just do it to believe that. Vastushastra described it as A_Laxmi negative of Laxmi i.e. Wealth..clutter. Clutter slow down thinking,activity,energy.
I have way too many clothes and shoes! I find this my hardest area to declutter!!! My latest strategy is to ask myself why don't I wear this, and that is making it easier. I also ask myself do I love this more than I hate ironing it😂
Like others have commented, I regret donating clothes that no longer fit. I lost 40 pounds and donated all my "fat clothes." I've regained 15 pounds, mostly as muscle mass, and am now buying clothes in sizes I once wore. Yes, it's a first world problem, but I work two jobs and money is as tight as the skinny clothes that no longer fit.
Hello, How many black T do you have ? How often do you declutter one and buy a new one ?
I’ve stopped buying anything that must be dry cleaned. I’ve kept some professional clothing that I do still take in, but I usually use the at-home dry cleaning cloths first to get a wear or two more from them. I also found a much more affordable dry cleaner.
Getting rid of cloths...i live in a 3rd world country...i do charity. True great video. Thank you.
I decluttered clothes with synthetic fabric as well.
Lost 70 pounds so I don't have non-fitting clothes. I don't keep clothes ripped or damaged. I need more clothes not get rid of. I have no clutter. I got rid of everything I don't use at least once a month.
get the non fitting clothes tailored
Just returned from a 3-months journey with only a small set of garments and it was enough clothes. Having only few clothes that I really enjoyed wearing made me reconsider my whole wardrobe. Obviously for alpine winters a few more layers will be required but all in all, I will try the next season with only limited clothes again because it was so soothing nit having to stress about what to wear. Also, I only buy clothes from two brands, therefore everything fits the same style.
This guy is talking to my wife , but he is not talking strong enough
Interesting about the negative memories of some clothes. I had a beautiful silk shirt which I never wore and couldnt understand why, till I realised the o nly time I had worn it someone was really nasty to me. Donated now. More closet space Yippee!!
No way, I have beautiful clothes. When my health lets me go out again, I’m going to wear all my beautiful clothes. Of course there’s some stuff you let go, but nope I have a treasure in my closet.
I gained weight slowly ore 1990s. Then research proved the low fat model was wrong (even dangerous) so I went low carb & lost a lot of weight. Now, even tho I do have carbs, Im still losing about 5 lbs per year, since long term low carb permanently changed my hormone profile. Im so glad I saved my favorite clothes from before weight gain. I love them & enjoy wearing them again so much.
Shouldn't it be more like 2 lb a month.
PRACTICAL VIDEO
I did this three years ago, when I moved from California to Colorado. Having an empty and organized closet was freeing and very rewarding. It’s time to go through my closet again, and let go of the unused items I am not regularly wearing.
It does feel great to own less.
My one disagreement is about getting rid of clothes not worn in 12 months. I have some clothes I don't wear in a year because the weather may not be right for them that year. E.g. winters can range from mild/wet one year to dry and cold the next.
Or an item that I love but no longer have something that currently goes with it, and I have to wait to find the right pairing/colour. Usually I do finally.
The most important thing I did was to stop shopping. And I'm constantly picking up things that I let go of, I have a big garbage bag in my garage, I keep on adding stuff to it and when it's full it gets taken to goodwill
I’m currently pregnant, 90% of my closet don’t fit 😭
Nothing new
I'd add to this list, clothes or shoes that you hang on to because they were expensive. Sell them, gift them, donate them, just don't keep them based on guilt for spending a lot of money on something you no longer use.
I did all this 😀😀
It hit hard when he mentioned clothes from previous relationships. Didn't think too much of it until the memories suddenly came back, off they go.
Don't throw away give the access to charity.
Is it possible to recycle clothes? Because I haven't found a possibility in my area.
btw, what brand is the t-shirt you are wearing. It is very nice!
I have a shirt that I got 15 years ago and started wearing it regularly this year.