3 Rules for Closet Purging – Closet Spring Clean

It’s time for a spring clean of my wardrobe! What about you? I haven’t posted recently about working towards my Parisian Wardrobe, but it’s still very much a goal for me. I’ve been letting everyday business get in the way of spending some QT looking through my clothes and accessories, but there’s nothing like a Green Jeans Consignment Sale to kick your rear into gear.

As I looked through my closets, I followed 3 rules for closet purging. I’ll share those below.

Green Jeans Consignment Sale

{My goods for the Green Jeans Sale – I have 114 items in the spring Southpark sale}

Each time I participate in a Green Jeans sale, it gets a little easier to let things go. It also helps to look at something and say, I didn’t sell this in the last 5 sales because I said I’d wear it. Here we are, and I still haven’t worn it. Maybe it’s time to let it go. There are some other items, like a couple Coach purses, that I’ve been holding onto for sentimental reasons. But, I finally added them this time around. One of my main motivations is knowing I can turn those clothes (and accessories) I don’t wear into cash.

Green Jeans Consignment Sale

{A couple J. Crew cardigans that are super soft and pretty with cute little buttons that unfortunately shrunk}

3 Rules for Closet Purging (Parisian Wardrobe Style)

I’ve been doing a lot of analysis on my current wardrobe, and asking myself some good questions. What do I really-really wear? What are my favorite things to wear? What are the things I gravitate towards. What do I have in my closet that I like but look at and say, I don’t want to wear that today because   (insert reason)   ?

Rule #1: If there are things you consistently pass over, they need to go…even if you like them or think they’re cute. If you’re not wearing them, they’re taking up precious real estate in your closet that they shouldn’t. Make room for something you love.

You may pass over something because of the next rule, or because the item in question is too big, too small, too uncomfortable. Whatever the reason, unless you can fix it (get it tailored?), it may be time to move on.

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I’ve also tried to be realistic with myself about my style. My current style. I used to wear a lot more preppy pieces of clothing and accessories. I’ve grown away from that in both my work and casual wear. I try to remind myself – there’s a reason you stopped wearing some of things you did.

Rule #2: Ask yourself as you evaluate something if it fits with your current style. Style can easily change over time, and your wardrobe should change with you. I used to hold onto things “in case I need them one day”, but unless you have a huge basement or attic (and even if you do) to store these types of clothes, this may not be the best strategy. Remember the goal is to have items you truly love and love to wear in your closet.

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Rule #3: Quality over quantity. It’s better to replace ten things you don’t wear any more or don’t really like to wear with one item you love and that makes you feel confident and happy.

This last rule is really a theme of the Parisian Wardrobe, but I try to remind myself of this as I’m pulling items from my closet. I used to dream of having a closet like Cher’s in Clueless. You know, the one with the rotating hanger rack. But, I’ve come to a place where I believe you really can have too much clothes.

I pulled six pairs of shoes that fell under Rule #1 above and replaced them with one new pair I recently purchased. I moved the six pairs into another room where I was gathering items for Green Jeans a few weeks ago and forgot about them! Guess I didn’t need to hold onto those after all if I can’t even remember I have them. If I was actually wearing them (and needed them), I would have looked for them. I didn’t, so they’re getting prepped for sale at Green Jeans right now!

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Even though this process of closet purging is getting easier, it’s not easy. I probably shouldn’t be so attached to my clothes and accessories, but for whatever reason, I often am. I’ll remember a special event where I wore something or if I bought something because of a special event (a raise at work or for another celebration). I try to remember that I have the memories and the experience and that’s more important than the physical item. You’re not defined by the things you own. You are just you, and you are fabulous with or without those strappy shoes you haven’t worn in two years. Got it? Good!

Anyone else doing a spring clean of their closet?

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If you’re in the Charlotte area, check out the Green Jeans Consignment Sale. It’s happening this weekend and Sunday, most of the items go to 50% off! If you’re thinking about consigning, I recommend stopping by, even if you’re not planning to shop to get an idea of how the event runs and check out pricing to give you guidelines for when you consign with Green Jeans.

Thanks for reading!

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