Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff

by Dana K. White

I’m going to use the office wardrobe as an example. Please know I am aware your unique dream-clutter issue may be completely different and much more significant than an office wardrobe. But if an office wardrobe is your unique issue, also know that I understand how much that wardrobe once represented your identity and how difficult giving up that identity, either voluntarily or by force, can be.

I wrote memories of why the outfit, dress, or suit meant something to me on pieces of paper, along with a comment to the future owner. Pinned it to the tag or placed inside a pocket and donated them to a charity that helped women dress and prepare for interviews. This made letting go of the items easier and more meaningful. Notes included comments like - “My first interview dress. I got the job and loved it. Wishing you the same success!”

START THE BIG PURGE TODAY The only real way to change your view of clutter is to declutter. The only way to break through that paralyzing feeling of being overwhelmed is to declutter. The only way to not be intimidated by the boxes and piles and closets full of stuff is to declutter.

I did a quick online search and found a few charities that would accept donations that spoke to me: Salvation Army, Lupus Foundation, ARC which resells items and put the funds towards cancer research, Suited for Change helps women dress and prepare for interviews, etc. Knowing my donations could help others made decluttering and adding items to my donation boxes all the easier.