Important Questions

I often get questions about closets because organizing closets is one of my very favorite things. Let's imagine a typical question.

Question: I have tons of clothing in my closet, but nothing to wear. How do I know what to get rid of?

Answer: There are some important questions to ask as you put away your winter duds and pull out your springy ones.

Many people suggest asking, "Have I worn this in the past year," but that's too stringent for me. Such people have not spent the last six years having babies and chemotherapy. They do not understand a figure's ebb and flow.

I suggest the following questions instead.

1. Even if this item fit me perfectly, would I wear it?

2. Should a person my age wear this item?

3. Do I like it?

If you answered NO to those questions, let it go.

Similarly, if you answer YES to these next questions, it's time to toss.

4. Is it stained?

5. Is it unmendably ripped?

6. Is the fabric pilled?

7. Is it hopelessly faded?

8. Have you always hated the way it fits but held on to it out of hope?

9. Has it lost its shape?

10. Does it look OLD, and not in a good way?