Simplifying Your Wardrobe

One of the basic pillars of minimalism is to make do with what you have. You may have a lot of clothes but have nothing to warm you during the cold months because you don't have enough blankets or comforters. If only you know you can make a blanket or comforter using your old clothes, you can save up on a few dollars on that new comforter or blanket. No, it doesn't have to look like a rag. It can actually be prettier and have more character than a store-bought blanket or comforter. My sewing skills are so limited, and connecting squares by hand sewing is all I was able to do. But it feels so good to use it because I know I put effort and time on it and I got a smooth lining underneath. You can make a very pretty one because you may have more sewing and creative skills than me.

So, now that you have decluttered your closet. This is an example of what you can do with all those excess clothes you no longer want? Here are other ways.

1. Sell your clothes.

You can do a yard sale where you can sell your clothes cheap to attract buyers. Or you can hire a good seller who has a target market to do it for you and share the proceeds.

2. Give

I remember giving clothes which my daughter has outgrown to my niece and she jumped with joy. Now, that is priceless.

3. Repurpose

• Upcycle. Create and altogether new clothes
• Scrunchies
• Tote bag
• String Bags
• Rags
• Pot Holder
• Summer clothes - Just remove the long sleeves to make it into a sleeveless, or tank top
• Home clothes
• Face mask
• Puppy shirt
• Stuffed toy

Clothing line like H&M accepts old clothes for recycling. At least you will have peace of mind that it didnt go into the landfill. The fast fashion brands are trying to be more environmentally responsible and you can contribute by visiting their store and dropping old clothes in one of their boxes. You can even get a discount on your next purchase.

4. Make a Quilted Comforter

And like I mentioned above, you will find your artistic side and crafty self in the process of doing this. A simple way would be to cut out squares and sewing them together. It can be hand-sewn, there is no rush here. Place the colors you find go well together to make an attractive display of colors and prints.

Another useful guide to minimalism is focusing on what to keep and not what to discard. So now you can focus on what you have left. They should be what you will wear very often, easily mix and match, looks flattering on you, give comfort during summer and warmth during cold months and of course, fits you perfectly.

In my 20s and 30s, I set out to prove I'm successful by accumulating more things. Oh boy, was I going in the wrong direction! I bought organizers and storage furniture for my stuff but I never seem to arrive at my desired outcome. And I realized just as Marie Kondo taught us that I should only keep those that spark joy. Every piece I own should be special and valuable for me. But how can I treasure it if there's a ton of it that I cannot pay attention to each.

Before it was an endless striving to level up, to buy the next more expensive items to prove self-worth and self-image. It was exhausting. There was no contentment.

Of course, as human being we always want to grow, to expand and have the thrill of something new. But not at the expense of us being on debt and living a wasteful life.

I am still in the process of wearing out all the clothes that I still enjoy wearing, looks good on me, fits me well and comfortable. But I would want to trim them down even further. It gives me a lighter feeling and having those that I truly love and goes well with each other and flatters me most.

But now, I feel more gratitude for the clothes I have because I use all of them and so they serve their purpose.

Perhaps during cold months, you dont have pants to warm you in the cold weather but endless collection of shorts. Perhaps you need a cap, a belt to complete you wardrobe but instead have tons of tops that took forever to match with anything. Being able to open your wardrobe and seeing them working harmoniously together like a symphony must be awesome. I'm not yet there, but I'm working on it.