It’s January, you’re stuck at home and it’s cold and dark, so you might as well take advantage of the situation and have a bedroom clear-out. Now is the time to get rid of anything you don’t want or use. Most charity shops will take everything from clothes, linens, shoes and bags, to toiletries and household goods.
A lot of charity shops also recycle items that are damaged, so if you’re donating stained clothing or linens, or shoes that are no longer wearable, then put them in a separate bag and let the charity workers know that those items are for recycling.
If you’re a bit of a hoarder like me, and you struggle to let things go, here are some questions I use to help me declutter.
Have I worn it/used it in the last year?
That top I bought in the sale that doesn’t go with anything else in my wardrobe? Time to say goodbye. (Will I learn my lesson and think about what I’ll wear it with, next time I spot something lovely? I live in hope!) If I haven’t worn something in the last year (and it’s not a wedding dress), then I can safely assume I won’t wear it in the coming year.
There’s usually a reason why we don’t end up wearing something so this time-test is a good measure of what to cull. It also works for toiletries. I’m sure I’m not the only person who has been gifted skincare sets that aren’t for my skin type, or fragrance that I don’t like. Charity shops are the perfect place to donate items like these to. Someone out there loves that perfume and by donating to charity shops you’re helping them raise money for people who need it in your community.
Would I buy this for myself now?
That cardigan that’s looking a little ratty around the cuffs? Into the charity shop bag with you. If the quality of the item isn’t close to what it was when you bought it then consider donating it. Take a good close look at your clothes and ask yourself would you part with cash for the item now? If not, then pop those items into the charity shop bag. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool tend to be better quality than man-made fibres so carefully check your synthetic fibre clothing for any snags, balling or tears.
Style is always evolving. Photo: Chuttersnap/unsplash
Is this still my style?
Style is an evolving thing. We can be influenced by latest trends, street fashion, celebrities, art, and more. If your style has changed in the last twelve months you might need to remove the pieces that fitted your previous aesthetic. Change and growth is a wonderful thing, and by taking out your old clothes and accessories you leave space for the pieces that fit your new look.
Does wearing this make me feel good?
This is possibly the most important of the culling questions for me. If you don’t feel good wearing something, be it trousers, a scarf, a pair of earrings or a pair of shoes – then why wear it? Fashion is supposed to tell the world who you are, and to make you feel good while wearing it. If an item is failing at making you feel confident and happy, then give it away.
l If you want to get in touch to ask anything fashion/beauty related – you’ll find me @TarynDeVere on all social media platforms
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)