How do you decide?

**chrissy** · 03-07-2008, 07:03 PM

Ok, so I decided I have way too many clothes, but I don't know what to get rid of, how do you decide?

**frugalfriend** · 03-07-2008, 07:08 PM

If you haven't worn it in a year, then it's time for it to go. Now if only I could heed my own advice, lol!

**ab27** · 03-07-2008, 07:22 PM

This works for me, I have 3 pairs of pants, 6 pair socks, 4 shirts, and 4 pairs of underwear.

**wannabedebtfree** · 03-07-2008, 07:45 PM

I have not tried it but I read somewhere (it may have been on this forum) that for the clothes you re-hang in your closet after wearing them, turn the hangers the other way on the bar and that will help to determine which clothes you actually wear. As previously mentioned...now if I could only do this.

**chrissy** · 03-07-2008, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfriend

If you haven't worn it in a year, then it's time for it to go. Now if only I could heed my own advice, lol!

Just too hard for me ...I am a pack rat by nature

**suki** · 03-07-2008, 08:08 PM

I sort through my clothes at least once a year. Anything I haven't worn in a long time, is worn out, doesn't fit right or needs repairs I won't get around to addressing... goes. I keep some classic pieces for certain occasions. I do the same thing with shoes.

I usually sort things into three piles keep, donate, re-purpose/trash.

**Dancing Lotus** · 03-07-2008, 08:19 PM

They say one year but I think some things like formal wear and winter coats don't fit into that. Recently I purged my closet down to the bare bones. Of course knowing that I am loosing weight and won't be able to fit into anything helped.

**Lady_V** · 03-07-2008, 08:19 PM

1) Does it fit you TODAY?
2) Do you wear it often?
3) Will you wear it soon?
4) Do you have more than 1 of it?
5) Have you gotten a lot of compliments while wearing it?

Let me explain #5 a bit - everyone likes to have an ego boost from time to time. If you get a warm fuzzy feeling or people stop you on the street to ask where you go something... it's a keeper.

**C@rol** · 03-08-2008, 01:41 PM

I use the 1 year rule also except for coats, etc.
Shoes especially. At least twice a year I go
through the closets because I'm usally
changing the seasons of the clothes and that
helps me to keep the closets cleaned out.

**Edna_E** · 03-13-2008, 12:39 PM

I do NOT use the 1 year rule - I'd freeze during our rare ice storms. I do think trying to come up with a number of items that you think is reasonable for you should work well. I'm working on that - and making progress. I also think that it is important for some people (me for one) to keep items of clothing associated with intense memories. I have garments pre-dating WWII that came from my great aunt and grandmother - they are a size that I will never be again, and yet I cherish them. I don't think they count as "clothing". I keep wishing someone would come up with counts, but am trying to develop my own in lieu of any official ones. ab27 would go into shock, but I started by weeding my dresses down to 20 (and I don't even wear dresses most of the time). Work slacks are down to 10 summerweight and 10 winterweight, and jeans are down to 4 pairs. I still know that is WAYYYY too much, but y'all just don't know where I started on this! I hope to eventually fit all of my normal clothes (exclude coats and evening dresses) into one closet and one chest of drawers - it might take years, but I will get there!

**mombottoo** · 03-15-2008, 03:08 PM

I have 10 Winter tops, 10 warm weather tops, 3 jackets, 2 coats and 6 pair of jeans...and an unlimited supply of under garments. I also have a couple of pair of dress pants in case of a funeral or something similar.

Whenever I buy something...something goes. Whether it is donated or used for a rag it's outta here.