How To Closet Cleanse in Quarantine
Weeks into social distancing and you have binged all watchable content on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and Disney +. After reading the ingredients on your Lysol can for the third time, to end the monotony, you decide to be productive.
Now is the perfect time to tackle the task topping your to-do list, a closet cleanse. Clear a space for six separate piles on your bed and label six corresponding pieces of paper — purgatory, donate, family/friends, alter, trash and consign — and then ask yourself these five questions.
1. Is it damaged or stained?
Circa October 2018, I discovered the perfect pair of high waist jeans. Quality stitching, flawless fit and a stubborn foundation stain on the left pant leg, centimeters from the crotch. For over a year, I scrubbed the stain, soaked the stain and even named it — Steve. Recently, I accepted that it was time to trash my favorite jeans. So, as a recovering stained item hoarder, I advise that if that red wine stain from a year ago on your once-favorite lilac top is still there, it's time to say goodbye. Same applies to damaged and defective items such as a ripped lace camisole or a skirt with a faulty zipper. If it irreparable, to the trash pile it goes. If it reparable, give yourself a deadline to fix it. If it’s not repaired in six months, move it from ‘alter’ to ‘trash’.
2. When was the last time I wore it?
If you have to scroll through your Instagram feed to recall the last time you wore an item, retire it. If you haven’t worn it in two seasonal years, get rid of it. For instance, if it's a summer item and it hasn’t been worn in two summers, it must go. This counts for clothing with tags still attached, too. Exceptions include wedding dresses and other special occasion items.
3. Do I pass by it every time I go in my closet?
We all have an item we give a second look to for a big day, but never choose to wear it. If it's always your Plan B, let it go and make room for wardrobe pieces that inspire you.
4. If I ran into [insert ex’s name here] today wearing this, would I cry myself to sleep later?
If you don’t feel like a 10 when you slip into a pair of trousers or your little black dress, it’s time to move on. If it doesn't make you feel your best, if it doesn't fit, too small or too big, give it the axe. Don’t keep it with the hope that you will grow to love it months from now. Say goodbye and create a closet with items that make you feel like the 10 you are.
5. Am I emotionally attached? Bonus Question: Why?
Assess any emotion leading you to keep clothes that you do not actually wear or like. It must have an insanely meaningful story tied to it. Are you keeping a ton of tee shirts from your college or summer camp days? Instead of keeping all 10, keep your absolute favorite. Other items can be sold, donated or consigned.
For virtual consignment during social distancing times, try ASOS Marketplace, Poshmark, The RealReal, Etsy, ThreadUp, Tradesy and Facebook Marketplace.
If you want to donate once it’s safe to do so, donate to churches and places of worship, community outreach centers, foster children programs, battered women shelters, homeless shelters, thrift stores and more.
Stay home and happy cleaning!
