Spring Cleaning your Closet | South Africa

You need your space. And no, we’re not talking the relationship kind. Turns out the modern-day antithesis to joy is probably clutter, and that’s all due to our ever cumulative condition of stuff.  With spring making its annual debut, the timing is ideal for undertaking the grand cleaning venture of ’17, and what better place to reconsider the necessities than our closets. 

There is no Litmus test when it comes to deciding what stays and what gets the proverbial boot, but it does come down to one simple (albeit loaded) question- Do I really need this? And, If your voice automatically shifted into a higher than usual pitch while reading that out loud, the answer is almost usually no. No, you probably don’t need those 50 shades of grey sweaters, or that Christmas knit you kept for the irony. 

In order to circumvent the risk of losing half your life in goods to an over-zealous purge awakening, let’s opt for a logical approach. In other words, leave your feelings at the bedroom door and no one gets hurt. 

First things first, start your purge early. Put aside a Saturday morning, load up on pancakes and put on a pre-meditated mix of fun, energy inducing jams. Then break it up into sections, from tops to bottoms, by season or occasion, maybe by colour if you’re an absolute savage at organisation.  

Say Goodbye to: 

One hit (fashion) wonders

The Rick Astley’s/ Never Gonna Give You Up, of your closet; there may have been a time for it once, but all that’s left is a cringe when you eventually cross paths during the date-night wardrobe raid. We’re talking OTT club dresses, the distance yourself from drop-crotch trousers, uncomfortable jelly shoes, unflattering bubble skirts. Those forgettable fedoras, misguided multi-tiered gypsy skirts, the bedazzled Ed Hardy Tee’s… but that’s enough flashback to a time of compromised style in the name of trends. 

The good, the bad and the unflattering

It’s time to call this one sided relationship quits, because those poorly designed, ill-fitting trousers don’t love you. The how and the why isn’t important, you’ve tried them on in numerous ways, but even carefully placed down-lighting couldn’t get you to work out your differences. Whether it’s the shoddy material, unskilled tailoring or the fact your body has changed, there’s little chance of them making a comeback without robbing you of your confidence.  

Change is good

You’re older, therefore wiser and maybe, just maybe a little more resolute about your personal style. Like the shift in seasons, our closet favourites are prone to change, and what was once your “thing”, might not be a good indicator of who you are at present. For some it’s a utilitarian shift toward minimalism in the pursuit of effortless living, for others it’s adding detail and using their clothing to reflect a creative and bold personality. No matter your reasoning, a good cleanse to get rid of things you haven’t worn in 12 months or more, is also as good as a holiday. 

Sentimental Shmentimental

It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the nostalgia of an old boyfriend’s university sweater or that familiar hand-me down Tee, tattered and torn. What about the purple nylon jacket you bought at a vintage store with a spirited “CAN WORK” attitude, but have never actually worked, because you just aren’t Prince enough. Once you conclude that these are mere objects that take up space, they’re easy to give up. 

Damaged goods

Neglected PU jackets that have started to peel, tarnished bags and broken heels, bra’s that have lost a strap, shoes that have got a flap; these are a few of my favourite things (to throwaway). Damaged garments stay at the back of your closet in the hopes that you might one day get them fixed or proactively break out the needlework box, that’s actually still a cookie tin because you’re not there yet. But some things don’t need fixing, because some things are not needed. 

What to Keep: 

Tailored to perfection

On the list of universally loved things are; Ice-cream, movie popcorn and a pair of pants that look like they were made to worship your butt. In no particular order of course. Yes, there are beloved garments that find a special place in our hearts and wardrobes based on how good we look in them, it’s shameless, but if it makes you feel like a million bitcoin, it stays. 

The Classics

It’s a keeper if it has a timeless silhouette, is well made and only gets better with age. This classic garment trifecta holds the key to fine dressing. Giving away your coveted Burberry style trench coat because a newer, shinier aesthetic has made its way onto Instagram post after Instagram post is, well, something you’ll come to regret once the detective genre is back in.

Fashion is cyclical, so not everything that was, will never be again. Those bell bottoms that you’ve been saving will likely make their return on the back of another ‘70s style revival. Which is why we recommend not throwing just about everything out because it isn’t in right now. 

But wait, there’s more…

Seasonal Shifting

Once you’ve decided on the bare knit-cessities, pack those and all your winter-weight clothing away for the warm season ahead, whether in a suitcase or merely out of sight. That way they won’t take up space and obscure your view, making your summer outfit selection as streamlined as possible.  

Change or Charity

Make a quick buck by reselling your never-worn and barely loved garments, for one man’s trash is another man’s trending. And if you’re looking to relieve your closet while doing some good, consider the charitable approach and donate them to the less fortunate. Challenge your mates to do the same and you’ve just earned yourself a small fortune in good karma. 

List of possible charities for donation: 

Cape Town: 

Salvation Army Thrift Shop |Open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings Donations accepted directly at the shop. 94 Main Road,  Mowbray  (0)21 638 551

St Luke’s Hospice: More than ten charity shops are available to collect unwanted clothing in the Western Cape. 248 Blaauwberg Road, Tableview  (0)21 557 8054 www.stlukes.co.za

Johannesburg: 

Hope Charity Shop | Cnr 2nd Avenue and Main Road, Melville (Behind Bill Craig), Johannesburg Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 5pm.

SAINTs Animal Charity Shop| Shop 22, Northriding Square, Bellirs Drive, Northriding |082 259 0905 www.saintscharityshop.co.za

Durban: 

Nazareth House Durban Charity Shop|Any donations are welcome to be dropped off from 8am – 7pm| 031 261 2207  

Humana Second Hand|Richmond Road/Suprise Rd, Pinetown – or call for collection |031-7019280

Now that you’re armed with the basics and ready to expel the unnecessary, it’s worth remembering that apart from the extra wardrobe space and tidy closet (mum would be proud), a routine purge is good for the soul. A clear space makes for a clear mind, and ultimately, a happier, more productive you. 

Read more on how to Spring clean your life in 10 east Steps

References

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-spring-clean-your-closet-2647957

http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/spring-closet-cleaning-14-ideas-from-professional-organizers/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-new-you/201504/the-psychology-spring-cleaning