Hello everyone!

So far, we have talked a lot on how to slow down while buying, how to create an intentional wardrobe, and the various methods on how to achieve closet harmony. Now is the time to also slow down while decluttering. We should add consideration to this process, which is important because it is easy to get into a decluttering frenzy where we get rid of too much (guilty!). Fashion has such a waste problem already, and we want to minimize that by looking at the items we are contemplating differently, and we can do this by asking ourselves questions like the ones I have shared below.  

Question 1: 

Why did I buy this in the first place? 

• Was it a specific use or outfit in mind? 

• What purpose was it supposed to play in our closet? 

• What were elements you liked about it when you bought it? 

By doing this, you are reminding yourself why you thought it was a good purchase in the first place. When looking at an item, focusing on the elements it has is a great way to reconnect with the piece, and you may end up appreciating it again. 

Question 2:

Do I have something similar, and do I reach for that instead? 

• What are you wearing the most and the least?

• Do they serve different purposes? 

Take out your multiples, and find the differences. If you are unsure about an item, put that piece in your hold section and come back to it during your next decluttering session, with it out of your space you may see it differently next time around.    

Question 3: 

If I saw this piece again in the store, would I buy it? 

This can happen a lot with trend pieces. They are fun and cute at the time, but would you still wear it now that the season has passed? It takes a lot of courage to continue to wear something that was popular but no longer holds that status. So this is a practice in following your personal style. If you are not super confident about wearing it, throw it in your maybe area of your closet, making sure it is still visible, then you can make a better decision later. 

 Question 4: 

Would I want to share it with a loved on down the road?

• Is it a really well-made piece, but simply isn’t getting the love it deserves right now?

• Has your style changed, but you still love it?  

Maybe that item is no longer you, but someone in your family down the line might fall in love with it and wear it. Now of course, you don’t want to burden yourself or someone else by holding onto items no one wants, but vintage has its place for a reason and personally, I always love a good hand-me-down from the people I love. Especially jewelry!  

Question 5:

This question is a 2-parter. 

Is it a toxic piece? 

• Is it an item that makes you feel like you're not enough or feel bad about yourself. 

• Does it hold negative memories?

Is it a fantasy piece? 

• Am I willing to give up precious wardrobe space to keep it?

• Ask yourself if it is a growth piece? Maybe your style is evolving, and this item is what is pushing you in that direction. 

With these types of pieces, it’s best to put them in your hold section, out of sight for a little bit, and come back to them at another time, another headspace. 

Question 6:

Does this piece satisfy a practical need? 

• If I declutter this piece, do I have others that will serve the same purpose? 

Keep it around, take note of what you would want its replacement to look like. 

All of our clothes carry some type of emotion or sentimentality, so decluttering can be an emotionally draining process. Hopefully, these questions can help muffle the noise and help you make mindful edits when the time comes.

That’s what I got for you this time! Are there other types of questions you ask yourself while you declutter? I would love to know, drop them in the comment section below. 

Till next time, 

Dre