The kitchen was actually the easiest part. It doesn't get much simpler than "everything must go." Perfect garage sale fodder. The daunting task was starting on my closet and packed dressers. Yes, I have more than one ... of each. I'm That Girl.
My walk-in closet was this weekend's target. I didn't have the heart to take a before picture - it was that bad. Instead, I just took everything out completely.
The pile on the bed was as tall as me, but the closet was finally a clean slate.
I have a confession to make: I am a Wishful Shopper. I looooove buying things that will fit "in 10 pounds," especially dresses and skirts. I also tend to hang onto items for years, whether I wear them or not. This had snowballed into an overstuffed disaster that left me with more things I wasn't wearing than things I do. It's frustrating, stressful, and it made me feel bad about myself. Everytime I opened my closet it was a reminder of all the pretty things I can't have because I'm too fat. Ive done this as long as i can remember, even when I was much smaller. It certainly doesn't help a girl's self esteem and it's been a very hard habit to break.
So I started sorting. One pile for trash. One pile for donation. One pile for consignment. One pile for the prize closet. I moved a wardrobe's worth of "incentive-sized" clothing to the guest room. I have a ton of things I wasn't ready to part with,but I can't handle looking at it on a daily basis anymore.
The process took about ten hours total, but it was so worth it. It's like a weight has been lifted. Being able to open the door and know I could grab anything is a fantastic feeling.
At the end of the first day of cleanout, I also have quite the pile for consignment.
And lots of extra hangers.
My shoes are happeeeee now that everyone has a cubby.
I am tackling my dresser this week. One drawer at a time! It's like a sigh of relief.
I'm going to say it right now ... The swimsuit drawer (my gateway drug of wishful shopping) is going to be ugly!
If anyone has recommendations for a good consignment shop in St Louis, I'd live to hear about it! All proceeds are going directly into my LV fund - a super worthy cause.
When was the last time you cleaned out your closet?
I LOVE IT. I'm doing the same except it's not a closet... it's a ROOM. I know what you mean about not being able to let something go (expensive, or REALLY hot when it fits, etc) but not being able to LOOK at it every day either!
ReplyDeleteI cleaned out my closet about a month ago. It was awesome to do. I felt so good after it was all done. I actually sold quite a few of my clothes on eBay. I made over $60 on 6 things. It was great. I didn't think I'd make that much!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll feel great once all is said and done! Cleaning out closets can be a very stress relieving activity!
Meagan--have you ever tried Plato's Closet for consignment? They don't take anything that's older than 1-2 years, but it could be worth a shot. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe HAVE to do the same thing. Problem is we both moved in together, filled the attic AND basement cubbies and now have more crap to filter through.
ReplyDeleteWe spent 90% of yesterday IM'ing each other real estate sites with houses that have more room. No lie.
Plato's closet accepts "stylish" clothes up to a size 18, in new/good condition. I have heard horror stories about taking stuff there, but haven't ever myself.
ReplyDeleteWoman's Closet Exchange takes designer brands or nicer clothing, in new/good condition, in all sizes. I've had awesome experience here.
Next Resale takes decent brands in goodish condition (I would say a step down from WCE). They only buy clothes when the owner is there, so call ahead. In all sizes.
I hope this helps! I've been doing some consignment giving/shopping myself lately!