This is called the Women’s Closet Syndrome: no matter how many clothes a woman has it seems like there is always a “need” for one more outfit. The Bible agrees in Ecclesiastes 1:8 “All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing….” Do you know out of a woman’s full closet she may wear only 50% of the outfits on a regular basis?

I like to recline after a long day at work to a well organised bedroom. I find serenity in a neat bedroom clear of clutter and with inviting clean linen crisp bed sheets. But this is not always the case. You come home dead beat during the week and things pile on the floor or on your desk always with a promise to pick up after yourself tomorrow. Whether it’s your spouse or yourself who is the culprit, before long you won’t be able to stand the chaos and you will need to do a major clean up.

As I walk into my closet to pull out the next day’s outfit for work, I realize I am due for shopping as I don’t have anything to wear. My husband would strongly disagree with me, as he looks through the full closet almost bursting in its seams. This is called the Women’s Closet Syndrome. No matter how many clothes a woman has it seems like there is a “need” for one more outfit. The Bible agrees in Ecclesiastes 1:8 “All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing….” Do you know out of a woman’s full closet she may wear only 50% of the outfits on a regular basis?

As you clean your closet this spring, be methodical and start by sorting your clothes into three piles as follows:

• The Give Away Pile: In this pile put any outfits that you see are still in a good condition and that someone else can still use. This maybe clothes you have had for a long time either because they don’t fit anymore but you keep hoping one day they will. You can give these to either friends or donate to charitable organisations.
• The throw Away Pile: In this pile it is anything that is basically at the end of its life span but you have continually kept for sentimental reasons- like your childhood Mickey Mouse pyjama. It’s time to part with it.
• The Keep Pile: This is that 50% of your wardrobe that you still wear on a regular basis.

Once you have established your keep pile, now is the time to re-arrange your closet. I always arrange my closet according to colours and starting with small outfits and the front and large items such us pants and long skirts at the far end. Make sure you leave one or two free hangers. Your most used everyday clothes should be easily accessed and rotated weekly in your closet, so that they wear out evenly. Make a habit to always fold clothes straight from the laundry you will skip ironing and always have a clean closet.

Being content with what you have will not only save you money but also clutter. How many of us buy on impulse only to fill our closets. As we clean our closets, let us clean our spending habits by being content and enjoying what we already have. Remember fashion is recycling of old trends!

You will be amazed how less suddenly is better!