Saving Beyond Value
I’m not a hoarder, but I am a saver. I save all sorts of things, many of which I cannot remember why I saved them. Sometimes I don’t even remember what they are. Some I keep for decades, like the boxes of VCR tapes I saved so long they’re no good anymore (unless you have a cultural icon museum).
Saving things is fine if I still like them, but if they are just a physical representation of a long-lost memory, it may be time to invoke early Marie Kondo, a master of saving only what you love.
I like to break my purges into chunks—divide and conquer has become one of my favorite strategies—and clean up one room or even a single drawer at a time. It feels surprisingly good, which is why I wonder why I still struggle to do it. Yet after every trip to St. Vincent de Paul I feel lighter, and definitely worthy of some ice cream.
Even if you don’t love something anymore, someone else might. I find it easier to get
rid of “perfectly good things!” if I know someone else can use them.
There are websites like Buy Nothing, OfferUp, and FreeCycle as well as local organizations where you can shed things that you no longer want or need.
SWAP ‘TIL YOU DROP
One fun way to pass along clothing you no longer love (or, er, fit) is a clothing swap. The concept is simple: Everyone brings bags of clean, good condition clothing and shoes that they no longer wear. The host usually sets up mirrors and a makeshift changing room, items are sorted by type, and the fun begins. The goal is to see your no-longer-cherished items go to folks who love them, and to find a few amazing finds yourself (but fewer than you brought). Whatever isn’t taken is donated to a worthy charity.
Search for “Clothing Swap” in your area on Facebook, NextDoor, or your favorite search engine. Or if you’re up for it, why not host your own? Even a few friends of similar size and fashion sense can have a great time without it being a big to-do. For inspiration, check out hints and upcoming events from the OG queen of clothing swaps, Suzanne Agasi, at clothingswap.com.
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