Destashing tips needed

[foreUT]

My DH is in negotiations for a new job in Florida so we are looking at a possible move from Wisconsin. Destashing is a way of life for us right now. I took 9 trips to Goodwill this week and I am sure there will be more. We have given away tons of stuff to family too. At first it was really difficult to let go of some things but now it has become a sort of cleansing feeling. It's kind of freeing to get rid of so much unused stuff.

Even more than getting "space", I think this is the important part of de-cluttering for me. BTW, great comments; it is amazing that even after doing this for months and recently finding the de-stashing thread here on the Budget Board, there are still wonderful posters providing even more insightful and helpful posts. For me, I started in the smallest closet and expanded. Just having small victories seem to encourage me to get rid of even more. I felt like my basement was an impossible task, but started with a shelving system on one end and moved forward (only laundry there, no rec room or finished space.)

 

[dsneprincess]

I need to get in on this. I am trying, but I am with the pp that EVERYTHING needs to be moved/destashed/organized & put back away. Somedays are better than others. I have gotten the clothes under control, until the kids sizes change again (& they are almost there!) & the worst kitchen junk drawer done, but it is the tip of the iceberg. I started reading the 2012 destashing thread, but felt guilty, so went & started cleaning figuring I will jump in on the 2013 one. I have a bunch of stuff set to go to Goodwill; hopeful to find more before I take next weekend.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

Another of my friends wanted to keep all of her old clothing, in fantastic condition, until she could diet and fit in it again. I would not suggest this.

Our bodies change and shift as we get older. We can weigh the exact same size, and those pants will still not zip up, and the butt will be baggy and not look good.

I'm not sure what age all of this "shifting," begins, but I would say after age 40 do not keep clothes to "diet in to," for more than a couple of years.

Another thought about clothes, at the end of the season look at each piece of clothing. Why did you NOT wear it? (Itchy, doesn't go with anything else, weird color on me, pulls under the armpits.......) and now the kicker, "But I paid MONEY for that, so I should keep it!"

Think about that. The money is gone, but you want to punish yourself and squish your clothes that do fit? OUT! Or take it to the resale shop.

(And trust me on that won't fit in a couple of years thing. I am the queen of dieting and your body does shift with age.)