Hi Neighbor!

Everyone knows that fall means yardwork. At my house, fall clean-up will be inside work as well as outside. Along with having the yard’s fallen leaves raked, I’m spending time inside my closet, clearing out old clothes.

I looked carefully and realized that I wear the same clothes over and over again. What else was filling up the racks? I took out each item individually and found tops I’ve had for 10 years or more. I know how long I’ve had them because they’re my daughter’s well-cared-for high school discards. I kept them in my closet because I thought I’d wear them. But I didn’t.

It’s amazing that they fit. But just because they fit me, doesn’t mean they’re a fit for my current age. They’re in good condition but it’s been challenging to let go of these emotionally charged and memory filled reminders of my now idealized younger Mommy days.

I’ll say goodbye during an upcoming trip to a local thrift store, remembering Marie Kondo’s directive to thank them for clothing my daughter and for reminding me of her living at home. I hope they’ll make someone else happy. It’s also good to know that they won’t end up in a landfill which would be disrespectful on every level.

The donation bags will also include several shirts I bought that looked great in the store but I just don’t like wearing. They are one wear away from being brand new, making them perfect candidates for re-homing. And they don’t have any heart string tugging significance so they’re easy to let go. I’m hoping a new owner will wear them more than the one time I did.

I’ve found lots of places to find new homes for clothes (CHECK OUT THE LIST HERE) that also support charities. I’m more motivated to clear out closets knowing it helps others, making this fall chore joyful and easier than raking leaves.

Bagging up and letting go,
Jane
If you have any Thrift Shop additions we did not include please let us know in the comments section!