Something about autumn inspires me to want to declutter, organize, and rejuvenate, not just my own living spaces, but my mindset too. What if I told you that the true fall cleaning starts not just in your home, but also your mind? Indeed, your mindset plays a vital role in how you perceive yourself and the world around you. It shapes the choices we make, influences our decisions, and ultimately reflects in the way we present ourselves to others. Just like a well-organized closet can bring peace and harmony to our physical space, a clear and positive mindset can have a transformative effect on our overall well-being.
When embarking on a project of decluttering it is important to have an affirmation or mantra that we can hang onto. This is vitally important when we tackle our closets and wardrobe. Our clothing and accessories can hold onto so much emotion and past trauma and so much of the time we are not even aware of it.
The Mantra I want you to hold close to your heart when endeavouring on this closet clean out is:
My body is my own and I choose to love all of it. I commit to embracing all parts of myself and allow myself to only wear things that truly make me feel good in my personal style.
We women can be so dang hard on ourselves when it comes to our bodies and the clothing we choose to adorn it with. I say it is high time we stop this self flagellation and start embracing and loving the body we are in.
Our closets can hold a load of emotions from shame to guilt and everything in between. We hang on to clothing that does not fit right or never really fit us at all, whether physically or with our personally style. I know for myself I have clothing hanging in my closet that I have only worn once or not at all, the tags still hanging on.
My daughter recently said something to me when we were discussing cleaning out our wardrobe's that made so much sense to me. She said " Mum I have come to realize that I bought a lot of clothing because I liked the idea of wearing the pieces, even though it did not fit my style". I can relate to this can you?
It is so important when we embark on a total clean out or purge that we get in touch with what really is going to work for us moving forward. This is so important before moving onto the more practical steps of a closet clean out.
Take a moment and think about these questions or maybe even take the time to journal on them.
Cleaning out your closet can be a refreshing experience, helping you declutter and organize your wardrobe. Before starting the process, it can be helpful to journal about a few questions to gain clarity on your goals and preferences.
Here are some questions to consider:
1. What is my personal style?
- Reflect on your style preferences and the types of clothing that make you feel confident and comfortable.
2. What items do I reach for most often?
- Think about the clothes you wear regularly and why you prefer them. What feelings to they invoke?
3. Do I have any clothes that no longer fit me?
- Assess if you have items that are too tight or too loose and whether it’s time to let them go. If you have trouble letting them go, why do you think that is?
5. Are there any pieces that hold sentimental value?
- Reflect on items that you keep for emotional reasons and whether they still serve a purpose in your life.
6. How do I want to feel when I look at my closet?
- Define your goals for the outcome of the clean-out, such as feeling organized, at peace, or inspired.
8. What is my budget for any new items I may want to purchase?
- Determine how much you are willing to spend on new pieces to replace any items you let go.
9. What are my wardrobe gaps?
- Identify areas where you may need to add new pieces to complete your wardrobe.
10. Am I holding onto items out of guilt or obligation?
- Reflect on whether you're keeping clothes you don't love for reasons other than personal preference.
Here is a list of some practical steps to help in clearing out your closet:
Clearing out your clothing closet can be a great way to declutter your space and improve your mindset. Here's a list of things to do when clearing out your closet to help you stay organized and make the process more manageable:
1. Set a Clear Goal: Decide on the purpose of the decluttering session (e.g., to reduce excess, create space, or refresh your wardrobe).
2. Schedule Time: Set aside dedicated time to work on your closet without interruptions.
this can be done in blocks of time to avoid overwhelm.
3. Prepare Sorting Bins: Gather bins or bags for sorting clothing into categories such as "keep," "donate," "sell," and "discard."
4. Empty the Closet: Take everything out of your closet so you can see all the items and thoroughly clean the space.
5. Clean the Closet: Dust and vacuum the closet before you start sorting clothes back in.
6. Evaluate Each Item: As you sort through your clothes, ask yourself if each item is still useful, fits well, and brings you joy.
7. Try on Items: If you're unsure about an item, try it on to see how it fits and feels.
8. Be Honest with Yourself: If you haven't worn an item in a year or more, it may be time to let it go.
9. Sort into Categories: Place items into the bins based on your decision (keep, donate, sell, repair or discard).
10. Organize What You Keep: Return only the items you are keeping to your closet. Organize them by type (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses) or by color for easier access.
11. Donate or Sell Items: Arrange to donate or sell the items you've decided to part with.
12. Discard Unusable Items: Dispose of clothing that is too worn or damaged to be donated or sold.
13. Review Your Wardrobe: Take a final look at your organized closet and make sure everything fits and is accessible.
14. Do you see any gaps: Make a list of any items you may need.
15. Reflect on the Process: Take a moment to appreciate the effort you've put into decluttering your closet and how it has improved your mindset and space.
16. Set Future Plans: Consider setting a regular schedule for closet maintenance to prevent future clutter.
By following these steps, you can declutter your closet, improve your mindset, and make it easier to find and enjoy the clothes you love.
Clearing out your closet can evoke a range of emotions and experiences. Here’s how a woman might feel before, during, and after this kind of clean-out:
Prior to the Clean-Up:
Before beginning the clean-out, a woman might feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She may be excited about the prospect of having a more organized closet and a refreshed wardrobe. However, the task of decluttering can also feel daunting, especially if she has accumulated a lot of clothing over time. She might worry about letting go of items with sentimental value or feel overwhelmed at the thought of making so many decisions about what to keep and what to part with.
While Cleaning Out:
As she starts sorting through her clothes, she may experience a variety of emotions. There might be moments of nostalgia as she comes across items associated with memories or significant life events. Conversely, she might feel a sense of liberation when letting go of items that no longer serve her. The process can also be tiring and emotionally draining, especially when faced with tough decisions about what to keep and what to discard. However, as she progresses, she may begin to feel a sense of accomplishment and relief as the space starts to clear.
Following the Clean-Up:
Once the clean-out is complete, she is likely to feel a sense of satisfaction and peace. The newly organized closet can bring a fresh perspective and make it easier to access and enjoy her wardrobe. She may also feel a sense of pride in her ability to let go of items and create a space that reflects her current style and needs. The decluttering process can lead to increased clarity and confidence, not only in her wardrobe choices but also in other areas of her life. Additionally, knowing that she has donated or sold items can bring a sense of gratitude and fulfillment, knowing that her belongings may be helpful to others.
Inspiring:
Finding Motivation to Actively Develop Your Unique Personal Style.
Our mindset is greatly influenced by our environment and the clothes we wear. To take the first step towards a more organized closet and a clearer mind, book a FREE 45-minute Tea Time Chat with me. Let's start this journey together!
About the Author
Heather Chapplain, is a passionate and highly skilled Master Life Coach, Yoga Mentor and Life Style Designer. Dedicated to helping individuals towards a holistic approach to healing and dealing with anxiety. With deep empathy and understanding, She draws from her own personal experience with anxiety, she guide others in their own healing journeys, helping them design a lifestyle of healing that allows them to heal and grow.
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