Sorting My Stuff Out

Thanks to Sarah Briton for sharing this insight into the power of three!

Twice a year an event occurs in my house, it’s not a date set in the calendar, but happens religously and comes with it’s very own dilemma. I think others might do this too (assumption there, obviously, don’t please ask me for data). 

The Wardrobe Swaparound

So … at some point when Winter turns to Spring  … and again when Autumn gets a bit chillier … I do the Wardrobe Swaparound. For the former those clothes best suited for colder days are packed away and the Spring and Summer ‘collection’ come out.  Then later in the year the reverse happens.

 What never fails to surprise me on both occasions are the number of things I pack away that I have hardly (if ever) worn as well as the number of things I get out that I don’t remember owning. Year on year I seem to persuade myself that they will all ‘come in handy’ and need to be kept.  However keeping them means they are just sitting there, not being used, until … who knows !

Three is a magic number

Now, I have a favourite number … it’s three … a number that has lots going for it … yes, it is a magic number (go on … look up the entry for three in Wikipedia) but there’s something special about it in the context of clothing.

 In Ye Olden Days When I Was A Girl it was considered sufficient if you had three of any item. 

This meant one was being worn, one was in the wash and the third was waiting, nice and clean, in a cupboard. 
Somewhere between being a girl and an old woman the bug of ‘More-Clothes-Than-You-Need-itis’ struck and I succumbed. 
Of course in later years most items were sourced from Charity Shops (or Chazzas as my youngest affectionately calls them).  There is barely a scrap in the wardrobe that hasn’t been pre-loved but they are all still just sitting there.

Not now though !  This year I’m playing The Game Of Three.  I’ve only taken out of winter storage three of anything (OK I may have created a few sub categories …. three long sleeved t-shirts, 3 roll neck ones … you get the idea). The rest has been packed away and put in the loft.  If I find I need to get something else out I can, but if I don’t  … the bags are straight back to the Chazza. Simples !

If this story resonates with you feel free to join in!

Two top tips to choose your three

• Get everything out and sort into categories (all jumpers together, all shirts together etc.) - It’s easier to tackle one category at a time; doing it all together may feel overwhelming and we don’t want you to give up!

• Ask yourself the right question:

  • Does it fit?**

  • Is it damaged, stained or needing repairs?**

  • Do you feel good in it? Is it comfortable?

  • Do you look good in it? Do the colour and style flatter you? (you may find it easier to have a friend advice you on this one)

  • When was the last time you wore it?

  • Would you be happy wearing it for the rest of the day?

  ** Give yourself a deadline to fit into it or to get it mended - be ruthless if you don’t meet your goal.

  If you’ve never mended clothing and need some advise come along to Make and Mend - details here
  

  Simple!!