How simplifying my wardrobe helped me simplify my calendar
How many times have you thought to yourself, you have nothing to wear, when in fact the opposite is probably true … you have too much in your wardrobe which makes it hard to see what’s really there.
A simple wardrobe can be achieved by asking yourself some thoughtful questions before you get started. You’ve probably all heard the famous decluttering question, “Does it spark joy”, but in my opinion, it’s not a particularly helpful question when trying to declutter a wardrobe, especially if you happen to love eveything that’s in it.
Five things to consider before you declutter your wardrobe …
Season of Life - What is my current season of life? What clothes do I need for that? eg Have I reduced the number of days in the office, so that I can reduce the number work clothes I need?
Temporary Season - Am I in a temporary season of life? and how does that affect my wardrobe? eg. I’m living overseas in a colder climate, therefore I need large winter coats for now, but I’m happy to part with them when I return home
Values regarding types of fabric - What are my values around what my clothes are made of? eg. if I want only natural breathable fibres for my outer wear, knowing that can help me let go of some or all of the synthetic options I currently own
Special Instructions - How do I feel about hand washing clothes or having them drycleaned? If I decide I don’t want to spend time or money on special cleaning, then it will be easier to let go of those kinds of items during the declutter phase
Colours - What colours suit me best? A Personal Colour Analysis can identify my best colours and is a simple and effective way to help choose which clothes to keep (colours that will have me looking and feeling my best) and which to let go (the colours that don’t).
These are just some starting questions and I’m sure you can come up with some of your own.
Thinking through your values before you start your declutter session, will help it be quicker and more successful because you have a pre-thought framework to refer back to when you get stuck or hit a road block, so you will be less likely to give up because of decision fatigue.
You could also keep your framework in mind when you are shopping, so that you can stop the cycle - don’t spend money on items that do not align with your values.
As I was thinking about clothes and wardrobes, and how boundaries/frameworks keep my wardrobe manageable, it occurred to me that the same idea can be applied to simplify my calendar.
I can take the time to think through what’s most important to me before I commit to events or activities ensuring a higher chance my schedule will not get overloaded or cluttered as I seek to only include events that will align with my vision for a simpler life.
That’s how I went from simplifying my wardrobe to simplifying my calendar!
Why don’t you give it a try?