4 Reasons to Clear Closet Clutter

Today we look at the spirituality of clothing clutter in our closets. Here are some reasons Why We Keep Closet Clutter, and What To Do About It:

We have a skewed sense of frugality:  “I spent money on that!”

1. Yes, that item is worth money, perhaps a lot! But it’s not worth enough to keep it when it is no longer useful, becomes a nuisance, wastes our mental energy, or causes negative feelings. Don’t keep it just because you once spent money on it. 
2. The biggest waste of your money is the storage and maintenance of Clutter.
3. Sometimes clothes are Just Wrong. Wrong fit, feel, smell or color, and these characteristic don’t change. Let them go!
4. What is Peace of Mind worth? Put a dollar amount on being organized.  Eliminate clutter and stress, increase the appeal and enjoyment of your home.   

We are Sentimental, or feel guilty purging something. 

1. Perhaps our stuff represents a loved one or a wonderful time in our life.  But what if our closet is full of such items?
2. What if we get frustrated because there are too many sentimental items?  Our attachment decreases because of sheer numbers.
3. I have things that I treasure, but I have people in my life that I treasure.  We can let go of Clutter without letting the loved one or memories go.  Honest. It’s okay.
4. Treat your treasure as treasure. Clothing kept for sentimental reasons are keepsakes, not clothes. And they don’t belong in your closet. Box up a few keepers, or frame them on the wall, then let the rest go and get on with your life. 

We Should-a, We Could-a, We Would-a….  Our clutter represents opportunities, taken or missed.  Won’t want to let go of the opportunity or possibility the item represents. 

1. Did you stumble over things that you keep for SomeDay as you tried to get ready for today? Wouldn’t you rather live better today than save things for SomeDay?

We keep things for Just In Case.

1. However, there are Opportunity Costs from Just in case. Any time we choose to buy or keep one thing, it eliminates the opportunity for something else.
2. Someone else is not benefiting from the stuff that is weighing us down.
3. Be honest. Often a client will keep 20 of something for Just In Case.  When there 20 grungy t-shirts in a drawer for “working out”, you are deluding your self. Keep 5, toss the rest. Then use your now cleaned-out drawer for something else that you use every day. 
4. Don’t let Just In Case get in the way of Today.

So, as you read these 4 reasons, which one strikes a chord in you?  Which one resonated because you know there are things in your closet that fall into that category, and that you just need to let go of?  If you’re waiting for permission, here it is! 

Feel Better? Great!  Now go clean that closet!!

Read the other Lenten Organizing Challenge and The Spirituality of Clutter Blogs:

This is part of the March edition of Colleen CPO's Blog.