Thursday, September 1, 2011

Enough or Too Much

As I've entered the last month of my no-shopping challenge, I've been thinking about how one can determine how much is enough or how much is too much, especially when it comes to clothing.  Here are a few rules of thumb I've come up with:


1) 80% of your clothes are too much.  Most people only wear 20% of what they own.
2) Anything hidden in an attic or basement that isn't part of your regular seasonal rotation.
3) Anything you have stored in an off-site storage facility.  If you've had to move it out of your house and are paying a monthly fee to store it, it's too much.
4) Any piece of clothing that you've owned for some time and still has the tags on it.  Face it, you will never wear that item.
5) Anything that isn't used at least once a year.  This applies mainly to holiday items such as punch bowls, turkey platters, Christmas trees, etc.


I think by following these rules, you'll be well on your way to decluttering your life and enjoying what you own.

3 comments:

Shona~ LALA dex press said...

Ok, broke more no-shopping rules, but that is only because I was back home and the thrift shopping is waaaaay better. Plus we got a cold snap and I've been able to wear many of the fall pieces I just bought. Actually, one sweater I tried on in a shop late winter, but even on sale it was more than I wanted to spend. Score! found it at Goodwill for $5.99.

Basically, the no-shopping goal went out the window several weeks ago.

Cherie said...

Shona, I don't blame you for taking advantage of thrift shops when you have a good opportunity. I've worked hard to avoid temptation. The shopping here isn't very good and when I've been out of town, I just haven't gone to any stores. Can't believe the challenge is almost over!

Shona~ LALA dex press said...

I know, just a couple weeks and it's fall! This seemed to daunting in the beginning, 3 MONTHS! Remember how the original plan was for a month? Now it's officially concluding, but as you and I know, this wasn't a time limited challenge.

My parents are planning a trip here in spring and my dad said he wanted to take me around to antiques stores and buy things for the house for me. I have to tell you that I love all the space to breathe (thinking of you with that one). My friend was sitting on my new couch and commenting on how open the house felt with so much less furniture and stuff.

OK, this comment was long enough that it should have been an e-mail instead. Have a wonderful day.