Spring Cleaning for a Wanna-be Minimalist

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Hello my lovely Goodwill friends! Happy (almost) spring! I’ve been working this week on a closet clean out. I’m finding myself in such a qualm. There’s this part of me that loves to believe I would be a great minimalist; but then I read all these minimalist bloggers, and watch a few minimalist closet videos…and…I just can’t. Because the part of me that loves color and fashion and art says to faux minimalist me, “This just isn’t working out…”

HOWEVER – I do think there are some valuable lessons to be learned from the minimalist closet approach that can really help fashion lovers enjoy their closet, but not be overwhelmed by collecting too many things.

Pick Your Wardrobe Staples

Find a few quality essentials that can become the staples of your wardrobe. For me these are: a dark denim pair of GAP jeans, and light denim pair of American Eagle jeans, a khaki pair of skinny jeans, a black pencil skirt, and a black pair of dress slacks. And you guys…every single one of these things, I’ve found from Goodwill. They are some of my favorite pieces that I wear every week. Whatever your staples are, try to find things that are neutral color so they can mix and match easily with lots of colors, fit you really well, and are comfortable.

Get Organized

Keep your closet neat and easy to navigate. Sort all of your clothes in a way that makes the most sense for how you get dressed in the morning. Color grouping makes me happy, so I separate all of my clothes by type, then color. Try to really put some brain power into the flow of your closet and the space that you get ready in. DO get rid of things that are just taking up space (donate them to Goodwill!) and try to make the space feel as open and organized as possible.

Set Limits

When you go to clean out your closet (which you should do in full force at least once a year), give yourself a realistic number of each type of clothing before you start cleaning. For example, “I wear t-shirts 50% of the week, so I think 6 t-shirts is a good number for me to try to stay at.” Then try to get rid of excess from there. You will end up with a well-thought out, organized wardrobe that you will look forward to wearing.

Try Something New

Ok – my last piece of advice, is this: DO allow yourself the chance to change and try new things! Fashion should be an expression of who you are, so don’t stay stuck in the same place! As you grow and change, get rid of the old, and recreate your wardrobe to fit your personality. That’s one of the reasons I love Goodwill so much. It doesn’t cost me every last penny to try something new or add a new piece to my closet. So be bold my friends! Clean with confidence, donate with gladness, and reinvent with joy! Catch you next month!

by Michelle Loss

Michelle is a Goodwill guest contributor, writing monthly fashion articles and modeling her thrifted finds. In addition, she is a local TV personality and former Miss Kansas. She also has her own YouTube channel, Chic on the Cheap. As a third generation thrifter, Michelle grew up shopping at Goodwill. She loves finding deals on clothes and accessories for her family of six or upcycling home decor items.