I cleaned out my closet & dresser on Saturday. I went through everything including underwear, bras and socks (I usually skip them!) It shouldn’t have been that big of a deal but it was. I was pretty emotional at times and it was hard for me to get rid of some of the clothes.
I was trying to figure out why while I was doing it. At one point I actually had tears running down my face. That’s when I figured it out. I was attached to these clothes because they were from my before life. My life before Munchkin and The Man, back when I worked full time and was single. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I have now what I wanted then. I think back nostalgically about when I did work full time, got to wear cute clothes, made a decent salary, and spent it on whatever I wanted. I also had nice clothing then. Most of it was from Ann Taylor Loft. Clothing from Talbots, New York & Co., and Gap also made appearances.
I was also holding onto the clothes because like most women, I want to lose weight and fit into them again. If I’m completely honest, there’s a very good chance I’ll never fit into them again. I’m working with being ok with that. I’d rather have my flabby belly and stretch marks as a result of having a baby instead of not having them and not having a baby. As I was thinking about my weight, I realized that I’m down 20 lbs from where I was right before I got pregnant and 30 lbs down from my heaviest pregnancy weight. That’s not too bad! 
At the end of the day, I had 9 bags of clothes and shoes to bring to Goodwill. It’s insane that I had that much clothing. What do I need that much clothing for? I could have clothed several families in the developing world!
I did keep one bin of some of my favorite clothes. I kept the items I had tailored for me in Viet Nam and my favorite skirts and pants along with a few tops. In the bin is my favorite pair of jeans and capris just in case I’m ever that small again. If I do lose the weight, I now have a good reason to go shopping!
How often do you clean out your closet?
I totally get this! it is such an odd feeling to see parts of your old self be completely done. I wouldn't judge your body (or its shape) at ALL until you are done nursing. My body hangs on to 15-20 lbs until the baby weans....then I have to work like crazy to lose the rest. Give yourself time. :)
ReplyDeleteI cleaned out my closet for the first time in 5 years this spring....I had just been keeping everything since I was back to back to back to back pregnant, and my size varied greatly. Now I'm down to a minimal closet - but at least it all fits! :)
www.whitney-navybeans.blogspot.com
I actually have a bin of clothes that I should get rid of but haven't because I attach memories to the clothes. So I get it. As for cleaning out my closet I try to do it 1-2 times a year. But I haven't done it in a while so I need to do it again soon.
ReplyDeleteI need to clean out my closet again. I thought I purged pretty well before our PCS but after going through my drawers recently with the change in the weather I realize there are quite a few things I should toss out. Then again, several items that I KNOW need to be gone I have the hardest time because I'm emotionally attached to them -- like certain sweatshirts from High School.
ReplyDeleteI just wroteabot this on my blog at thejonesesblog.com. I have a strict list of items of clothing I need inmy closet, becauseI have tendency to go shopping when I am sad. No shopping if I dont need to replace something! I purge a lotof things after I had my first baby though
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