4 Simple Questions to Help You Declutter Your Wardrobe

Once your closet is organized by categories, then you have some important decisions to make. At this point, you need to decide what stays, and what can go.

Sorting and eliminating is not just a practical step to make your closet look nice or to organize it so you can see and access what is there. Purging your closet of items that no longer serve you has psychological and motivational benefits in all areas of your life.

Jack Canfield, one of my favorite personal development experts says: “If there’s anything new that you want in your life, you’ve got to make room for it.”

How can you create space for new speaking opportunities if your closet is jam packed with stuff you don’t need or use? What are you holding onto that’s holding you back?

Letting go of old items isn’t always easy, so use these 4 simple questions to help you declutter your wardrobe.

Question 1: Is it seasonal?

Take out any seasonal items and store them in another place, like under your bed in a bin or in another closet in your home. You need to see what’s available for you to wear now, not months down the road when the weather changes.

Question 2: Does it flatter you?

Does your item compliment your coloring, body shape and bone structure? Does it reflect your current personal style and make you feel happy and beautiful? Does it fit well and is it flattering to your body?

If it fits, is in your best colors and you love it, but something does not look or feel quite right, then altering the item could be a good option for you. But be careful – alternations can be expensive and not worth the hassle. If the item hits the above criteria and it’s a quick fix like a missing button or broken zipper, then go for it. If it doesn’t fit, then it is not worth the extra hassle, so donating or consigning is a good step.

Another note; if you’ve gained or lost a few pounds over the years and have multiple sizes in your closet, own the size that fits you now. I know this may seem hard if you tend to fluctuate up or down sizes, so make sure that you keep only the core items that are worthy of holding space in your closet. Otherwise, release the old and make way for the new! My thought is if you meet a new weight goal, you are going to want to have new things to show off that new physique of yours!

Question 3: Is it trash?

Let’s face it, that old pair of sweatpants from college with the chocolate blob on the thigh, the rock concert t­shirt from 2008, underarm stains or pilled items aren’t anything you want to hand off to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Some items need to be disposed of and put in the trash, promptly.

Question 4: Is it current?

How long have you had that jacket or dress in your wardrobe? When was the last time you wore it? Sometimes we hold on to items in our closet way past their expiration dates.

For example, even workout clothes follow trends. Right now, the current look is snug, colorful leggings or capri tights. However, not long ago, everyone was wearing solid colored flare yoga pants. I was in the gym the other day, and there was only one woman in the room wearing the flare yoga pants. She stuck out like a sore thumb. Even though

we were there just to workout, she appeared outdated and out of style. You never know when you might meet someone that could be your next client or connection to a speaking gig, so your look being current and looking like you care is important.

The same is true for the stage. If you’re still wearing stocky shoulder pads from the 1980s, your audience will view you as someone who isn’t current, who doesn’t keep up with the times and doesn’t have relevant information for today’s world.

Your wardrobe says a lot about you. You want to be powerful, dynamic and confident when you step on stage or in front of a room. You also want to show up in a style that is reflective of your true and authentic self. Do you have old clothes that perhaps represented a previous version of you? Start clearing out the clutter so that you can create space for your perfect speak-­to­-sell wardrobe and start attracting the clients and gigs you dream about!