Recently, I wrote about how we need to clean out our cupboards, refrigerators, freezers, and spice racks and keep only those food items within date. Well, we also need to take time to clean out our clothes closets!

Although this post is not necessarily “nutrition” focused, I think it’s important to clean out those items that no longer fit you. Sometimes, keeping those items that no longer fit (are too small) can be a negative reinforcement that we are no longer that size, and may actually make us feel worse about ourselves.

Yes, I too am guilty of the “clothes saving”. I have kept sweaters that are too big for me for the “if I get pregnant I’ll wear that” times. And I still have jeans for the “if I lose weight again I’ll be able to fit in them” days. However, even if I were to lose those 10 pounds and fit in the pants I used to wear, that could potentially be a year from now, and would those clothes still be in style?

So, take time this week to go through your closet (don’t forget to go through the shoes, underwear drawer, and coat closet!) and get rid of items.

My Criteria For Ditching the Clothes

1. I haven’t worn it in over a year
2. I haven’t fit in it in over a year
3. It’s been out of style for YEARS or I just don’t like it!
4. I have a similar item (for example, another black shirt) that looks better on me and is in better condition
5. I am embarrassed to wear it around my friends when going out, even though it fits
6. It is no longer in good condition.

What to do with the clothes you toss?

• See if it has an alternate use. Can it be used for working around the house or doing yard work (and still be OK to run to Home Depot or Lowes in)? Can it be something you can sleep in (i.e., a tank top that is a bit too short; a t-shirt that is a bit too big)?
• If it’s still in style and does not fit you, see if a friend/family member would look good in it/appreciate it.
• Donate it! Give it to GoodWill or the Salvation Army. I am positive that someone will be thankful for your donation (and it’s tax-deductible).
• If it’s in poor condition or it’s seen better days, get rid of it! If it’s a t-shirt, think about using it as a houserag (would it be good to wax the car with?). Otherwise, it’s time to say goodbye to it!

However, it may be OK to save some absolute favorite items that you hope to fit in again if they are still in style. If you save a few things, this may be an incentive to lose weight. But give yourself a limit–after all, one of the rewards to getting to your goal weight could be a whole new wardrobe! And isn’t clothes shopping fun when you love your body?

_{Photo by S5hiara}