How to Clean Out Your Closet for 2011

People have created goals for the 2011 New Year with high hopes of changing their lives but what about making space in your closet? I know that sounds funny but for many fashionistas there comes a time when your closet is piled with fashionable clothing and shoes that go way back; I mean way back. Are there pieces that you've had for years and never worn? For example, what about the shoes you wore to your family reunion which was held eleven years ago? If you're still holding on to pieces that have collected huge dust bunnies perhaps it's time to do some purging.

Wrong Sizes

We've all kept jeans from ten years ago with the guarantee to get back into them some day but some day can lead to years. During that time you may have gained weight or had kids which has changed your body's shape even after losing the baby weight. Hanging on to clothes for the memory is a waste of precious closet space and can be an emotional downer.

Reminding yourself each day that you were once a size two isn't healthy. If you really mean to get back into those sizes then save the smaller sizes for no more than twelve weeks. This is long enough to see a change in your body if you plan to work out and eat correctly. You may be on the other spectrum, though. Clothes that are too big aren't any better than fashionable clothes that are too small. Grab one piece at a time and say "Goodbye size 18!"

Old Trends

Joan Collins' shoulder padded blazers during the1980's Dynasty era was a trend no one could get away from. The look was powerful. It gave women hulking shoulders and narrowed their waistlines but the trends have moved away from that. If that jacket is still hanging in your closet and hasn't been worn in ages; it's time to place it in a bag for Goodwill.

This also works for must have trends that you soon after realized wasn't flattering. Are you debating because you spent a lot of money? If that's the case, take the items to a consignment shop or sell them on E-bay. Either way; if you don't like the look or fit you're most likely not going to change your mind in six months.

The Big Debate

Don't have that inner fight with yourself as you're standing in front of your clothes and digesting which pieces should be donated. If you wait for a split second and think "maybe" or " I might " you can end up keeping pieces you don't wear. It's in this moment of doubt that the pleather catsuit you wore when you were 19 seems salvageable. Grab the skin tight lycra/cotton zipper-in-the-back pants with authority and slam it into the donation box.

Source: Me