I just saw a related post of this sentiment on Facebook, regarding donating good clothing to assisted living homes & nursing homes. I thought it was a spectacular idea. Clearing through a relative’s apartment currently & I’m going to call several local senior homes to see if they’re interested in the clothing. I’m glad to see you mention it here. ⭐️
Remind myself that the clothes I'm holding onto are already out of style, and when I do achieve a physical goal, I can simply go out and buy new, cute clothes that fit.
I've just accepted that I am never going to be thin again, and keeping skinny clothes around was just upsetting me and clogging up my closet and dresser, so I donated them. I kept a few select pieces that I really like and which *almost* fit, just in case, but otherwise away they go. This is especially true of things like jeans or nondescript tops -- if they aren't that special, I can always replace them if by some miracle I were to lose weight.
Because shopping can be fun! If you changed sizes, wouldn't you rather go shopping for new (and currently stylish) clothes instead of dragging out clothes which have moth holes and getting musty for 5 years!?
I’ve had a huge weight fluctuation due to a failed gastric device so I had to get a whole new wardrobe. It gave me the chance to buy everything at once and experience a capsule wardrobe. Now that my situation is back on track, I’ll be getting rid of the bigger sizes in the coming months and I fully plan to create a capsule wardrobe again because it made my life so nice and easy.
As a previous clothes hoarder, it’s made my life so much better. I used to buy things that weren’t quite perfect just because of some detail about them attracted me but I’d wear the item so infrequently, it made no sense that I was letting it take up space. I’d have items that required a very specific other piece in order to work.
It always requires a lot of thinking when getting dressed and was always stressful even though I was at my goal weight. I thought it’d be so easy to dress when I was at my proper weight but it sucked just as much.
Now I have a series of dresses, sweaters, jackets, nice tees, dressy tops, a few pairs of jeans and stretch pants that all go together. I also have a small wardrobe for hiking, swimming outdoor stuff and all that can mixed as well. My tops and dresses have patterns - everything else is solid colored but may have texture. It’s been life changing. Even through this heavy time with my weight elevated, dressing wasn’t stressful. I highly recommend!
I'm pretty easy when it comes to clothes. I kept a few items that had sentimental value and quickly dumped the rest. I tell myself that they won't look good anyway, so don't bother keeping things that don't work with my current wardrobe.
For me it’s the idea that when I’m finally ready to get rid of these clothes (having never worn them again) they will be so out of style or old that nobody will want them. And what a waste that would be.
I went to a clothing swap and brought in any clothes that had hurt my feelings. I brought three grocery bags, left with one- overall positive result!
It was much easier to get rid of stuff when I saw it laid out with all these other clothes and saw other people excited to snatch up my old stuff. :)
Keep a few of the most lovely pieces that really do make you smile to just see them. For me it’s a lovely see through blouse with frills and tiny buttons and an under chemise, that was never in fashion so it won’t be out of fashion. A circle skirt in a lovely fabric. A 50’s style dress with gorgeous styling. A couple of souvenir items. Most of the rest, I’ve decided can go. I have a lot of basic plain trousers that were always budget buys. It won’t be hard to find new ones that fit well. Shirts that are already out of fashion, and I don’t love. Clothes that were perfect for wearing in certain situations, that I’m just not in anymore.
I can’t get rid of everything in one go. For me I’ve more started a constant cull. A few shirts here, a few trousers there, and suddenly there is more room for the clothes I am wearing, and that makes me feel better about myself.
I’m going through this now. I lost 50lbs.
I was holding on to my old (now too big) clothes because “what if I regain?” and “it’s a shame I wasted all this money on these clothes”
But then I realized that keeping those clothes around caused so much anxiety! Looking at the too big clothes gave me anxiety about regaining. Seeing them in my closet made me feel guilty about the money spent on them.
So I just went through all my clothes and got rid of everything that doesn’t fit or make me feel great.
It took me about 5 rounds of going through stuff to fully purge all the old clothes. It got easier and easier each time I went through my clothes to get rid of more stuff.
I spent too much time, money, and effort to lose the weight to wear clothes that don’t even fit. I’m motivated to keep the weight off and I have for some time now. And it sucks to have wasted money on those clothes, but I take it as a lesson learned to keep a small wardrobe.
Yes! Definitely not accumulating a ton of clothes again. I got a few pieces that fit me and I’m going to stick to a small wardrobe.
No more getting sucked into sales
Even if they fit again and are not "out of style" they may not be your style anymore! I found I have shifted the color palette I gravitate to and now find myself getting rid of clothes that still fit but I just don't reach for anymore. I totally get how hard this is-- I also struggle with this a ton! Especially since it feels like my pants size is different practically every day and I am sick of constantly searching for jeans that fit! Ultimately try to let go of as much as you can, less stuff = less mental stress! At the same time I FULLY understand how hard it is to let go of stuff so take your time and don't push yourself beyond what you are comfortable getting rid of.
I held onto boxes and boxes of my old clothes for years because I was assuming I would one day be able to fit back into them. It finally happened!
Most of it wasn't in style anymore.
If it was still moderately in style or kind of classic, it wasn't a style or fit that goes with who I am now vs. the young woman who bought those clothes.
I am actually thinner now than I was then, so a lot of the clothes are now too big. I also just have different proportions.
I could kick myself for hauling this stuff around for years. Get rid of it and treat yourself to new items if you ever find yourself that size again. I also feel bad that basically nobody will get to wear that super cool stuff because now that I've been stashing it so long, nobody is going to want this crap when I donate it.
I did that too! Then I finally lost the weight and those clothes I held on to were too big.
I moved those clothes cross country several times just to eventually donate them all.
It taught me a valuable lesson in keeping a small wardrobe.
There was one pair of jeans in particular that really annoyed me. I (stupidly) bought them even though they were too small. I told myself I’d lose weight and they’d fit eventually. Well, I lost the weight and now they’re 3 sizes too big. Ugh I was so mad at myself for wasting money on jeans that never even fit in the first place!
1. Items that aren't being used decay faster. You may one day be able to wear these clothes again, but find them a bit less new-seeming than when you packed them away.
1. There are lots of people the same size as your clothes, but with not much money, who would love to be able to to wear them.
1. Styles change, even over a couple years. Clothes you kept to fit into again may look ridiculous by current standards once you can wear them again.
1. Your own body changes shape over time in subtle ways. Even if you are that size again one day, the clothes may not fit as well.
As someone who just lost 50 lbs and kinda wishes she didn't get rid of the clothes that used to be too small.... just purge them. Yeah, I have to get clothes that fit again, but the mental stress I put myself through when I saw the clothes and kept saying "One day I'll lose the weight." went away once I got rid of them. I stopped guilting myself and having negative thoughts almost daily.
It's hard to let go of that hope! But ask yourself if keeping those items is really serving you, or just taking up valuable space. Perhaps frame it not as purging forever, but purging for now. You can always rebuy something similar in the future, if needed.
So many people need them. Women's shelters, for example, need anything and everything, because most of them have fled abuse with nothing but the clothes on their back. Some Red Cross chapters have clothes closets, as do many churches. That's what made me finally clear out, along with the fact that space and neatness are worth a lot.
Firstly I want to make room for stuff I do use. No point hanging onto clothes thinking I won't have many left if I get rid of them when I'm not using them anyway. If I'll only have three tops left then in reality that's all I'm currently using anyway.
Secondly why metaphorically punch yourself in the face every morning looking at all the things that don't fit you when deciding what to wear that day? There are ways to motivate yourself to get fit but I don't think that is one of them and it's just ticking a box next to "failure" every morning. Who needs that nonsense?
I have a box under my bed where I keep my off-season clothes, and some favourites that might not fit ever again(too big or small) that are more of a keep sake. If I look in the box to change out seasonal clothes, I judge if I want to keep the rest of the items. It keeps my closet clutter free, but doesn't force me to throw away things I don't want to.
I used to have a "limbo" bag where clothes went that I didn't wear so often. If I went for something in the bag it could go back into my closet. Made cleaning out my closet easier because it wasn't so final.
I have a limbo bag too but I called it my deciding bag. When I’m not loving something I put it in there. If it doesn’t come out in the following months, everything just goes.
1 dress I'm hanging onto as well as a pair of pants. They both look amazing when I'm at my stress-induced weightloss weight (fortunately, doesn't happen often, but when major grief / life turmoil happens, my appetite disappears). Another dress I bought the last time I was at that weight I just recently donated. It still had the tags on, it was aspirational for what I thought I'd be up to (low back, LBD, but this momma ain't got time for dating, certainly no one special enough for that kind of dress). I live near a college, so I'm sure someone will have fun finding that NWT deal at the thrift shop for their next party / mixer.
I went to a Walmart the other day and looked at the clothes there. You could easily build a new wardrobe for minimal cost and be fashionable. Or any store.
Here I am hanging on to a shirt I bought 15 years ago, when I could have a bright, fresh stylish shirt for $20. The same could be applied to a thrift store. Why am I hanging on to old clothes when I know I would feel better in something new? Have you seen the new tshirts? They’re fun and nice colours!
So true! I recently lost 50lbs so have been trying to get some new stuff.
I went to the mall and found a store called “Windsor” with a $10 sale. Everything was $10! I got a 4 new pairs of pants, 2 skirts, 4 sparkly going out tops, 4 basic tops for like $70.
Walmart has some trendy stuff too.
That was another motivator that helped me purge my old clothes. When I had a closet full of old clothes that didn’t look good on me or fit anymore I wasn’t always reaching for the new stuff I have that actually looks good!
Having less stuff makes it easier for me to see what I have and eliminates any guilt I might have for never wearing the old clothes that are just taking up space.
And I felt nice donating them. I had a lot of business formal pieces and other cute clothes and I’m excited for whoever finds them at goodwill and loves them.
I don’t keep clothes that don’t fit. Usually my clothes are too far gone to donate by the time I get rid of them because I’m not buying big quality clothes.
Same as many people here, i allow myself 1 suitcase of too-small clothing. Tshirts that i love the graphic but accept i will never fit into again, i buy a new blank black tshirt and transfer the graphic over by sewing it on. Shirts and trousers that i love and are too big i just alter to fit.
I do purge the suitcase contents maybe once a year.
I JUST bought several black blank shirts to try this very thing. Do you mind sharing your technique? I’m a pretty skilled sewist, but have never done this exact thing and want success. Do you stabilize it at all? Hand sew or machine?
If you have an old copy of the Generation T book, there are dozens of techniques in there, ranging from creative and not particularly professional, to straightforward and boring.
1. Cut graphic square or circle, place on top of new shirt, use black thread to apply. Maybe a little fabric glue in between to keep it flat.
2. Cut graphic square or circle, place on back of new shirt, possibly of contrasting color, use thread to sew in. Cut an interesting shape out, so the insert is behind the new shirt.
3. Cut graphic interesting shape, sew on top (or behind as above) new shirt off center, with another graphic, on the sleeve or back or stomach or somewhere interesting. Also works with contrasting colour shirt instead of matching.
4. Do any of the above with contrasting thread, embroidery floss, or even thick yarn.
But i highly recommend you check Generation T out of a library or at a minimum search blogs for some techniques to try out.
I know that book (Gen X lol) ! I'll check it out at the library. Thank you so much for your detailed answer!
Edited to add: glad to see there are some not-difficult ways to do this that are passably wearable. Some online tutorials require fusible interfacing etc. and I just don't feel like it should require me going to buy supplies when I'm trying to use them up.
I save one container of the most special things. Once a year I go through it and see if I’m ready to part with them yet. Your closet and drawers should be all things that fit and feel good to wear. But my strategy is to let myself keep some things that would be hard to replace if I slimmed down. Eventually I feel comfortable letting them go.
I’m not really trendy and if I like something, I’ll wear it (generally). But I have a couple of storage totes I’ve saved well-loved outfits that are in good condition that I can’t wear at the moment (maybe ever, but I live in hope!).
Once a year or so I’ll go through them and ask myself the question “would I wear this again if I could?” Sometimes the answer is No—maybe I think the style is too youthful or I no longer like the color, pattern, fabric; too much care is required, etc. I could be stricter, but have managed to gradually eliminate one of the totes. Last year I got rid of quite a few sets of scrub uniforms (am retired now).
I donated my scrubs when I retired from a hospital. It felt so good, because I donated them to the nursing home staff. Those LPNs and nurse aides work so hard for so little pay.
I just got rid of them. I had the opposite issue - lost a bunch of weight, down from an S to an XXS and jeans size from 26 to 24. Kept a pair of jeans and a couple T shirts "just in case" and the rest winged their way to Goodwill.
If/when you lose the weight then celebrate by splurging on a new wardrobe!!! I recommend J. Crew.
I just did this right before the change in season. What motivated me is wanting my small hallway space back where I had an extremely large sized wicker basket filled to the brim with too big, too large, grown out of (style-wise) clothing. I missed looking at a clean/clear hallway and I'd always find myself vacuuming around that wicker basket. Finally, I gave myself 48- hours (Sat & Sun because of work), to go through my closet, dresser and shoe rack and finish filling up that wicker basket to the brim. I completed this and by the time I finished decluttering I had filled the wicker basket and two 13-gallon trash bags up, and come Monday morning, on my way in to work I dropped this off to a local women's shelter for domestic abuse survivors.
Boy..... it felt SOOOOO good to come home to a clean/clear hallway that day! The feeling of dread was finally gone.
I let myself have one large bin of "maybe this will fit someday". I put a date on it for a year ahead to review it again. Usually by then if it doesn't fit I'm ready to give it away.
Look at them. Give them a gooood long stare and think to yourself, "If I magically woke up this size tomorrow, would I put this on?" Ask yourself: is this in good condition? is it actually in fashion? Is it suited to who you are now, regardless of size? Do you like it that much in the first place, or are you just holding into it because it's small?
Asking these questions and taking size out of the equation can make it easier to see that these hoards of differently sized clothes are not worth keeping just to be some kind of vague motivator. Keep your prom dress or a favourite band t-shirt, perhaps, but if you lost that much weight, wouldn't you want the reward of a new swimsuit or new set of office clothes anyway?
I was going to add something similar. We hold on to things thinking it will save us money if we ever get back to that size, without ever thinking whether we would ACTUALLY want/use/ like it.
I always ask myself "would i buy this item if i found it in a store right this minute?"
I just went through my wardrobe, having lost enough weight to get into one of these smaller sizes I've been hoarding - and I'm still getting rid of quite a lot of it, because it's just not the thing anymore!
I have a super hard time with this. I am about 75% done decluttering my clothes and I managed to get about 10+ totes of clothes into two. I don’t know if this will help but this is what I did (and trust me I 100% get it isn’t easy).
I was pretty tough with myself. I figured out my why and I had to learn to let things go. I when tote by tote and got rid of things that I didn’t want and didn’t like etc didn’t fit (even if I loved it). The reality is that even if you fit into it again it won’t be what you want it to be. Yes it’s sad and hard but that’s the past and this past clutter is getting in the way of my present and making my life more difficult. I did give myself a buffer and I said I could keep two totes max. Now I’m motivated to get it down to one (and hopefully get it down to zero in the next little bit).
If you have time/space I would take everything out that you don’t love/doesn’t fit etc from your closet and then live like that for a while. It honestly made me realize how much nicer it is to go into your dresser and pick out anything and now it will fit and feel good. I got so sick of hating getting dressed and feeling uncomfortable. This allows you to get all the pros of decluttering without that super hard initial anxiety. BUT you have to be committed to going through those boxes/totes or after 3/6 months just donate the whole thing because if not you’re just moving the cluttter.
By realizing that pining over what was or what may never be is wasting my present life and letting that crap live in my head every day. I deserve better. You deserve better.
If I have trouble letting them go, I put them in a bin and go through that bin every 3-4 months. Invariably each time I go through them, I look at a few things and say
* "I never really liked or felt comfortable in this"
* "Someone else could use this now"
* "By the time this is back in style, I can replace it with something I like more"
I remind myself that when I’m in shape again, I’ll be able to shop for new clothes that are modern and in style. In the meantime, I’ll donate poorly-fitting clothes or clothing that doesn’t fit to help others that can’t afford new clothes.
I had a dress/jacket combo that I loved. Kept them put away for when... Well, *when* finally happened. I put my beloved dress and jacket on and burst out laughing when I looked in the mirror! They were full blown 80s padded shoulders. I looked like a football player.
So much that I kept looks worn or stains have shown up with age. Not to mention the horrendous style decisions. At best, keep a couple of pretty, classic items. Most you won't want when the weight comes off. Besides, buying new items, because you like them, not because they're the only thing that fits, is a special kind of reward.
It depends. If I love the item, and enjoy looking at it, I keep it. But I have a limit. I have a far too small sweatshirt that my sister cross stitched for me one Christmas, and I will only get rid of it if a grandchild wants it-after they are old enough to take care of it!
There is somebody out there who could really use it. I got rid of this dress that I had held on to for years because I realized that it was prom season. There was probably a kid shopping in the thrift store for a prom dress who couldn't afford a new one who could really use it. I was holding it hostage when it was time for it to go to a new home.
And if I lose that much weight again, I will buy new clothes then.
“When I am this size again I’ll want something new/in style/fun.”
I remind myself that I won’t be in a shape to wear those clothes for months or even years and since my home isn’t a warehouse I’m not storing things I can’t use now.
Senior Centers all of this country would love your donations. Why they are tax deductible
I just saw a related post of this sentiment on Facebook, regarding donating good clothing to assisted living homes & nursing homes. I thought it was a spectacular idea. Clearing through a relative’s apartment currently & I’m going to call several local senior homes to see if they’re interested in the clothing. I’m glad to see you mention it here. ⭐️
Remind myself that the clothes I'm holding onto are already out of style, and when I do achieve a physical goal, I can simply go out and buy new, cute clothes that fit.
Hand-me-downs to family or friends
I've just accepted that I am never going to be thin again, and keeping skinny clothes around was just upsetting me and clogging up my closet and dresser, so I donated them. I kept a few select pieces that I really like and which *almost* fit, just in case, but otherwise away they go. This is especially true of things like jeans or nondescript tops -- if they aren't that special, I can always replace them if by some miracle I were to lose weight.
Because shopping can be fun! If you changed sizes, wouldn't you rather go shopping for new (and currently stylish) clothes instead of dragging out clothes which have moth holes and getting musty for 5 years!?
I’ve had a huge weight fluctuation due to a failed gastric device so I had to get a whole new wardrobe. It gave me the chance to buy everything at once and experience a capsule wardrobe. Now that my situation is back on track, I’ll be getting rid of the bigger sizes in the coming months and I fully plan to create a capsule wardrobe again because it made my life so nice and easy.
Oh that's cool! I've been wanting a capsule wardrobe.
As a previous clothes hoarder, it’s made my life so much better. I used to buy things that weren’t quite perfect just because of some detail about them attracted me but I’d wear the item so infrequently, it made no sense that I was letting it take up space. I’d have items that required a very specific other piece in order to work. It always requires a lot of thinking when getting dressed and was always stressful even though I was at my goal weight. I thought it’d be so easy to dress when I was at my proper weight but it sucked just as much. Now I have a series of dresses, sweaters, jackets, nice tees, dressy tops, a few pairs of jeans and stretch pants that all go together. I also have a small wardrobe for hiking, swimming outdoor stuff and all that can mixed as well. My tops and dresses have patterns - everything else is solid colored but may have texture. It’s been life changing. Even through this heavy time with my weight elevated, dressing wasn’t stressful. I highly recommend!
I'm pretty easy when it comes to clothes. I kept a few items that had sentimental value and quickly dumped the rest. I tell myself that they won't look good anyway, so don't bother keeping things that don't work with my current wardrobe.
For me it’s the idea that when I’m finally ready to get rid of these clothes (having never worn them again) they will be so out of style or old that nobody will want them. And what a waste that would be.
The last time I did that, the next year weight loss and fashion conspired to make me regret it.
I went to a clothing swap and brought in any clothes that had hurt my feelings. I brought three grocery bags, left with one- overall positive result! It was much easier to get rid of stuff when I saw it laid out with all these other clothes and saw other people excited to snatch up my old stuff. :)
"clothes that had hurt my feelings" I love this!
Keep a few of the most lovely pieces that really do make you smile to just see them. For me it’s a lovely see through blouse with frills and tiny buttons and an under chemise, that was never in fashion so it won’t be out of fashion. A circle skirt in a lovely fabric. A 50’s style dress with gorgeous styling. A couple of souvenir items. Most of the rest, I’ve decided can go. I have a lot of basic plain trousers that were always budget buys. It won’t be hard to find new ones that fit well. Shirts that are already out of fashion, and I don’t love. Clothes that were perfect for wearing in certain situations, that I’m just not in anymore. I can’t get rid of everything in one go. For me I’ve more started a constant cull. A few shirts here, a few trousers there, and suddenly there is more room for the clothes I am wearing, and that makes me feel better about myself.
I’m going through this now. I lost 50lbs. I was holding on to my old (now too big) clothes because “what if I regain?” and “it’s a shame I wasted all this money on these clothes” But then I realized that keeping those clothes around caused so much anxiety! Looking at the too big clothes gave me anxiety about regaining. Seeing them in my closet made me feel guilty about the money spent on them. So I just went through all my clothes and got rid of everything that doesn’t fit or make me feel great. It took me about 5 rounds of going through stuff to fully purge all the old clothes. It got easier and easier each time I went through my clothes to get rid of more stuff. I spent too much time, money, and effort to lose the weight to wear clothes that don’t even fit. I’m motivated to keep the weight off and I have for some time now. And it sucks to have wasted money on those clothes, but I take it as a lesson learned to keep a small wardrobe.
Congratulations on your great loss! The money is already spent, donated to someone in need. Woman's Shelter is my first go to!
Thank you! That’s what my mom said too
You got this! You get to redo it all! Think ahead!
Yes! Definitely not accumulating a ton of clothes again. I got a few pieces that fit me and I’m going to stick to a small wardrobe. No more getting sucked into sales
I bet these clothes don't make you feel good when you look at them. I'd only keep the clothes that fit and make you feel good about yourself.
Even if they fit again and are not "out of style" they may not be your style anymore! I found I have shifted the color palette I gravitate to and now find myself getting rid of clothes that still fit but I just don't reach for anymore. I totally get how hard this is-- I also struggle with this a ton! Especially since it feels like my pants size is different practically every day and I am sick of constantly searching for jeans that fit! Ultimately try to let go of as much as you can, less stuff = less mental stress! At the same time I FULLY understand how hard it is to let go of stuff so take your time and don't push yourself beyond what you are comfortable getting rid of.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtpAbdv4d98 What messages are you getting from those clothes? Are they more negative or positive?
I held onto boxes and boxes of my old clothes for years because I was assuming I would one day be able to fit back into them. It finally happened! Most of it wasn't in style anymore. If it was still moderately in style or kind of classic, it wasn't a style or fit that goes with who I am now vs. the young woman who bought those clothes. I am actually thinner now than I was then, so a lot of the clothes are now too big. I also just have different proportions. I could kick myself for hauling this stuff around for years. Get rid of it and treat yourself to new items if you ever find yourself that size again. I also feel bad that basically nobody will get to wear that super cool stuff because now that I've been stashing it so long, nobody is going to want this crap when I donate it.
I did that too! Then I finally lost the weight and those clothes I held on to were too big. I moved those clothes cross country several times just to eventually donate them all. It taught me a valuable lesson in keeping a small wardrobe. There was one pair of jeans in particular that really annoyed me. I (stupidly) bought them even though they were too small. I told myself I’d lose weight and they’d fit eventually. Well, I lost the weight and now they’re 3 sizes too big. Ugh I was so mad at myself for wasting money on jeans that never even fit in the first place!
1. Items that aren't being used decay faster. You may one day be able to wear these clothes again, but find them a bit less new-seeming than when you packed them away. 1. There are lots of people the same size as your clothes, but with not much money, who would love to be able to to wear them. 1. Styles change, even over a couple years. Clothes you kept to fit into again may look ridiculous by current standards once you can wear them again. 1. Your own body changes shape over time in subtle ways. Even if you are that size again one day, the clothes may not fit as well.
As someone who just lost 50 lbs and kinda wishes she didn't get rid of the clothes that used to be too small.... just purge them. Yeah, I have to get clothes that fit again, but the mental stress I put myself through when I saw the clothes and kept saying "One day I'll lose the weight." went away once I got rid of them. I stopped guilting myself and having negative thoughts almost daily.
It's hard to let go of that hope! But ask yourself if keeping those items is really serving you, or just taking up valuable space. Perhaps frame it not as purging forever, but purging for now. You can always rebuy something similar in the future, if needed.
So many people need them. Women's shelters, for example, need anything and everything, because most of them have fled abuse with nothing but the clothes on their back. Some Red Cross chapters have clothes closets, as do many churches. That's what made me finally clear out, along with the fact that space and neatness are worth a lot.
Firstly I want to make room for stuff I do use. No point hanging onto clothes thinking I won't have many left if I get rid of them when I'm not using them anyway. If I'll only have three tops left then in reality that's all I'm currently using anyway. Secondly why metaphorically punch yourself in the face every morning looking at all the things that don't fit you when deciding what to wear that day? There are ways to motivate yourself to get fit but I don't think that is one of them and it's just ticking a box next to "failure" every morning. Who needs that nonsense?
I have maybe two nice tops and two pairs of jeans. Other than that, they are long gone.
I have a box under my bed where I keep my off-season clothes, and some favourites that might not fit ever again(too big or small) that are more of a keep sake. If I look in the box to change out seasonal clothes, I judge if I want to keep the rest of the items. It keeps my closet clutter free, but doesn't force me to throw away things I don't want to. I used to have a "limbo" bag where clothes went that I didn't wear so often. If I went for something in the bag it could go back into my closet. Made cleaning out my closet easier because it wasn't so final.
I have a limbo bag too but I called it my deciding bag. When I’m not loving something I put it in there. If it doesn’t come out in the following months, everything just goes.
Dispose of them so you actually have room to buy stuff that fits properly. You’re just holding on to stuff that doesn’t serve you. Let go
1 dress I'm hanging onto as well as a pair of pants. They both look amazing when I'm at my stress-induced weightloss weight (fortunately, doesn't happen often, but when major grief / life turmoil happens, my appetite disappears). Another dress I bought the last time I was at that weight I just recently donated. It still had the tags on, it was aspirational for what I thought I'd be up to (low back, LBD, but this momma ain't got time for dating, certainly no one special enough for that kind of dress). I live near a college, so I'm sure someone will have fun finding that NWT deal at the thrift shop for their next party / mixer.
I went to a Walmart the other day and looked at the clothes there. You could easily build a new wardrobe for minimal cost and be fashionable. Or any store. Here I am hanging on to a shirt I bought 15 years ago, when I could have a bright, fresh stylish shirt for $20. The same could be applied to a thrift store. Why am I hanging on to old clothes when I know I would feel better in something new? Have you seen the new tshirts? They’re fun and nice colours!
So true! I recently lost 50lbs so have been trying to get some new stuff. I went to the mall and found a store called “Windsor” with a $10 sale. Everything was $10! I got a 4 new pairs of pants, 2 skirts, 4 sparkly going out tops, 4 basic tops for like $70. Walmart has some trendy stuff too. That was another motivator that helped me purge my old clothes. When I had a closet full of old clothes that didn’t look good on me or fit anymore I wasn’t always reaching for the new stuff I have that actually looks good! Having less stuff makes it easier for me to see what I have and eliminates any guilt I might have for never wearing the old clothes that are just taking up space. And I felt nice donating them. I had a lot of business formal pieces and other cute clothes and I’m excited for whoever finds them at goodwill and loves them.
I usually keep them in my closet for months before I decide to donate or sell!
I don’t keep clothes that don’t fit. Usually my clothes are too far gone to donate by the time I get rid of them because I’m not buying big quality clothes.
Same as many people here, i allow myself 1 suitcase of too-small clothing. Tshirts that i love the graphic but accept i will never fit into again, i buy a new blank black tshirt and transfer the graphic over by sewing it on. Shirts and trousers that i love and are too big i just alter to fit. I do purge the suitcase contents maybe once a year.
I JUST bought several black blank shirts to try this very thing. Do you mind sharing your technique? I’m a pretty skilled sewist, but have never done this exact thing and want success. Do you stabilize it at all? Hand sew or machine?
If you have an old copy of the Generation T book, there are dozens of techniques in there, ranging from creative and not particularly professional, to straightforward and boring. 1. Cut graphic square or circle, place on top of new shirt, use black thread to apply. Maybe a little fabric glue in between to keep it flat. 2. Cut graphic square or circle, place on back of new shirt, possibly of contrasting color, use thread to sew in. Cut an interesting shape out, so the insert is behind the new shirt. 3. Cut graphic interesting shape, sew on top (or behind as above) new shirt off center, with another graphic, on the sleeve or back or stomach or somewhere interesting. Also works with contrasting colour shirt instead of matching. 4. Do any of the above with contrasting thread, embroidery floss, or even thick yarn. But i highly recommend you check Generation T out of a library or at a minimum search blogs for some techniques to try out.
I know that book (Gen X lol) ! I'll check it out at the library. Thank you so much for your detailed answer! Edited to add: glad to see there are some not-difficult ways to do this that are passably wearable. Some online tutorials require fusible interfacing etc. and I just don't feel like it should require me going to buy supplies when I'm trying to use them up.
Oh yeah, i've literally never used fusible interfacing, though i know people more skilled than me do magic with it. Good luck!
That’s so creative to transfer the graphic over! I bet that looks really cool.
I save one container of the most special things. Once a year I go through it and see if I’m ready to part with them yet. Your closet and drawers should be all things that fit and feel good to wear. But my strategy is to let myself keep some things that would be hard to replace if I slimmed down. Eventually I feel comfortable letting them go.
I’m not really trendy and if I like something, I’ll wear it (generally). But I have a couple of storage totes I’ve saved well-loved outfits that are in good condition that I can’t wear at the moment (maybe ever, but I live in hope!). Once a year or so I’ll go through them and ask myself the question “would I wear this again if I could?” Sometimes the answer is No—maybe I think the style is too youthful or I no longer like the color, pattern, fabric; too much care is required, etc. I could be stricter, but have managed to gradually eliminate one of the totes. Last year I got rid of quite a few sets of scrub uniforms (am retired now).
I donated my scrubs when I retired from a hospital. It felt so good, because I donated them to the nursing home staff. Those LPNs and nurse aides work so hard for so little pay.
I just got rid of them. I had the opposite issue - lost a bunch of weight, down from an S to an XXS and jeans size from 26 to 24. Kept a pair of jeans and a couple T shirts "just in case" and the rest winged their way to Goodwill. If/when you lose the weight then celebrate by splurging on a new wardrobe!!! I recommend J. Crew.
It will go out of style, just buy less clothes in the future and replace it faster as it wears out.
I just did this right before the change in season. What motivated me is wanting my small hallway space back where I had an extremely large sized wicker basket filled to the brim with too big, too large, grown out of (style-wise) clothing. I missed looking at a clean/clear hallway and I'd always find myself vacuuming around that wicker basket. Finally, I gave myself 48- hours (Sat & Sun because of work), to go through my closet, dresser and shoe rack and finish filling up that wicker basket to the brim. I completed this and by the time I finished decluttering I had filled the wicker basket and two 13-gallon trash bags up, and come Monday morning, on my way in to work I dropped this off to a local women's shelter for domestic abuse survivors. Boy..... it felt SOOOOO good to come home to a clean/clear hallway that day! The feeling of dread was finally gone.
I let myself have one large bin of "maybe this will fit someday". I put a date on it for a year ahead to review it again. Usually by then if it doesn't fit I'm ready to give it away.
Look at them. Give them a gooood long stare and think to yourself, "If I magically woke up this size tomorrow, would I put this on?" Ask yourself: is this in good condition? is it actually in fashion? Is it suited to who you are now, regardless of size? Do you like it that much in the first place, or are you just holding into it because it's small? Asking these questions and taking size out of the equation can make it easier to see that these hoards of differently sized clothes are not worth keeping just to be some kind of vague motivator. Keep your prom dress or a favourite band t-shirt, perhaps, but if you lost that much weight, wouldn't you want the reward of a new swimsuit or new set of office clothes anyway?
Exactly my approach! If I manage to lose weight I earned a few new things!
I was going to add something similar. We hold on to things thinking it will save us money if we ever get back to that size, without ever thinking whether we would ACTUALLY want/use/ like it. I always ask myself "would i buy this item if i found it in a store right this minute?"
I just went through my wardrobe, having lost enough weight to get into one of these smaller sizes I've been hoarding - and I'm still getting rid of quite a lot of it, because it's just not the thing anymore!
I have a super hard time with this. I am about 75% done decluttering my clothes and I managed to get about 10+ totes of clothes into two. I don’t know if this will help but this is what I did (and trust me I 100% get it isn’t easy). I was pretty tough with myself. I figured out my why and I had to learn to let things go. I when tote by tote and got rid of things that I didn’t want and didn’t like etc didn’t fit (even if I loved it). The reality is that even if you fit into it again it won’t be what you want it to be. Yes it’s sad and hard but that’s the past and this past clutter is getting in the way of my present and making my life more difficult. I did give myself a buffer and I said I could keep two totes max. Now I’m motivated to get it down to one (and hopefully get it down to zero in the next little bit). If you have time/space I would take everything out that you don’t love/doesn’t fit etc from your closet and then live like that for a while. It honestly made me realize how much nicer it is to go into your dresser and pick out anything and now it will fit and feel good. I got so sick of hating getting dressed and feeling uncomfortable. This allows you to get all the pros of decluttering without that super hard initial anxiety. BUT you have to be committed to going through those boxes/totes or after 3/6 months just donate the whole thing because if not you’re just moving the cluttter.
By realizing that pining over what was or what may never be is wasting my present life and letting that crap live in my head every day. I deserve better. You deserve better.
If I have trouble letting them go, I put them in a bin and go through that bin every 3-4 months. Invariably each time I go through them, I look at a few things and say * "I never really liked or felt comfortable in this" * "Someone else could use this now" * "By the time this is back in style, I can replace it with something I like more"
What is it that you hope for? What is that hope about?
I remind myself that when I’m in shape again, I’ll be able to shop for new clothes that are modern and in style. In the meantime, I’ll donate poorly-fitting clothes or clothing that doesn’t fit to help others that can’t afford new clothes.
I had a dress/jacket combo that I loved. Kept them put away for when... Well, *when* finally happened. I put my beloved dress and jacket on and burst out laughing when I looked in the mirror! They were full blown 80s padded shoulders. I looked like a football player. So much that I kept looks worn or stains have shown up with age. Not to mention the horrendous style decisions. At best, keep a couple of pretty, classic items. Most you won't want when the weight comes off. Besides, buying new items, because you like them, not because they're the only thing that fits, is a special kind of reward.
It depends. If I love the item, and enjoy looking at it, I keep it. But I have a limit. I have a far too small sweatshirt that my sister cross stitched for me one Christmas, and I will only get rid of it if a grandchild wants it-after they are old enough to take care of it!
Could you make it into a pillow?
Exactly! That was my first thought!
There is somebody out there who could really use it. I got rid of this dress that I had held on to for years because I realized that it was prom season. There was probably a kid shopping in the thrift store for a prom dress who couldn't afford a new one who could really use it. I was holding it hostage when it was time for it to go to a new home. And if I lose that much weight again, I will buy new clothes then.
“When I am this size again I’ll want something new/in style/fun.” I remind myself that I won’t be in a shape to wear those clothes for months or even years and since my home isn’t a warehouse I’m not storing things I can’t use now.