I recently came to the same reasoning when I went through my clothes. Another person said that 'You deserve to wear and have clothes that fit you now, not fit you yesterday, not in the future but right now." Thanks for sharing
Excellent clip. One of the things that helped me was realising how many “going out” clothes I had in relation to how much I go out (hardly ever). I am in the process of embracing my true wardrobe of comfy and warm clothing that I wear every day. Good to see you back - hope you enjoyed your holiday 😍
Yes but isn't important to have a couple/few outfits for a surprise invite? I know I learned that lesson! Just that good shoes should be kept in it's original sure box and not just plastic where moisture coils get in. Keep those good little descendants packets in them. Check on them at least every 6 months to renew the packets of needed etc.....
I don't have loads of clothes now but I Marie Kondo'd my closet a while back. I had some beautiful dresses I used to wear a lot when I was at uni and they still sparked joy. One day I was realised I hadn't worn them in a long time so I tried them on and realised I'm just not 21 any more (I was 32 at the time). So I decided to be grateful for getting to wear them and for the body I used to have and let them go so someone else can love them instead.
I really like the fact that you're a "real" woman. Here, you're just you, no makup, no nothing, and you talk sincerely. It's not that scripted, it's not.............. over selling. And you're right, some clothes that we love don't do anymore. We change. And that's ok. Thanks for this kind of video. Since one week I look a lot of videos about decluttering (I'm doing it since long time but now I'm in that kind of stage in my life where I redefine myself, and what I want and need) so I see a lot of videos, and yours is really nice. Thanks.
I done a deep purge a few years ago and I thought it would be painful but I needed the space and if I hadn't worn it within the last year or just didn't like it any more, out it went to Good Will donations. I've been able to keep the empty space from filling back up again by only getting new clothes when I need them instead of seeing something on sale or on the rack that catches my eye. If I don't need it I leave it. An idea to keep your clothes fresh is to rotate them. Establish a wear order for what you have and pull to wear from one end and and when you wear and clean it, put it at the other end of the closet. That way you'll lessen the wear and tear on your clothes and if tend to skip something in this rotation, then it might be time to donate it to Good Will or someone else. My roommates used to laugh at me when I told them I was rotating my socks and underwear when I was in the Navy, but after I explained what I was doing, they started doing it too.
So glad you posted! I gave birth to my new baby daughter three days ago and plummeted into the baby blues on the first day. Feeling completely overwhelmed with emotion: love, anxiety, loneliness. Just this morning I thought “I wish Laura’d post something new, I really need the sense of normalcy and familiarity right now.” Lucky me! ❤️
It's a big adjustment. Lots will change. Remember to do Mom care for yourself. We tend to put ourselves last. Giving comes from overflow, not from an empty vessel. Ask for help, it's ok. Take care.
Filippa Skog - While reading the comments on this video I saw yours & felt I wanted to reply. Firstly, congratulations on the arrival of your baby daughter. I had my first baby (a daughter) nearly 37 years ago & I can still remember how I felt the same need for normalcy that you mentioned. Your description of feeling overwhelmed with a mix of various emotions was pretty much how I was in those last few months of 1984. It's a wonderful time in your life but it IS overwhelming! Things of course settled down & that dear little baby of mine is now a wonderful woman who is a mother herself. As strange as it sounds I still can't believe that the little one I cared for & who had me in those topsy turvie emotions years ago is now a mum to my 3 gorgeous grandchildren. I really enjoy these type of TH-cam channels as it's interesting to see all the different ways young mums today run their families & lives in general. Best wishes for the future & enjoy this time - some days you won't think so but it really does go by so fast.
@@jennyt7612 Thank you so, so much for your kind comment. It meant more than you can probably understand! It truly does take a village and in these modern times comments like yours substitute for that in a sense. Thank you for taking time to make me feel some connection ❤️
Some styles do change, and as our weight fluctuates so does the fit. However if you really love the clothes then keeping them in storage out of sight is acceptable. It cleans out your closet and gives you a deadline. Mark shirts, pants, casual, dressy etc.in a tote marked one size or two sizes too tight and date it. Check Tote in 6 mths and see if they fit. If after a year they don’t fit then you can decide to donate or consign.
@@Jersey1971 Yes and no, Depending on the situation. It’s important to differentiate between what’s ideal and what’s realistic in terms of circumstances, baby weight, menopause, health challenges, etc. Different strokes for different folks
Normally I would absolutely agree, but I am trying to be gentle with myself this year. I gained a bunch of weight in quarantine and have decided that this year I will keep my maybes until the next season. If they still don't fit then, it's time to go. My life just hasn't been normal so I don't want to adhere 100% to the "normal" process.
I’ve gained @7 lbs during COVID and dance clothes which are body hugging are not fitting. I put them aside in my closet for now bc if life ever goes back to to resembling the past and I lose a few pounds I will be dancing most weekends with these clothes.
Wow. Trying things on makes all the difference! I've been doing brief, 10-minute purges on my wardrobe, just grabbing the obvious things that can go, and am currently in the state of mind of "I hate it all" (thanks, hormones), so have been wary of digging in deep. I've had some clothes quarantined for a couple of years, things I didn't wear but for whatever reason didn't feel I could let go of. Finally trying them on and realising (a) that my style has changed, and (b) that my shape has changed and they are NEVER going to fit helped to make that decision so much easier. (What also made a big difference to space in the wardrobe was removing the empty hangers! I took 20 out yesterday, and now you can move stuff about in there. Understanding this took me longer than I care to admit!)
What helped me a lot was a coaching on which colour-type I am (Winter-type, as about 80% of Europeans, but I think you might be a Spring- or maybe Fall-type like my husband) - you don't have to slavishly stick to it, but it opened my eyes as to why I didn't like/didn't feel comfortable/didn't look good in a lot of my clothing - saved me a lot of space and money, though that wasn't my aim - it was just a fun thing with friends
Thank you for making the distinction-- I feel like if an item of clothing "sparks joy" but not when you're wearing it that is a huge indicator that the item doesn't actually spark joy. Not in the way that Marie Kondo says. Sparking joy feel like lightness and when an item has that "but" attached to it it indicates that we may like the item but it has feelings of guilt, sadness, regret etc attached to it.... which certainly don't spark joy. Figuring out what your spark joy "but" is then reframing the question to not even give that but a chance to slip by unnoticed is a great tool!
Girl, that is exactly why I started Decluttering years ago. There is nothing worse than putting on a pair of pants and it doesn't fit and he got to put on another pair and then that one doesn't fit it's a nightmare. So yes, ONLY keeping clothes in your closet that fit is the key! I need to redo mine! Thanks for this!
I actually went through this process myself and it has been the best thing I ever did. I actually did a second wave of decluttering from the items I had removed. I shopped them and let myself choose 10 items or so that I would be really sad if I went down a size and had donated them. Then I quarantined both of the get rid of categories into trash bags so I couldn’t see them anymore, and put it all in the eves. After a month, I donated the less precious bags because I felt less attached to them and hadn’t gone back to grab anything without even looking inside. The bag of ten things that I had shopped as really precious, I looked at. I then realized that I could find replacements for these precious things in my size or even in a smaller size if I lost weight. Even the vintage things. Surprisingly I actually donated that bag as well! It freed me up to feel as though I could buy a few more vintage unique things in the size that I am now. And once I did find those things, I realized that if I become a smaller size I’ll be able to find unique vintage things in smaller sizes again too. I allowed myself one dress in a smaller size, but only just slightly smaller as I get in shape. One dress out of all that! And once it was out of the house, and I only had things that I felt cute in and that fit me in my house, it felt like this huge weight lifted off me. Even just knowing that I had things in storage that are a different size was continuing sort of psychological sadness. Donating them was the best thing I ever did. I do love having a lot of clothes and find a lot of joy from how I dress. But it’s only been enhanced by getting all the all the baggage out of the house. I find myself dressing cuter now and enjoying it again!
Reminds me of when my friend stored all of her pre pregnancy clothes in garbage bags in the spare bedroom. Oh you guessed it…her husband threw them away. Which was probably all for the best because how heartbreaking that she would find she would not ever fit into them again. Still she was as angry as a hornet though.
Yeah, I find that people tend to read Marie like they read the Bible; sugar picking specific rules to follow or argue with, instead of taking in the philosophy as a whole. She addresses most of the issues people have with her method, but the other advice just isn’t quite as pithy as “spark joy”.
Heart goes out to you bc I bet some of this is from Ireland and extra special. Finally at 61 I have a very small wardrobe of clothes that can manage one size up or down. Hang in there it does get easier. Your stuff is so cheery I love your style.
Holy crap yes! The Minimal Mom (Dawn) has been saying about different seasons of life a lot recently 🤯 makes so much sense! It's taking a lot to unpick my "always be prepared" Brownies&Guides upbringing 😂 but progress is progress. Anywho, welcome back; hope you had an awesome time back home 💗
I recently did this. I loved certain clothes, then I tried it on. I got rid of over half my closet. Some sparked joy but no longer fit or looked horrible on. Then I took them straight out of my house!!!
It's really cool when decluttering helps you realize some deeper things about yourself! It's also nice when new motivation for decluttering emerges - my little niece is growing to the age when she can use some of the things that are too small for me (I also did the trying things on during my recent pre-move declutter session, which helped a lot) and it was nice to see she actually picked something from my discard pile. I remember my aunt did this for me too when I was a teenager and I really enjoyed going through the stuff she'd decluttered :- )
OMG! Perfect timing. I've been disgruntled with my wardrobe for a few months now and couldn't figure out why my attempts at decluttering weren't working. I think your "Does it spark joy when I'm wearing it?" will be the key to successfully rejuvenating my wardrobe. Thanks!
I think when you stop to think about how your old clothes will help someone else it’s easier to pass them on especially when they are not being used. Very thought provoking video there Laura!! X
Wow that was unbelievable. I can’t believe you took out that much either. Well done 👏 It’ll be very interesting to see what you bring back. Stay safe and healthy. Mary, Joes wife 👏👍💐
I’ll be 40 soon and i have really let my “style” go during quarantining the last couple years…I just told myself that I need to get “ready” every day, especially when I am running the kids around ❤️ it makes an improvement in my mood and confidence!
Smart idea to add actually trying it on! I love when people take systems (in this case the Marie Kondo system) and make them their own and experiment. And the additions: do I feel confident in it? Do I have to adjust it? Does it flatter me? And to consider a dust mask or not doing it all in one day. And snacks and drink. To those I'd add drink lots of water and open a window. Decluttering moves energy and drinking water helps process things and prevent headaches (used to tell my massage clients the same thing).
Over this past year I finally caved in and got rid of a lot of my "skinny" clothes. I have been coping with depression and trying to take care of myself for years. I did keep quite a few of the "skinny" clothes because I like them and maybe now that I am seeking professional help they might fit again or I will be strong enough to part with them at last. I totally know how you feel on your body changing as you age.
Catching up on some older videos and I had a box of skirts that sparked joy but didn’t fit. I held on to them for 5 years. Finally I told myself I was being selfish by not allowing them to spark joy on someone’s body out there in the world. It helped me let go! I know once I lose all the weight my style will be different, so I’m glad with the choice! ❤
I noticed I was wearing the same things over and over, so I got rid of everything else. I only kept what I was actually wearing. I then lost 60 lbs and had to get rid of everything I had kept😆. My oldest item I bought in the late 1990's. It is a strappy velvet dress. There have been times that it did not fit, but I kept it because I adore it. After losing the weight in 2020, It now fits me perfectly!!
How interesting to come across this! I did almost this exact declutter about 3 months ago. I'm 38, and I lost weight during lockdown due to depression, and worked hard to gain it back. But it didn't come on the way it came off! My gynecologist told me, "as we age, our weight redistributes." I did raise my eyebrow at her, but she's not wrong. I was in a bit of a pickle, as my well curated closet suddenly didn't have ANY summer weight bottoms I could wear. After an emergency trip to the thrift store, I found enough to get me through, and now have what I need for the season. Like you, I was sad to put aside things I loved wearing, but I definitely didn't enjoy feeling squished. My smaller clothes are in a box upstairs, to try on next summer, and if they don't fit then, out they go! Thanks for sharing this video. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this stage of life.
The oldest items of clothing I own kind of don’t count but I’m saying it anyway!! My great grandmother gave me two dresses she made by hand when she was 19-23 years old and they are exactly my size. I won’t wear them because they’re sentimental but I love them so much. They were made in the 40s in Alabama.
Totally get this. I know this is why I've held onto so many things despite having so many clear outs! I had this beautiful dress, loved the colour, the print but it was just too low cut. I tried wearing it with a vest top under to reduce to cut but I just felt wrong everytime I wore it. So.....during an upcycling project of a coffee table I cut it up and glued the fabric to the top of the table. It's now my bedside table which adds a pop of colour to my room with this beautiful fabric I get to look at everyday.
I added more steps to this .. Is it age appropriate and how many of the same sort of stuff do I need ? . The result was I got rid of my wardrobe and chest of drawers. Replaced these with a bamboo clothes rail and a small unit with much less space . I now have less than 20 hanging items about 6 t-shirts in my drawers including strappy tops. 2 cardigans, 2 jumpers and 2 pairs of jeans in my drawers. I have 7 pairs of socks and same amount of knickers. 3 items of night wear. I kept 5 items that didnt fit and folded them away in a bag to revisit in 6 months time when they will go or will replace items in my current wardrobe that may become too big. I now have a narrow choice but suprising I have never felt better. I dont miss all the other clothes I donated to charity straight away. Now am looking to create a capsule wardrobe with things that work together and are neutral. Gone are my bold prints and wacky designs, in are more block colours that will go together. My laundry is now so simple wish I had done it years ago. Glad you are enjoying the process . I just binge watched the new Marie Kondo netflix show where she visits businesses it's great 💜
@@Jersey1971 I am alot older so I prefer neutrals plus I have a large chest so patterns are not great for me. It's good we are all different though as it would be pretty strange if we all wore the same type of clothing 💜
@@Jersey1971 some people just enjoy colours and also don't look good in just black white and beige. A thing some people have to unlearn about minimalism. Yeah, neutrals are way easier to combine but if you love variations and are good at styling color then you don't need a wardrobe only consisting of neutrals.
Aw. You made me cry. I had to do this recently and it was heart breaking. I loved many outfits and had to let them go because my body shape changed. One shirt remotivated to start working out: A Halloween shirt. I've loved it for 3 years, still love it, and don't want to lose it. It's a slow journey. BUT I take these rules to the dressing room when I clothes shop. And I will wait a week before removing the tag. Try it on again and be sure. If not, I return it.
OMG YOU'RE BACK!!!! So happy to see your face and hear your voice! Hope you had a great time back home seeing your family❤ This video couldn't have come at a better time, this is a great motivation before the next season begins 🙂
Thanks. It got a lot easier for me to give away when I realize that 1) bodies to change over time 2)lifestyle changes over time 3) someone else can love and enjoy that item now. Also give up Those fantasies
I did this less than a month ago. I have about 30 percent left and if my life changes and need new clothes, I'm a grown ass woman who can buy new clothes, I've given myself permission!
One question I ask myself about clothes is, "If I saw that particular item in the store would I WANT to buy it." If the answer is yes, then keep it, if' you're holding onto it, and might only wear it once or twice a year, then let it go. It also helps if you have a teenage daughter to let you know if it looks good on you! LOL Great post! :)
So pleased you did this! The clarity and joy you will have going to to your closet now will be immense! The oldest clothing I have are a couple of vintage jackets that belonged to my mum, so they would be 50 years old now! They’re still almost perfect condition because she and then taught me how to look after clothes. The oldest piece I have that I bought myself is a little black dress that is classic halter neck style. It’s 17 years old.
As I watched this, I was so impressed with your resolve to stick to your goal. At one point, when you started to wonder if you were going to have anything to keep, it really resonated with me. Now I s as m starting to believe that is actually why I have not gone through my clothes like you have done. I am totally out of shape, (don’t even like looking at myself in a mirror), and I truly believe that I would have nothing left in my closet. None of my clothes really spark joy-and nothing fits very well neither. If I actually got rid of the things the didn’t “fit” into those categories, I am sure my closet would be mostly empty. Help!…
I haven't read through the comments past the first five so not sure if anyone brought it up but it seems to me that you're a perfect candidate for capsule wardrobes. Since you mentioned you find yourself wearing many of the same things often and they spark joy and kept the ones that actually flatter you, you now know what's the best silhouette for you. You can start a capsule based on those most flattering silhouettes. And I saw someone mention that you can out some away and bring them out after a while to refresh your wardrobe. That's the beauty of seasonal capsule wardrobes--it sparks joy every time you prepare for each new season!
Yes, I tried it a few years ago and really struggled with it. I tend to find myself wearing the same jeans for the most part, but I do wear a lot of my t-shirts. I've been making a concerted effort to wear more of my clothes recently. So far so good!
I loved this! I’ve used the konmari method on my closet several times and I’ve found when I add “try it all on” it actually goes faster. When I’m looking at something on the hanger I can spend more time thinking about it, but trying it on is a gut reaction of joy or not in how it makes me feel on. You said so many things that resonates with me and how I feel in my clothes I’m wearing right now!
You're absolutely right about the overthinking! Sometimes you just need to try it on to get that instant reaction. Otherwise you could end up staring at it all day!
Yeah! So happy to see you 😊 yes decluttering can led me right into getting sick. I shower and fresh clothes afterwards, otherwise I end up sick. Especially if it's a basement. Dust and mold are my enemies 🤧 😅
Its so crazy to stumble upon this video. I just did the same thing. I spent a week going through and trying on everything I owned. I was moving around in it, lifting my arms, squatting down lol etc.... I have changed sizes from about a small/medium to a medium large a 4-6 to a 6- 8 us- I will bag up all of my non fitting things....and take care of my body a little, if I get back into it good....if not I don't mind, because I loveeeeeee everything currently in my closet and it fits. It is flattering and is so comfortable! 14 full bags later for me........I did this while being quarantined to my room and trying to stay busy....I ended up tested negative 3 times after a week+ of being stuck in here....but I'm thankful I made the most of it lol!
i’m SEVERELY allergic to dust mites, so going through most things will have major consequences for me! i CAN say i was terribly prepared for covid with a large store of n95 masks, goggles, gloves, (and an obsessive cleaning habit i’ve been forced to adopt)… but all of that can get so hot, so i’m THRILLED you mentioned the petroleum jelly tip! i have a feeling i’m going to be mentally thanking you for the rest of my life! 🙌🙌🙌
My closet is full of clothes from my slimmer self and it was just too depressing to purge it, it is like I finally gave in and accept I wont loose those few pounds, though it is true that I really dont need those dressier clothes anymore. What has made me open up and release things is that I have a friend that has come from another country with practically the clothes on her back that needs dressy clothes for work and is just the right size. It is such a pleasure to see her in my classic clothes, like seeing my younger self. I do admire you for doing the Konmari method, I have to do it a little at a time, too stressful 🤦🤦
I am totally doing this today! With Covid, I am working from home almost 100% and will be doing so for the near future - so I have completely changed what I need in a wardrobe- this could be an epoch purge! Thank you so much for your videos!
Glad to see you are back. 😊 Love your clothing items. I would happily wear most of them. And Ugh, I'm so jealous of those American style build in closets .
Wow I was surprised your closet was still as full as you said after I saw how great you did at sorting out what wasn’t working right now. I’m happy for you that your clothes will have breathing room and you will have such an easier time getting ready in the morning. Great job!
I have felt this so much after having my daughter. There were clothes I still loved, but that no longer looked god on my postpartum body. It was harder letting them go because I did love them.
Yes, clothing is probably my biggest category of items. That's exactly why I broke it down into smaller sections, and spread it over 2 days. Well worth it in the end. 😁
One of my biggest worries about losing 35lb this year was having to get a whole new wardrobe and getting rid of all my clothes that sparked joy (also the waste/ environmental aspect). That happened a bit, but less than I thought. also I have altered some clothes to make them smaller and bought some clips for the back of dresses/tops to hold them in.
Great question! I tried on a few items that were bothering me and realised why they were. They fit all wrong! I'm scheduling a full try on when I'm feeling better and I'm glad I will now be going in a lot wiser. Thanks Laura 💐💐
I think the oldest thing in my wardrobe (other than true vintage- including a beautiful jacket of my mom's from the 1960s) is a velvet top my mom brought in 2001. We both loved it then so I used to borrow it from her occasionally. In the past 20 years it's passed between our wardrobes multiple times but it's currently with me. Might even be time for me to give it back to her for a bit! It came from a designer 'outlet' store so it's still in amazing condition.
My oldest item I have is a pair of converse trainers my mum took me to buy before I past my driving test in 1997. My best buy ever was a top, that was marked at 10p, but I managed to buy for 5p - it lasted 9 years - I miss that hoodie/hooded tank top (sleeves shortened as they got too frayed)
Great decluttering video, inspirational, I am going to try this on a section of my wardrobe this weekend. The green jumper was gorgeous on you, I hope that was a keeper. Well done, Mary
Most relatable Kon Mari inspired video I've seen in a while. Almost none of my pre-covid clothes fit me anymore but I still have hope some of them will in a while. But what you like looking at on a hanger and what you feel great in are different things sometimes and keeping only what fits on display is good for me too 😊 thanks for this video!
Beautiful end result! :) I think the Konmari method is great. When you look at western approaches to minimalism, they are almost always very fixated on a specific, extreme number, or about 'sacrifice' and 'practical' mindset. No sentimentality at all. Konmari, as you said, is not about how much you get rid of, but how you feel about the items you keep. The whole 'spark joy' concept can also be applied to other areas of life, for example shopping. Because you learn the difference between 'this is new and interesting' and 'this truly sparks joy inside". And the idea of channeling love through the palms of your hands seem a bit strange - but it tends to make you take things more slowly, and enjoy the moment (so finding the joy in doing everyday chores)
@@HowToGYSTyou definitely have some joyous clothes😁The clothes that spark the most joy for me I could probably fit one leg in😂but I can’t part with them (vintage\punky unusual pieces )so they are mostly under the bed.o
I wish I saw this BEFORE I did this in my closet! I still was able to get rid of about 50% of my clothing, but I still have WAYYY too much! Your points really would have helped me purge even more so it looks like I'll be doing another closet clean-out after the holidays ;) PS- I still regularly wear jeans I got for my 16th birthday + I'm now twice that age,so 16yo jeans lol. I have shirts I wore in middle school + even though they still fit, I should probably do a better purge + finally let some things go bc my style is a bit more evolved from the tomboy skater girl I was in middle school.
If you wanna rock the tomboy skater look in your 30s, go for it! 😁 And hey, even if you want to redo, at least you only have half the amount of clothes to go through this time. 😉 Good luck!
Such a good video for reminding me to try everything on when decluttering my closet. Some of my items were "tried and true" in my mind, but not in reality. Now I feel much happier selecting outfits.
I struggle with this so much. My body shape has pretty much been the same since I was a teenager and some of my clothes I have had since then :/. It probably doesn’t help that I work in an office where there is no dress code so jeans and t-shirt is pretty much everyone’s work attire. I have a 15year old daughter and thinking it might be time to go through my wardrobe when I realised she wears more of my clothes than I do x
This is so funny, I was just watching “Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo” on Netflix and here you are talking about sparking joy! While watching her series, I’ve noticed that Marie’s sense of styles are impeccable and of high quality! They look like simple, classic pieces but I could tell they’re very high end and functional and cute! Rather than buying clothes just for the sake of buying clothes or filling up our closet; instead, we should invest in timeless and beautiful pieces that spark joy!
Thanks for being so real. It is definitely time consuming to try on everything but definitely helps. If you don't feel good in your clothes, get it out.
Thank you so much! I related to every single thing you said and experience where your wardrobe is concerned. I have only done my jeans and my shorts so far and it certainly is informative and brings clarity and real stuff and issues to the surface. One of the things I realize is I don’t want to give up the hope that I will someday live a younger, thinner, more affluent lifestyle as I once lived years ago. I’m still not sure if it’s realistic or if I need to hold on to this hope because I really do believe great things and people are in my future, particularly a new spouse. Anyway, thank you for all your help and insights. God bless you ❤🎉❤😊
Great video, thanks for sharing. I did this with my clothes after putting on lockdown weight. I've lost 2 stone so far and got my clothes back out to do the reverse you are doing now ...omg its a great feeling, its a great ego boost and mojo to carry on my weight lost journey but more importantly its like shopping and finding stuff I really love in my size...how often does that happen!!😆
I love what you share with us. I first thought that ConMarie method was one and done. You are honest with us about sometimes you need to do it again 💕💕💕
I like this idea!!! I have a really minimal wardrobe, but there are a few things I like, but don't reach for when dressing. Although the items fit and look fine, they just don't spark joy when I have them on. I know this and I have not even put them on yet. Ahhh, I now have a task to do tomorrow!
I feel exactly the same after watching this. I have such a pared back wardrobe already but there are still items I never reach for. Need to go up and get rid of them already!
While I agree that trying on is better than not trying on... a tailor can work magic. One thing that works most of the time and should not be too much expensive if you go to a professional, is to make a skirt from a too small/too big dress that has a pleated or gathered skirt part. Especially since dresses often have special memories attached when you wore them to a nice event or so and maybe made of nice fabric. Taking in skirts and trousers with darts is also really easy, same thing for garments that have darts and are only a bit too tight. Woven blouses and shirts are generally easier to alter than knits. Donated clothes often land on the landfill, so why not ask a altering tailor first, the fabric is already yours.
Sadly these are beyond that point. There isn't quite enough fabric there. 😉 But I've improved my diet and exercise routine recently so there's still hope! Not letting go of them just yet.
Great video. I am now motivated to try on the clothes in my closet. I do have a lot of items that spark joy. I loved your thick green turtleneck sweater.
I did this and I highly recommend it. Trying on everything is key! Do I like the idea of this dress or do I actually like it on me in my real life? I got rid of so many things I had been hanging onto for years. If you're thinking about doing this, do it! It's highly effective. I got rid of probably half my clothes, but it was the half that was constantly in the way of me finding what I wanted to wear.
Past 20 years been rarely buying any clothes as not enjoy shopping. Now all my tops are mainly white due to all colourful ones are too out of colour under the hot sun (no 4 seasons here).... as such feel very sad to see them 'old' as the nice colour faded. To avoid this - must as well all same colour i.e. white, forever no colour faded. Love to see you reduced all your clothes, so fast and good result. Thanks.
I did a major clothing purge this summer…even TShirts I held onto for years. I’ve not missed anything and have bought a few new things that are better for my life now. Feels so go to open my closet and dresser drawers now!
I declutter my closet every season by trying everything on that I haven't worn in a while. And, I have random days when I make a game of it to get rid of 30 things. It really works even when you think it's impossible. You find fun clothes that you forgot about and realize what you actually need to purchase.
@@HowToGYST it's taken me many years to get to this level. Starting an eBay store since I had so much like new stuff. And, I still have too much, LOL! Not going for minimalism, just want what is used in my house.
In my neighborhood there's a church that hosts a clothing give-away each October and April. I've been decluttering seasonally before each give-away for several years now... great opportunity since our thrift stores don't generally take clothes at this point. More importantly - the seasonal declutters shine a light on what I haven't even touched since making a decision to keep the item a year prior. Quite insightful!
Agree that setting a numbers goal can be a rewarding challenge - I find, for example, if I say find 20 things to go, I often end up bumping the number up because we hit different levels of clarity with it all and it can become easier, and even fun to meet the challenge. Also agree that you really get to know what you have and what you may need.
I am so, so glad you added this twist on sparking joy. It completely changed my process and in many ways made this infinitely easier (we will ignore the part where I've gotten stuck in about six dress head holes). Many more clothes are now going into the donation bin!
I really need to do this. I have a lot of clothes that I’ve had for over 20 years, and still wear (but most of those are now “art-ing/messy work clothes”…. (Which is what I wear almost all the time). But a lot of my clothes are now frayed, don’t fit well, are uncomfortable in some way, or are full of holes….. I really need to let go, and find some newer pieces, that are in good condition, and actually fit well. I’m sorry to hear you had a sinus migraine from your process. Thank you for this.
I always try clothes on to decide if they stay in my regular rotation or go in my "spark joy, but to small at present box. " Great that you also say this! I basically have 7 pairs of tousers and 10 tops, a few string vests as undergarments and a few pullovers I use as my regular clothes, that makes life easy. Then my eg sport wear is additional to those. I don't need more, because nothing "sparks joy" because I don't like my overweight self at present.
I also have a lot of clothes in my closet. Even my mother has said that newer things don't fit in my closet. Some of the clothes are so old that I remember I sometimes wore them to school... that was 7+ years ago. I folded the clothes nicely... years ago and I STILL have many clothes folded nicely that I haven't worn since
I recently came to the same reasoning when I went through my clothes. Another person said that 'You deserve to wear and have clothes that fit you now, not fit you yesterday, not in the future but right now." Thanks for sharing
Excellent clip. One of the things that helped me was realising how many “going out” clothes I had in relation to how much I go out (hardly ever). I am in the process of embracing my true wardrobe of comfy and warm clothing that I wear every day. Good to see you back - hope you enjoyed your holiday 😍
Yes but isn't important to have a couple/few outfits for a surprise invite? I know I learned that lesson! Just that good shoes should be kept in it's original sure box and not just plastic where moisture coils get in. Keep those good little descendants packets in them. Check on them at least every 6 months to renew the packets of needed etc.....
So true!
It is interesting when one try’s on clothing that one thinks should fit. I totally get it.
YES! I never go out. I realized what I need is a cashmere lounge set, because that's what I am doing each day. That's my autumn and winter uniform!
Same!
I don't have loads of clothes now but I Marie Kondo'd my closet a while back. I had some beautiful dresses I used to wear a lot when I was at uni and they still sparked joy. One day I was realised I hadn't worn them in a long time so I tried them on and realised I'm just not 21 any more (I was 32 at the time). So I decided to be grateful for getting to wear them and for the body I used to have and let them go so someone else can love them instead.
I love that. The hardest part is the realization then the admission that the body and the booty will never be the same 😩
@@MsLouisVee Definitely. I used to be such a stick insect so I can't think how I thought I would ever be able to wear them now!
I really like the fact that you're a "real" woman. Here, you're just you, no makup, no nothing, and you talk sincerely. It's not that scripted, it's not.............. over selling. And you're right, some clothes that we love don't do anymore. We change. And that's ok. Thanks for this kind of video. Since one week I look a lot of videos about decluttering (I'm doing it since long time but now I'm in that kind of stage in my life where I redefine myself, and what I want and need) so I see a lot of videos, and yours is really nice. Thanks.
I done a deep purge a few years ago and I thought it would be painful but I needed the space and if I hadn't worn it within the last year or just didn't like it any more, out it went to Good Will donations. I've been able to keep the empty space from filling back up again by only getting new clothes when I need them instead of seeing something on sale or on the rack that catches my eye. If I don't need it I leave it.
An idea to keep your clothes fresh is to rotate them. Establish a wear order for what you have and pull to wear from one end and and when you wear and clean it, put it at the other end of the closet. That way you'll lessen the wear and tear on your clothes and if tend to skip something in this rotation, then it might be time to donate it to Good Will or someone else.
My roommates used to laugh at me when I told them I was rotating my socks and underwear when I was in the Navy, but after I explained what I was doing, they started doing it too.
So glad you posted! I gave birth to my new baby daughter three days ago and plummeted into the baby blues on the first day. Feeling completely overwhelmed with emotion: love, anxiety, loneliness. Just this morning I thought “I wish Laura’d post something new, I really need the sense of normalcy and familiarity right now.” Lucky me! ❤️
Hey! I hope you feel better soon.
@@antiantipoda Thank you! 🙏🏻
It's a big adjustment. Lots will change.
Remember to do Mom care for yourself. We tend to put ourselves last. Giving comes from overflow, not from an empty vessel.
Ask for help, it's ok.
Take care.
Filippa Skog - While reading the comments on this video I saw yours & felt I wanted to reply. Firstly, congratulations on the arrival of your baby daughter. I had my first baby (a daughter) nearly 37 years ago & I can still remember how I felt the same need for normalcy that you mentioned. Your description of feeling overwhelmed with a mix of various emotions was pretty much how I was in those last few months of 1984. It's a wonderful time in your life but it IS overwhelming! Things of course settled down & that dear little baby of mine is now a wonderful woman who is a mother herself. As strange as it sounds I still can't believe that the little one I cared for & who had me in those topsy turvie emotions years ago is now a mum to my 3 gorgeous grandchildren. I really enjoy these type of TH-cam channels as it's interesting to see all the different ways young mums today run their families & lives in general. Best wishes for the future & enjoy this time - some days you won't think so but it really does go by so fast.
@@jennyt7612 Thank you so, so much for your kind comment. It meant more than you can probably understand! It truly does take a village and in these modern times comments like yours substitute for that in a sense. Thank you for taking time to make me feel some connection ❤️
I have found that if I loose weight, I want something new to celebrate. Keeping things in case they fit it again always ends up as clutter
She says she will still hold on to clothes in case she loses weight she needs to just donate them
Some styles do change, and as our weight fluctuates so does the fit. However if you really love the clothes then keeping them in storage out of sight is acceptable. It cleans out your closet and gives you a deadline. Mark shirts, pants, casual, dressy etc.in a tote marked one size or two sizes too tight and date it. Check Tote in 6 mths and see if they fit. If after a year they don’t fit then you can decide to donate or consign.
@@Jersey1971
Yes and no,
Depending on the situation.
It’s important to differentiate between what’s ideal and what’s realistic in terms of circumstances, baby weight, menopause, health challenges, etc. Different strokes for different folks
Normally I would absolutely agree, but I am trying to be gentle with myself this year. I gained a bunch of weight in quarantine and have decided that this year I will keep my maybes until the next season. If they still don't fit then, it's time to go. My life just hasn't been normal so I don't want to adhere 100% to the "normal" process.
I’ve gained @7 lbs during COVID and dance clothes which are body hugging are not fitting. I put them aside in my closet for now bc if life ever goes back to to resembling the past and I lose a few pounds I will be dancing most weekends with these clothes.
Wow. Trying things on makes all the difference! I've been doing brief, 10-minute purges on my wardrobe, just grabbing the obvious things that can go, and am currently in the state of mind of "I hate it all" (thanks, hormones), so have been wary of digging in deep. I've had some clothes quarantined for a couple of years, things I didn't wear but for whatever reason didn't feel I could let go of. Finally trying them on and realising (a) that my style has changed, and (b) that my shape has changed and they are NEVER going to fit helped to make that decision so much easier. (What also made a big difference to space in the wardrobe was removing the empty hangers! I took 20 out yesterday, and now you can move stuff about in there. Understanding this took me longer than I care to admit!)
What helped me a lot was a coaching on which colour-type I am (Winter-type, as about 80% of Europeans, but I think you might be a Spring- or maybe Fall-type like my husband) - you don't have to slavishly stick to it, but it opened my eyes as to why I didn't like/didn't feel comfortable/didn't look good in a lot of my clothing - saved me a lot of space and money, though that wasn't my aim - it was just a fun thing with friends
Thank you for making the distinction-- I feel like if an item of clothing "sparks joy" but not when you're wearing it that is a huge indicator that the item doesn't actually spark joy. Not in the way that Marie Kondo says. Sparking joy feel like lightness and when an item has that "but" attached to it it indicates that we may like the item but it has feelings of guilt, sadness, regret etc attached to it.... which certainly don't spark joy. Figuring out what your spark joy "but" is then reframing the question to not even give that but a chance to slip by unnoticed is a great tool!
Girl, that is exactly why I started Decluttering years ago. There is nothing worse than putting on a pair of pants and it doesn't fit and he got to put on another pair and then that one doesn't fit it's a nightmare. So yes, ONLY keeping clothes in your closet that fit is the key! I need to redo mine! Thanks for this!
I actually went through this process myself and it has been the best thing I ever did.
I actually did a second wave of decluttering from the items I had removed. I shopped them and let myself choose 10 items or so that I would be really sad if I went down a size and had donated them. Then I quarantined both of the get rid of categories into trash bags so I couldn’t see them anymore, and put it all in the eves. After a month, I donated the less precious bags because I felt less attached to them and hadn’t gone back to grab anything without even looking inside. The bag of ten things that I had shopped as really precious, I looked at. I then realized that I could find replacements for these precious things in my size or even in a smaller size if I lost weight. Even the vintage things. Surprisingly I actually donated that bag as well!
It freed me up to feel as though I could buy a few more vintage unique things in the size that I am now. And once I did find those things, I realized that if I become a smaller size I’ll be able to find unique vintage things in smaller sizes again too.
I allowed myself one dress in a smaller size, but only just slightly smaller as I get in shape.
One dress out of all that!
And once it was out of the house, and I only had things that I felt cute in and that fit me in my house, it felt like this huge weight lifted off me. Even just knowing that I had things in storage that are a different size was continuing sort of psychological sadness. Donating them was the best thing I ever did.
I do love having a lot of clothes and find a lot of joy from how I dress. But it’s only been enhanced by getting all the all the baggage out of the house. I find myself dressing cuter now and enjoying it again!
Reminds me of when my friend stored all of her pre pregnancy clothes in garbage bags in the spare bedroom. Oh you guessed it…her husband threw them away. Which was probably all for the best because how heartbreaking that she would find she would not ever fit into them again. Still she was as angry as a hornet though.
Actually, Marie does go into it by saying that there’s no need to keep clothes that don’t fit and that clothes are meant to work for you NOW.
Yeah, I find that people tend to read Marie like they read the Bible; sugar picking specific rules to follow or argue with, instead of taking in the philosophy as a whole.
She addresses most of the issues people have with her method, but the other advice just isn’t quite as pithy as “spark joy”.
Heart goes out to you bc I bet some of this is from Ireland and extra special. Finally at 61 I have a very small wardrobe of clothes that can manage one size up or down. Hang in there it does get easier. Your stuff is so cheery I love your style.
Holy crap yes! The Minimal Mom (Dawn) has been saying about different seasons of life a lot recently 🤯 makes so much sense! It's taking a lot to unpick my "always be prepared" Brownies&Guides upbringing 😂 but progress is progress. Anywho, welcome back; hope you had an awesome time back home 💗
I recently did this. I loved certain clothes, then I tried it on. I got rid of over half my closet. Some sparked joy but no longer fit or looked horrible on. Then I took them straight out of my house!!!
It's really cool when decluttering helps you realize some deeper things about yourself! It's also nice when new motivation for decluttering emerges - my little niece is growing to the age when she can use some of the things that are too small for me (I also did the trying things on during my recent pre-move declutter session, which helped a lot) and it was nice to see she actually picked something from my discard pile. I remember my aunt did this for me too when I was a teenager and I really enjoyed going through the stuff she'd decluttered :- )
OMG! Perfect timing. I've been disgruntled with my wardrobe for a few months now and couldn't figure out why my attempts at decluttering weren't working. I think your "Does it spark joy when I'm wearing it?" will be the key to successfully rejuvenating my wardrobe. Thanks!
I think when you stop to think about how your old clothes will help someone else it’s easier to pass them on especially when they are not being used. Very thought provoking video there Laura!! X
Wow that was unbelievable. I can’t believe you took out that much either. Well done 👏 It’ll be very interesting to see what you bring back. Stay safe and healthy. Mary, Joes wife 👏👍💐
I’ll be 40 soon and i have really let my “style” go during quarantining the last couple years…I just told myself that I need to get “ready” every day, especially when I am running the kids around ❤️ it makes an improvement in my mood and confidence!
Smart idea to add actually trying it on! I love when people take systems (in this case the Marie Kondo system) and make them their own and experiment. And the additions: do I feel confident in it? Do I have to adjust it? Does it flatter me? And to consider a dust mask or not doing it all in one day. And snacks and drink. To those I'd add drink lots of water and open a window. Decluttering moves energy and drinking water helps process things and prevent headaches (used to tell my massage clients the same thing).
Over this past year I finally caved in and got rid of a lot of my "skinny" clothes. I have been coping with depression and trying to take care of myself for years. I did keep quite a few of the "skinny" clothes because I like them and maybe now that I am seeking professional help they might fit again or I will be strong enough to part with them at last. I totally know how you feel on your body changing as you age.
Catching up on some older videos and I had a box of skirts that sparked joy but didn’t fit. I held on to them for 5 years. Finally I told myself I was being selfish by not allowing them to spark joy on someone’s body out there in the world. It helped me let go!
I know once I lose all the weight my style will be different, so I’m glad with the choice! ❤
I noticed I was wearing the same things over and over, so I got rid of everything else. I only kept what I was actually wearing. I then lost 60 lbs and had to get rid of everything I had kept😆.
My oldest item I bought in the late 1990's. It is a strappy velvet dress. There have been times that it did not fit, but I kept it because I adore it. After losing the weight in 2020, It now fits me perfectly!!
I love this! ❤️☺️
How interesting to come across this! I did almost this exact declutter about 3 months ago. I'm 38, and I lost weight during lockdown due to depression, and worked hard to gain it back. But it didn't come on the way it came off! My gynecologist told me, "as we age, our weight redistributes." I did raise my eyebrow at her, but she's not wrong. I was in a bit of a pickle, as my well curated closet suddenly didn't have ANY summer weight bottoms I could wear. After an emergency trip to the thrift store, I found enough to get me through, and now have what I need for the season. Like you, I was sad to put aside things I loved wearing, but I definitely didn't enjoy feeling squished. My smaller clothes are in a box upstairs, to try on next summer, and if they don't fit then, out they go! Thanks for sharing this video. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this stage of life.
The oldest items of clothing I own kind of don’t count but I’m saying it anyway!! My great grandmother gave me two dresses she made by hand when she was 19-23 years old and they are exactly my size. I won’t wear them because they’re sentimental but I love them so much. They were made in the 40s in Alabama.
If they fit you and you love them you should wear them!
That's lovely. DEFINITELY keep those!
Have you worn them long enough to be photographed?
@@jgordy4840 no but I have considered it. I only tried them on the one time and that was years ago
Wear them!!! That's why she made them.
And after you can put them in a picture frame and hang them on the wall. It looks pretty cool.
Totally get this. I know this is why I've held onto so many things despite having so many clear outs!
I had this beautiful dress, loved the colour, the print but it was just too low cut. I tried wearing it with a vest top under to reduce to cut but I just felt wrong everytime I wore it. So.....during an upcycling project of a coffee table I cut it up and glued the fabric to the top of the table. It's now my bedside table which adds a pop of colour to my room with this beautiful fabric I get to look at everyday.
I added more steps to this ..
Is it age appropriate and how many of the same sort of stuff do I need ? .
The result was I got rid of my wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Replaced these with a bamboo clothes rail and a small unit with much less space .
I now have less than 20 hanging items about 6 t-shirts in my drawers including strappy tops.
2 cardigans, 2 jumpers and 2 pairs of jeans in my drawers.
I have 7 pairs of socks and same amount of knickers. 3 items of night wear.
I kept 5 items that didnt fit and folded them away in a bag to revisit in 6 months time when they will go or will replace items in my current wardrobe that may become too big.
I now have a narrow choice but suprising I have never felt better. I dont miss all the other clothes I donated to charity straight away.
Now am looking to create a capsule wardrobe with things that work together and are neutral.
Gone are my bold prints and wacky designs, in are more block colours that will go together.
My laundry is now so simple wish I had done it years ago.
Glad you are enjoying the process . I just binge watched the new Marie Kondo netflix show where she visits businesses it's great 💜
Exactly and she has too many busy loud patterns
neutral colors are better
@@Jersey1971 I am alot older so I prefer neutrals plus I have a large chest so patterns are not great for me.
It's good we are all different though as it would be pretty strange if we all wore the same type of clothing 💜
@@Jersey1971 some people just enjoy colours and also don't look good in just black white and beige. A thing some people have to unlearn about minimalism. Yeah, neutrals are way easier to combine but if you love variations and are good at styling color then you don't need a wardrobe only consisting of neutrals.
matching velvet hangers and group the clothes according to color and u will feel better xo
Aw. You made me cry. I had to do this recently and it was heart breaking. I loved many outfits and had to let them go because my body shape changed. One shirt remotivated to start working out: A Halloween shirt. I've loved it for 3 years, still love it, and don't want to lose it. It's a slow journey.
BUT I take these rules to the dressing room when I clothes shop. And I will wait a week before removing the tag. Try it on again and be sure. If not, I return it.
OMG YOU'RE BACK!!!! So happy to see your face and hear your voice! Hope you had a great time back home seeing your family❤ This video couldn't have come at a better time, this is a great motivation before the next season begins 🙂
Thanks. It got a lot easier for me to give away when I realize that 1) bodies to change over time 2)lifestyle changes over time 3) someone else can love and enjoy that item now. Also give up Those fantasies
I did this less than a month ago. I have about 30 percent left and if my life changes and need new clothes, I'm a grown ass woman who can buy new clothes, I've given myself permission!
One question I ask myself about clothes is, "If I saw that particular item in the store would I WANT to buy it." If the answer is yes, then keep it, if' you're holding onto it, and might only wear it once or twice a year, then let it go. It also helps if you have a teenage daughter to let you know if it looks good on you! LOL Great post! :)
Hi Laura! Hope your trip to Ireland was awesome!
So pleased you did this! The clarity and joy you will have going to to your closet now will be immense!
The oldest clothing I have are a couple of vintage jackets that belonged to my mum, so they would be 50 years old now! They’re still almost perfect condition because she and then taught me how to look after clothes. The oldest piece I have that I bought myself is a little black dress that is classic halter neck style. It’s 17 years old.
Guilt has lifted! The collection of clothes and shoes that I have are so much smaller than I imagined.
As I watched this, I was so impressed with your resolve to stick to your goal. At one point, when you started to wonder if you were going to have anything to keep, it really resonated with me. Now I s as m starting to believe that is actually why I have not gone through my clothes like you have done. I am totally out of shape, (don’t even like looking at myself in a mirror), and I truly believe that I would have nothing left in my closet. None of my clothes really spark joy-and nothing fits very well neither. If I actually got rid of the things the didn’t “fit” into those categories, I am sure my closet would be mostly empty. Help!…
I haven't read through the comments past the first five so not sure if anyone brought it up but it seems to me that you're a perfect candidate for capsule wardrobes. Since you mentioned you find yourself wearing many of the same things often and they spark joy and kept the ones that actually flatter you, you now know what's the best silhouette for you. You can start a capsule based on those most flattering silhouettes. And I saw someone mention that you can out some away and bring them out after a while to refresh your wardrobe. That's the beauty of seasonal capsule wardrobes--it sparks joy every time you prepare for each new season!
Yes, I tried it a few years ago and really struggled with it. I tend to find myself wearing the same jeans for the most part, but I do wear a lot of my t-shirts. I've been making a concerted effort to wear more of my clothes recently. So far so good!
I loved this! I’ve used the konmari method on my closet several times and I’ve found when I add “try it all on” it actually goes faster. When I’m looking at something on the hanger I can spend more time thinking about it, but trying it on is a gut reaction of joy or not in how it makes me feel on.
You said so many things that resonates with me and how I feel in my clothes I’m wearing right now!
You're absolutely right about the overthinking! Sometimes you just need to try it on to get that instant reaction. Otherwise you could end up staring at it all day!
Yeah! So happy to see you 😊 yes decluttering can led me right into getting sick. I shower and fresh clothes afterwards, otherwise I end up sick. Especially if it's a basement. Dust and mold are my enemies 🤧 😅
Love the honesty in this video - thanks for the inspiration!
Its so crazy to stumble upon this video. I just did the same thing. I spent a week going through and trying on everything I owned. I was moving around in it, lifting my arms, squatting down lol etc.... I have changed sizes from about a small/medium to a medium large a 4-6 to a 6- 8 us- I will bag up all of my non fitting things....and take care of my body a little, if I get back into it good....if not I don't mind, because I loveeeeeee everything currently in my closet and it fits. It is flattering and is so comfortable! 14 full bags later for me........I did this while being quarantined to my room and trying to stay busy....I ended up tested negative 3 times after a week+ of being stuck in here....but I'm thankful I made the most of it lol!
Good for you! And I'm glad your tests came back negative.
Thanks for helping us stay motivated, it's greatly appreciated
i’m SEVERELY allergic to dust mites, so going through most things will have major consequences for me! i CAN say i was terribly prepared for covid with a large store of n95 masks, goggles, gloves, (and an obsessive cleaning habit i’ve been forced to adopt)… but all of that can get so hot, so i’m THRILLED you mentioned the petroleum jelly tip! i have a feeling i’m going to be mentally thanking you for the rest of my life! 🙌🙌🙌
Oh, I truly hope it works for you! Will keep my fingers crossed. 🤞💖
My closet is full of clothes from my slimmer self and it was just too depressing to purge it, it is like I finally gave in and accept I wont loose those few pounds, though it is true that I really dont need those dressier clothes anymore. What has made me open up and release things is that I have a friend that has come from another country with practically the clothes on her back that needs dressy clothes for work and is just the right size. It is such a pleasure to see her in my classic clothes, like seeing my younger self. I do admire you for doing the Konmari method, I have to do it a little at a time, too stressful 🤦🤦
Love this idea of purging more clothes❣️
I am totally doing this today! With Covid, I am working from home almost 100% and will be doing so for the near future - so I have completely changed what I need in a wardrobe- this could be an epoch purge! Thank you so much for your videos!
Glad to see you are back. 😊 Love your clothing items. I would happily wear most of them. And Ugh, I'm so jealous of those American style build in closets .
Wow I was surprised your closet was still as full as you said after I saw how great you did at sorting out what wasn’t working right now. I’m happy for you that your clothes will have breathing room and you will have such an easier time getting ready in the morning. Great job!
Yes, a LOT more breathing space in there. They're not all squashed together now. And it's definitely made getting ready in the morning so much easier.
I have felt this so much after having my daughter. There were clothes I still loved, but that no longer looked god on my postpartum body. It was harder letting them go because I did love them.
Oh my gosh. You have so many clothes!!! And how great that you have great closet space for them!
I would be so overwhelmed.
Yes, clothing is probably my biggest category of items. That's exactly why I broke it down into smaller sections, and spread it over 2 days. Well worth it in the end. 😁
Thank you for the stats - I always LOVE it when a declutter has hard numbers!
One of my biggest worries about losing 35lb this year was having to get a whole new wardrobe and getting rid of all my clothes that sparked joy (also the waste/ environmental aspect). That happened a bit, but less than I thought. also I have altered some clothes to make them smaller and bought some clips for the back of dresses/tops to hold them in.
Yes, getting things altered is a great option. 🙂
your tweak of the question is Very helpful!! Thank you for sharing the process.
I'm so glad it helped! Removing the clothes that no longer fit has made a huge difference to my daily life. 🙂
Great question! I tried on a few items that were bothering me and realised why they were. They fit all wrong! I'm scheduling a full try on when I'm feeling better and I'm glad I will now be going in a lot wiser. Thanks Laura 💐💐
Hurray! Here's to having a closet of clothes that actually fit and that we feel great in. 😁
I think the oldest thing in my wardrobe (other than true vintage- including a beautiful jacket of my mom's from the 1960s) is a velvet top my mom brought in 2001. We both loved it then so I used to borrow it from her occasionally. In the past 20 years it's passed between our wardrobes multiple times but it's currently with me. Might even be time for me to give it back to her for a bit! It came from a designer 'outlet' store so it's still in amazing condition.
I love your positive attitude! ❤️. Thank you!
My oldest item I have is a pair of converse trainers my mum took me to buy before I past my driving test in 1997. My best buy ever was a top, that was marked at 10p, but I managed to buy for 5p - it lasted 9 years - I miss that hoodie/hooded tank top (sleeves shortened as they got too frayed)
Gems!
Great decluttering video, inspirational, I am going to try this on a section of my wardrobe this weekend. The green jumper was gorgeous on you, I hope that was a keeper. Well done, Mary
Definitely a keeper. 🙂 Good luck with yours!
Most relatable Kon Mari inspired video I've seen in a while. Almost none of my pre-covid clothes fit me anymore but I still have hope some of them will in a while. But what you like looking at on a hanger and what you feel great in are different things sometimes and keeping only what fits on display is good for me too 😊 thanks for this video!
Beautiful end result! :) I think the Konmari method is great. When you look at western approaches to minimalism, they are almost always very fixated on a specific, extreme number, or about 'sacrifice' and 'practical' mindset. No sentimentality at all.
Konmari, as you said, is not about how much you get rid of, but how you feel about the items you keep. The whole 'spark joy' concept can also be applied to other areas of life, for example shopping. Because you learn the difference between 'this is new and interesting' and 'this truly sparks joy inside". And the idea of channeling love through the palms of your hands seem a bit strange - but it tends to make you take things more slowly, and enjoy the moment (so finding the joy in doing everyday chores)
YESSS to all of this! It's completely revolutionised my relationship to "stuff".
you have the most "happening" clothes compared to the other minimalist/declutter youtubers, and i love it 😁
I like a closet full of colour. 😉🌈
I had my eye on all the sparklies ✨!!
@@HowToGYSTyou definitely have some joyous clothes😁The clothes that spark the most joy for me I could probably fit one leg in😂but I can’t part with them (vintage\punky unusual pieces )so they are mostly under the bed.o
I wish I saw this BEFORE I did this in my closet! I still was able to get rid of about 50% of my clothing, but I still have WAYYY too much! Your points really would have helped me purge even more so it looks like I'll be doing another closet clean-out after the holidays ;)
PS- I still regularly wear jeans I got for my 16th birthday + I'm now twice that age,so 16yo jeans lol. I have shirts I wore in middle school + even though they still fit, I should probably do a better purge + finally let some things go bc my style is a bit more evolved from the tomboy skater girl I was in middle school.
If you wanna rock the tomboy skater look in your 30s, go for it! 😁 And hey, even if you want to redo, at least you only have half the amount of clothes to go through this time. 😉 Good luck!
30 years plus is my oldest top, from a trip to Ecuador. It still fits and looks good! Love your honesty and that you are down to earth!
Such a good video for reminding me to try everything on when decluttering my closet. Some of my items were "tried and true" in my mind, but not in reality. Now I feel much happier selecting outfits.
I struggle with this so much. My body shape has pretty much been the same since I was a teenager and some of my clothes I have had since then :/. It probably doesn’t help that I work in an office where there is no dress code so jeans and t-shirt is pretty much everyone’s work attire. I have a 15year old daughter and thinking it might be time to go through my wardrobe when I realised she wears more of my clothes than I do x
If you love them, there's nothing wrong with that. Some of my clothes have been in my closet since I was a teen too.
This is so funny, I was just watching “Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo” on Netflix and here you are talking about sparking joy!
While watching her series, I’ve noticed that Marie’s sense of styles are impeccable and of high quality! They look like simple, classic pieces but I could tell they’re very high end and functional and cute!
Rather than buying clothes just for the sake of buying clothes or filling up our closet; instead, we should invest in timeless and beautiful pieces that spark joy!
Did you watch her other show too, Tidying Up? That's also great if you haven't seen it. 🙂
@@HowToGYST yes, I watched that last year! It was a great series!
Thanks for being so real. It is definitely time consuming to try on everything but definitely helps. If you don't feel good in your clothes, get it out.
I still have my first leather jacket that I got myself back in high school around in 87-89
Letting GO is a mindset
that gets easier with practise
The closet is a great 👍 start
Cheers 🥂
Thank you so much! I related to every single thing you said and experience where your wardrobe is concerned. I have only done my jeans and my shorts so far and it certainly is informative and brings clarity and real stuff and issues to the surface. One of the things I realize is I don’t want to give up the hope that I will someday live a younger, thinner, more affluent lifestyle as I once lived years ago. I’m still not sure if it’s realistic or if I need to hold on to this hope because I really do believe great things and people are in my future, particularly a new spouse. Anyway, thank you for all your help and insights. God bless you ❤🎉❤😊
Great video, thanks for sharing.
I did this with my clothes after putting on lockdown weight. I've lost 2 stone so far and got my clothes back out to do the reverse you are doing now ...omg its a great feeling, its a great ego boost and mojo to carry on my weight lost journey but more importantly its like shopping and finding stuff I really love in my size...how often does that happen!!😆
Thank you for sharing. You are so relatable. I love that you try them on since I do enjoy that process, maybe a little much ☺️
One of the best decluttering video I've seen.
Thanks so much. 💖
Great work! I just have to say I'm blown away by the shear volume of clothing you have. Wow.
I just came across your video. You did a great job explaining this perspective of reviewing clothes. It's just what I needed right now. Thank you!
I love what you share with us. I first thought that ConMarie method was one and done. You are honest with us about sometimes you need to do it again 💕💕💕
I like this idea!!! I have a really minimal wardrobe, but there are a few things I like, but don't reach for when dressing. Although the items fit and look fine, they just don't spark joy when I have them on. I know this and I have not even put them on yet. Ahhh, I now have a task to do tomorrow!
I feel exactly the same after watching this. I have such a pared back wardrobe already but there are still items I never reach for. Need to go up and get rid of them already!
While I agree that trying on is better than not trying on... a tailor can work magic. One thing that works most of the time and should not be too much expensive if you go to a professional, is to make a skirt from a too small/too big dress that has a pleated or gathered skirt part. Especially since dresses often have special memories attached when you wore them to a nice event or so and maybe made of nice fabric. Taking in skirts and trousers with darts is also really easy, same thing for garments that have darts and are only a bit too tight. Woven blouses and shirts are generally easier to alter than knits.
Donated clothes often land on the landfill, so why not ask a altering tailor first, the fabric is already yours.
Sadly these are beyond that point. There isn't quite enough fabric there. 😉 But I've improved my diet and exercise routine recently so there's still hope! Not letting go of them just yet.
This is a great idea! I did this with my dresses recently and got rid of about half. I am definitely wearing my remaining dresses more.
Great video. I am now motivated to try on the clothes in my closet. I do have a lot of items that spark joy.
I loved your thick green turtleneck sweater.
Thank you. 😁 Break your closet down into sections like I did and you'll be amazed at how quickly you get through it. Best of luck!
I did this and I highly recommend it. Trying on everything is key! Do I like the idea of this dress or do I actually like it on me in my real life? I got rid of so many things I had been hanging onto for years.
If you're thinking about doing this, do it! It's highly effective. I got rid of probably half my clothes, but it was the half that was constantly in the way of me finding what I wanted to wear.
YESSS! 👏👏👏
One of my pajama tops is 25 years old. It's comfy and soft and I still wear it regularly 😼
I really need to do something like this with my wardrobe! I got all my autumn and winter stuff out today and realised how drab it all looks!
Perfect time to put a little sparkle back in your wardrobe. ✨
Past 20 years been rarely buying any clothes as not enjoy shopping. Now all my tops are mainly white due to all colourful ones are too out of colour under the hot sun (no 4 seasons here).... as such feel very sad to see them 'old' as the nice colour faded. To avoid this - must as well all same colour i.e. white, forever no colour faded.
Love to see you reduced all your clothes, so fast and good result. Thanks.
This is exactly what I’ve been struggling with for years and just get to stressed and overwhelmed trying to figure out how to decide. Thank you!
I did a major clothing purge this summer…even TShirts I held onto for years. I’ve not missed anything and have bought a few new things that are better for my life now. Feels so go to open my closet and dresser drawers now!
Ah, that's great! Well done!
This was so thorough and your voice is soothing.. this was a good one thanks! I love your green sweaters, always hunting for beautiful green pieces 😍
You can take the girl out of Ireland... 😉💚 Thank you!
This was so good! It is kind of obvious, but makes sense. I have a lot of things that spark joy, but don't look great. Time to clean out!
I love making these little tweaks and adjustments as I go, improving my process each time. Getting better and better! 😁
I declutter my closet every season by trying everything on that I haven't worn in a while. And, I have random days when I make a game of it to get rid of 30 things. It really works even when you think it's impossible. You find fun clothes that you forgot about and realize what you actually need to purchase.
Brilliant!
@@HowToGYST it's taken me many years to get to this level. Starting an eBay store since I had so much like new stuff. And, I still have too much, LOL! Not going for minimalism, just want what is used in my house.
In my neighborhood there's a church that hosts a clothing give-away each October and April. I've been decluttering seasonally before each give-away for several years now... great opportunity since our thrift stores don't generally take clothes at this point. More importantly - the seasonal declutters shine a light on what I haven't even touched since making a decision to keep the item a year prior. Quite insightful!
Agree that setting a numbers goal can be a rewarding challenge - I find, for example, if I say find 20 things to go, I often end up bumping the number up because we hit different levels of clarity with it all and it can become easier, and even fun to meet the challenge. Also agree that you really get to know what you have and what you may need.
Look at it from all angles - a very good point! My mother used to see people out and about and comment, does she have a mirror at home?!? 😁
I am so, so glad you added this twist on sparking joy. It completely changed my process and in many ways made this infinitely easier (we will ignore the part where I've gotten stuck in about six dress head holes). Many more clothes are now going into the donation bin!
I really need to do this.
I have a lot of clothes that I’ve had for over 20 years, and still wear (but most of those are now “art-ing/messy work clothes”…. (Which is what I wear almost all the time). But a lot of my clothes are now frayed, don’t fit well, are uncomfortable in some way, or are full of holes….. I really need to let go, and find some newer pieces, that are in good condition, and actually fit well.
I’m sorry to hear you had a sinus migraine from your process.
Thank you for this.
I’ve been challenged by the difference of being able to get things on my body and having them actually “fit” me.
I always try clothes on to decide if they stay in my regular rotation or go in my "spark joy, but to small at present box. "
Great that you also say this!
I basically have 7 pairs of tousers and 10 tops, a few string vests as undergarments and a few pullovers I use as my regular clothes, that makes life easy. Then my eg sport wear is additional to those. I don't need more, because nothing "sparks joy" because I don't like my overweight self at present.
So smart to try everything on before removing from your closet.
This was the first relatable clothes declutter I have watched. Thank you! #fullcloset #stillstrugglingtostart
I also have a lot of clothes in my closet. Even my mother has said that newer things don't fit in my closet. Some of the clothes are so old that I remember I sometimes wore them to school... that was 7+ years ago.
I folded the clothes nicely... years ago and I STILL have many clothes folded nicely that I haven't worn since