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How many clothes do you REALLY own?

post #1 of 52
2/3/09 at 6:59pm
Thread Starter 
And how many do you feel you really? How many do you actualyl wear enough to keep?

Today I cleaned my closet out intending to store my smaller clothes so I can easily access my maternity items. I left a few pieces of regular clothing that still fit and probably will until the end. However, what I pulled out and folded up for storage, well it shocked me. I really didn't realize how much I've accumulated.

My wardrobe accomodated the 3 sizes I've been floating between since baby #1 in 2004, but I know I can get away with MUCH less per size. However I am reluctant to due to the fact that I have no idea what size I'll end up after this baby (losing weight now instead of gaining!). What would you do? Keep it all now and go through it at 6 month PP? Or go through now and toss a bunch?

LOTS of my clothing still has the tags on it even Things that didn't quite fit right when I got them, but for the prices I paid (I only shop clearance for the most part and 99% of my tops were less than $3 each) I felt it was useless to return or else I couldn't because it was a clearance item. So what to do?

I mean I literally have almost 100 empty hangers from my closet!!! So that's about how many I have piled on my bed, not counting the few (less than a dozen pieces) regular clothes left in my closet. For tops, that means t-shirts, dressy tops, casual non-t-shirt tops, long sleeve, short sleeve, jackets, dresses, 3/4 sleeve, sleeveless, etc. I have plenty of everything, but how do I go about weeding out?

I thought about getting rid of 1 for every 2 I keep so I have some rules to help me, but still, that's probably way too much left. Should I do get rid of 1 for every 1 I keep? HELP!

and most things I've worn are worn pretty equally. I'd say maybe 25% of the tops were never worn I've tried selling online, but that never seems to work out well even with super cheap prices DH is losing his job so my instinct is to hang on to everything...
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post #2 of 52
2/3/09 at 7:00pm
Thread Starter 
And that doesn't count bottoms, those were folded on shelves. I have tons of shorts, more than enough jeans, etc etc Again these accomodate 3 different sizes from the past 5 years.
post #3 of 52
2/3/09 at 11:56pm
do you have room to store the whole lot of clothes? If storage wasn't an issue I might hang onto them all, all sizes. I know this is the decluttering board and goes against all that this area stands for... but I know myself, after having baby 1 there were some clothes that I was glad I hung onto, same with baby 2, so glad I had all different sizes (and styles)... wasn't just the $ but also the time and energy to shop, it was so much easier to 'shop' out of some boxes I had put up rather than going to an actual store with little ones.
post #4 of 52
2/4/09 at 12:49am
Thread Starter 
Yeah, we have a large storage shed that we use for all the kid's outgrown clothing (which comes in very handy when you have boys 2.5 years apart ), extra furniture, tools, etc. DH built it before our first son was born in anticipation of needing lots of storage room : But it's still got a fair amount of free room (and more to come once we empty out some stuff that isn't ours!).

But I did end up purging an entire garbage bag FULL of just shirts and 2 pairs of shorts. I counted as I went...all in all I had around 135 tops!! Oh my, that was quite the shock. I have a decent size closet but it is ALL of my clothes storage, so it has to hold quite a bit even for just the basics. Still over 100 tops, even in different sizes/seasons, I know that's ridiculous. So I purged around 40, so about 1/3 of it. The rest I'll hang onto so I can see what size I'll end up settling at next year And I kept all my bottoms (not nearly as many!), except two pairs of shorts that I never wore because I hated the fit.

Still welcome opinions and tips for clothes purging. My MIL will be getting these (unless she refuses, but she rarely does) so they will be gone in a matter of days. What I'm keeping should fit into two regular size totes. Maybe 2.5 at most.
post #5 of 52
2/4/09 at 1:05am
I have one dresser, part of a shared closet and probably one bin in storage.

The dresser is pretty large and full. I pulled some clothes out of storage recently and put them in the dresser. If I end up wearing them they can stay but I will go through my dresser again soon. The closet really only has some dresses, interview suit and a few button down shirts. The storage bin is maternity/getting back to normal size clothes.
post #6 of 52
2/4/09 at 1:19am
Thread Starter 
We have a dresser, but I use only 1 drawer of it for pjs. DH uses the rest for his jeans/shorts. Then we have a lingerie type dresser and I have 3 drawers for undergarments (which I eventually need to weed through again! Again many different sizes in the past 5 years!). Otherwise, everything is in *my* side of the closet. It's fairly large, DH uses part of it, the middle part we use to store items we don't want out in the shed (DHs baseball cards, extra toiletries, etc) and then I have the other part of it. Truly, I have plenty of room for everything I've kept once the maternity is gone again. But I know I really don't need that much...I just need better guidelines to get rid of stuff. I hang on to most items "just in case"....as in just in case I have to return to work, just in case I gain weight, just in case I actually keep off the weight I always lose, just in case I need a top to paint in....etc etc. I can come up with a million excuses. Everything I parted with was something that was worn once or less in the past two years. It's a start right?
post #7 of 52
2/4/09 at 2:22am
I debated purging a lot of my clothes when I switched into maternity things (my 1st preg right now), but decided I was way too hormonal to drastically cut my wardrobe at this point in time. The things I did get rid of were stained, holey, too short/long, completely unflattering, etc. Think about the things you do regularly, and see what outfits you need for it. Maybe form a capsule wardrobe to accomodate a basic working wardrobe.
post #8 of 52
2/4/09 at 2:50am
I know this doesn't help, because you're pregnant, but I really like to go through everything with a full length mirror and a good, honest friend and chuck everything that doesn't make me look good.
I'd rather have 5 great tops than 30 so-so tops. I also chucked anything I've not worn in 1 year.
I do keep some smaller stuff, but only the stuff that's GREAT. And not out of style. If I suddenly lost 50 lbs, I could spring for a new pair of jeans. So, I have 2 file boxes of stuff that doesn't fit. That's okay with me.
post #9 of 52
2/4/09 at 4:43am
If you have room for it, I don't see a problem.

As much as I hate clutter, clothes is something I will not get rid of (and I have A LOT of clothes). All of my clothes are in great shape, fit me well and are still in style. DH is always on me that I need to get rid of some but they still fit nicely in the closets (and dressers) so I don't see why I should.

BUT, if I had clothes that didn't fit right, or were in bad shape or out of style, I'd donate them in a heartbeat.
post #10 of 52
2/4/09 at 10:54am
My goal - everything that I own is comfy and looks good on me.

Before we moved I tried on a lot of clothing in front of a mirror. But I also took a photo of me in it. Let me tell you that a photo does not lie while your eyes in a mirror can. I managed to donate a ton of stuff and I also learned what to wear/not wear. Meaning I realized that I may like square cut tops but that they make me look like a large ball on leggs. It was much easier to get rid of all my square tops that way. I also do not even bother to try them on at the store - I just keep walking. I also take a photo of everything I buy on me before I remove tags and wear.

I am also going through a period of making sure I wear everything I own. If I wear it and it is not comfy all day it is donated. Anything I can not bring myself to wear gets donated. The only exceptions would be the couple of fancy dresses for weddings and the couple of sentimental things I have stored.
post #11 of 52
2/4/09 at 12:23pm
I am pregnant too, and have been decluttering my closet. This is what I did .... I first pulled all of my maternity clothes out since I am just getting into those and got rid of anything that I did not like and anything that did not fit right last pregnancy. I cleaned out my dresser and closet and put the maternity clothes there. Then I sorted everything else by size. I decided to only keep 2 sizes from before pregnancy. I then sorted things by color and by dressy/casual/grubby and season. Since I really could not try anything on, I held everything (esp. shirts) up in front of a well lighted mirror to decide if the color suited me or not. I kept my favorite 2 grubby outfits, 2-3 blue jeans, 2-3 dressy pants, 4-5 dressy shirts, 5-8 casual shirts, 4-5 shorts in each size. I kind of looked over what was left. I kept a few extra, but only stuff that I really like and I tried to keep only colors that looked good and a variety of colors.

Since you know that money is going to be tight and you have storage room, you probably want to keep more than I did. However, I think that really sorting out what you have and making a list of what you have will give you an idea of what you have in storage so that you don't end up buying more of the same when you already have enough and so that you can find it when you need it.
post #12 of 52
2/4/09 at 12:25pm
I am fighting clothing clutter on three fronts. One is we have a large house with lots of storage so it was easy to accumulate over the years.

The second is I have struggled my whole buying life with the "buy 10 cheap things I don't like rather than two great things that I will wear constantly.

The thrid is size. I keep thinking "if I only lost 10 pounds....."

I am trying very hard to get rid of anything I haven't worn in a year or anything that doesn't fit well/doesn't feel good.

It is hard for me. I got through spurts where I can let go of things, followed by periods of "that was a $100 blouse marked down to $20, I can't possibly get rid of it"

Nevermind said blouse 1) doesn't fit 2) doesn't fit into my lifestyle anymore 3) is at least 5 years old and does like dated already.
post #13 of 52
2/4/09 at 1:08pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caneel View Post
The second is I have struggled my whole buying life with the "buy 10 cheap things I don't like rather than two great things that I will wear constantly.

The thrid is size. I keep thinking "if I only lost 10 pounds....."

I am trying very hard to get rid of anything I haven't worn in a year or anything that doesn't fit well/doesn't feel good.

It is hard for me. I got through spurts where I can let go of things, followed by periods of "that was a $100 blouse marked down to $20, I can't possibly get rid of it"

Nevermind said blouse 1) doesn't fit 2) doesn't fit into my lifestyle anymore 3) is at least 5 years old and does like dated already.

Man, this sounds just like me! At the end of my last pregnancy I let go of a TON of clothes that I had kept for YEARS! I mean things that I had for 10 years dating back to when I was in high school! Things that will never fit me again no matter what size I am (due to my shape changing), etc etc. I was nesting and got my closet size down to probably 1/4 of what I have now! Then I went through different sizes and needed to get new things. I discovered internet shopping for super cheap using discount codes. DH started making a little more money. Combined, those things led to way too many clothes! I think I will keep everything that I have left after purging the one bag full. My mom wants to look through them (after I gave her 4 almost brand new tops that were my size on the tag but way too tight for me) and the rest will go to my MIL who rarely gets herself anything and loves hand me downs. That's one thing for me that is both good and bad....I'm generally larger than anyone and everyone in my family, so I never get any, good for my closet, bad for my $$ situation, I can't just borrow something like if I need something dressy etc.
post #14 of 52
2/4/09 at 1:20pm
I'm coming back to post so I can eat my words, last night I had suggested keeping everything, probably not the best solution after reading the op's update and other posts... when you give a really horrible idea, like I did, folks will chime in with really good ones!

You should get rid of the things that you just don't like and that are going to make you look and feel yucky. Because you don't know what size you will be after baby is here, I would keep that awesome top or bottom, but only the ones you really love.

lucyem, you have given me the greatest idea!!!! Pictures, the full length mirror we have is in an awkward spot so if you stand just right it's okay to look in but you can't see the whole picture, there is no way to see my backside in it. The boys love to take pictures and a digital camera with rechargeable batteries means unlimited photos... I'm going to be a model!
post #15 of 52
2/4/09 at 9:04pm
Although we are currently living in a small apartment, we have a ton of storage space. Our bedroom closet is basically the size of my college dorm room...LOL. But, I have still pared down my clothes to my most favorite pieces (and, I am always looking to reduce). I need to work on keeping only the pieces that actually flatter my figure.

Here is everything...

Spring/Summer
*7 tees (6 v-neck/scoop-neck, 3/4 length sleeve & 1 tank)
*2 knee length skirts
*2 knee length wrap dresses
*2 jackets (trench coat & denim jacket)
*3 pairs of sandals

Fall/Winter
*above mentioned tees
*3 pairs of pants (low waisted, wide legged)
*4 long skirts
*2 long dresses
*2 jackets (wool & microsuede w/ faux shearling)
*2 pairs of boots (ankle & knee-high)
*2 pairs of loafers
*1 pair of clogs

All year
*2 shirts, 1 pair of pants, and 1 pair of running shoes for fitness
*bathing suit w/ wrap

And, of course lingerie, some accessories, and a lot of great jewelry!
post #16 of 52
2/5/09 at 5:56pm
We have a four drawer dresser and then a six drawer dresser - out of the ten, I occupy 5. And then I have half of a full size closet, my own shoe storage area and then plenty of bins downstairs. Reading this thread just gave me a HUGE incentive to purge my clothes and take them to Goodwill. Spring will be here before we know it, and I'd like to stock up on a few shirts and capris if I could.
post #17 of 52
2/5/09 at 6:09pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by soccermama View Post
We have a four drawer dresser and then a six drawer dresser - out of the ten, I occupy 5. And then I have half of a full size closet, my own shoe storage area and then plenty of bins downstairs. Reading this thread just gave me a HUGE incentive to purge my clothes and take them to Goodwill. Spring will be here before we know it, and I'd like to stock up on a few shirts and capris if I could.

Good luck! Sometimes I feel like I am the only person who owns so many clothes. I know there are people out there who own twice as many though

And to update, I estimated that what I'm keeping would fit into 2.5 bins. Well, I only had one on hand when I posted....I got 2 more today (18 gallon size) and it BARELY fit into them I seriously considered getting rid of even more, but right now I can't bear the thought of it So DH now has the chore of taking them out to the shed, they weigh a ton.

On a brighter note, my closet is just SO much nicer without all that in it! I can see everything easily, nothing gets wrinkled and I'm just hppier overall. It has inspired me to get back into my general home cleaning/purging that I seem to do sporadically. Now to get DH in on it and have him take the boxes of seasonal items back out to our shed that have been sitting on our table for months
post #18 of 52
2/5/09 at 6:12pm
Thread Starter 
Oh! I did clean out more from the regular clothes I kept in my closet....I got a great deal (like pennies each) on some tanktops last year, so I bought a ton in two different sizes. I already gave away a great deal of them, but decided I just don't need what I have still....so I got rid of over half of them!
post #19 of 52
2/5/09 at 6:34pm
Quote:
I'd rather have 5 great tops than 30 so-so tops


I'm a minimalist.

I like space between the hangers in my closet so the clothes can breathe.

I buy a few GOOD things (and I'll pay full price without a qualm if it looks good on me and is a quality piece of clothing) each year.

I rarely keep anything over a year or two because when I buy it, I wear it OUT.

There is nothing in my closet that doesn't fit me right now, today.

Because when I was pregnant the first time, I went out and bought about ten great maternity pieces...and I wore them every day. And I was the best dressed I had been in my entire life.

That taught me a lesson and after that I took it to heart.

Buy what looks great now and WEAR it.

Throw the rest out.
post #20 of 52
2/5/09 at 6:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BJewels79 View Post
Sometimes I feel like I am the only person who owns so many clothes. I know there are people out there who own twice as many though
And her name is ME! Seriously, I have a problem with my thrift store and amazing deals