Sharing the Love: Why You Should Clean Out Your Closet
Moving to and from university I’ve realised how many things I’ve collected over the years. All the ornaments, photos, trinkets and gifts from people I’ve known and places I’ve been have all accumulated and ended up in multiple boxes, stashed in my garage. However, one of the places that I’ve managed to collect the most things is my wardrobe. I had a big sort out the other day and realised, I have 36 pairs of shoes. That sounds pretty huge doesn’t it? But, sit and think for few moments about how many pairs you have (sports shoes and slippers included)…. when I asked my close friends they said their number was about the same. Think of Sex and the City; although instead of revealing past lovers, we’re revealing shoe purchases. You know you’ve done nothing wrong, but yet you feel a little guilty admitting your ‘number’.
Anyhow, the point of this article is to discuss how this hoarding of fashion items is no good for me, or for anyone. I calculated that if each of my pairs of shoes is now worth around $10 in a second hand sale, then if I donated a few pairs to charity I could easily raise $100 just like that. The same goes for my jackets, t-shirts, dresses and purses. Although I may be a penniless student, if clothes were currency, I’d be giving the Kardashians a run for their money. Literally.
We are all guilty of keeping items of clothing or accessories that we will never, ever wear or use again. This not only clogs up our personal space, but contributes to us looking into our wardrobes and just seeing a sea of ‘useless’ clothing, and buying more pieces because we feel we have nothing to wear. Having a sort out of our wardrobes makes us really realise what great clothes we have, and makes us appreciate those pieces we’d long forgotten. Furthermore, the pieces we feel we can finally get rid of can go to charity to help them raise money for a great cause, or be sold at a thrift store or online (see Threadflip.com, etsy.com and ebay.com) and help us make a little extra cash. This way, your clothes are loved for longer – whether by you or another, you’ll learn to appreciate your wardrobe more, and you could help support a good cause.
So, before you head back to college, or perhaps begin your first year, set aside a few hours to have a proper sort out of your clothes, shoes and accessories and learn how to share the love. Fashionably.
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