There was once a time when I did not realise the importance of taking inventory of what I had, and throwing out what was no longer needed. I would find myself in a space surrounded by a lot of things, not remembering when I acquired them and when last, I had used them. These ‘things’ would occupy much needed space for the new ‘things’ that came with growing up. I guess growing up without a silver spoon can box you in a mindset of constant need, that you begin to hoard a lot of unnecessary things. But you reach a stage in your life, when you are able to afford additional things like better cosmetics and skin care products, the clothes of your choice, make-up, technological devises like Bluetooth speakers and laptops and for some, gym equipment. You may even pick up a new hobby or take interest in something that leads you to acquiring more things, like starting a YouTube channel, a podcast, taking up a sport, making music, or building on that business idea which has lived rent free in your mind for the longest time. Then you begin to realise that the space around you needs de-cluttering, to create space for what is important now.
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We may have been exposed to this practice when we were forced to participate in the annual spring-cleaning session in our households, when our parents would instruct us to wash the curtains, scrub every corner of the house, clean every furniture piece, and even the bedding got a thorough clean. And if your household was anything like mine, this may have included throwing out things like schoolbooks from ten years ago, earphones and chargers that no longer worked, and toys from childhood which were never disposed. Some people even get rid of anything that doesn’t add colour to their living space. And after this cleaning session, there is a revived sense of pride for your living space, that you may feel compelled to purchase an art piece to hang on an empty wall or buy a rug that would add colour to your room. All this becomes important as one goes through different phases in life. But how often do you clear out your wardrobe?
I can recall moments when I was thinking about an outfit to wear, only to discover that the garment no longer fits well. And if I am being honest with myself, I subconsciously knew that it no longer fits well, but did nothing about that fact. And what about the shoes where the soles have disconnected from the rest of the shoe, but somehow still occupy a space in your wardrobe. It just makes no sense to keep such items which are no longer in use. So, I began to take inventory of my wardrobe at least once a year, where I would try on items that have not been worn in a long time and decided whether it will stay or needed to be thrown out. And honestly, this was a good decision. Not only did I get rid of garments that did not fit well, but I also got into the habit of sending clothes to tailors to get patch work done, and created space in my wardrobe for anything new that was bought. I am now able to visualise what I have in my wardrobe and replace what is no longer needed. And another advantage is that the clothes that are still in good condition can be given to people who would appreciate it. The outfit I have on now is due to de-cluttering my wardrobe. Seven years ago, I purchased a much beloved Denim Jacket which served me well. But over time, the colour faded, the collar began to tear, and it no longer looked appealing. So, I cleared it out, and replaced it with this Denim Trucker Jacket and paired it with my Leopard Print Scarf, Skinny Jeans and Nude Pumps with a Gold Buckle detail. I did the same with my Birkenstock style sandals which had a worn out sole and replaced it with a new pair of Birkenstock sandals (I am a like-for-like kinda girl). So, consider giving away those garments that are no longer worn and throwing out clothes that cannot be worn, making space for what you need at this present time.
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akoss.
You always see these shows called Hoarders and think wow how does it get to that point, when really we all can be hoarders just at different levels. What you said is also so true that you grow up hard and get used to having to save and not use that you end up not getting rid of what you don't need when it's time. I also occasionally try to get rid of stuff to make space for the new. The outfit looks good on you ✨