Sept. 28
We’re all busy, but
this is still the perfect time of year to follow the example of trees and shed
that which has outlived its usefulness.
For me, that starts
with decluttering my life as much as possible. Spring may be the traditional
time for house cleaning, but somehow, fall always seems like a more logical
time to go through your closets and sort out what you want to keep and are
ready to part with.
There’s something about
back-to-school season, even if it’s practical to wear summer clothes for a few
more months, that always makes me want to take a look at my wardrobe,
reconsider colors and accessories and decide if this is the year I finally want
to give up those last size 7s I’ve been clinging hopefully to, for too many
years.
The argument that
clothes I’ve loved are now out of style never is very successful for me. I’ve
lived long enough to know that everything eventually comes back in style,
albeit with a slightly different twist, sometimes. And most of us get more
confident with age and experience about defining our own style, issuing
ourselves artistic license to transcend conventions (or sometimes even saying
to heck with the whole concept.
Still, I realize that
there are some things in my wardrobe that I will never have the occasion or
inclination to wear again. Cute, very high heels for instance. Things that were
uncomfortable and restrictive, even when I had a 22-inch waist and was young
and dumb enough to buy into the suffering-for-beauty notion. Colors that I love
on the hanger but that make me look like an elderly green creature from the
black lagoon.
My friend Marilyn, a
retired librarian who shares my nostalgia for the classics, recently shared an
excellent suggestion.
“Take pictures of
things you love but no longer wear or use, then give them away,” Marilyn
advised.
Wonderful. You can have
your memories and share things you love, too.
Another friend, years
ago, suggested making notes about possessions that friends and family members
admire. Then wrap and give them away for birthday or holiday gifts. I started
doing that with holiday decorations years ago and now feel inclined to extend
the concept to clothing, household accessories, art, books, kitchen gadgets and
even furniture and appliances.
I don’t think I’d
qualify as a hoarder, but after 15 years in the same place, I’m amazed at how
that once-seemingly infinite closet space has filled up.
I think most of us long
for a more minimalistic Zen decor as we grow older. We’d rather have less to
dust and clean, more elbow room in our life, less to trip over, less to
maintain.
And yes, more to share.
My fall resolution is
to eventually go through ever cabinet, room and closet and clear the decks.
I’m gradually devising
a system. Things to pass on to friends and family members. Things to throw out
(I’m. continually astonished to find out how much is in this category, which I
have been tempted to stack in boxes labeled, “WHAT was I thinking??” Things to
give away to good causes. I think we all
have our favorites and there are a lot of places in town that will appreciate
your gently worn and new and never-used clothing and household goods.
One of the things that
spurs me to soldier on when I’d rather not, is thinking about the kids that are
helped by charities like Jardín de los Niños and Tutti Bambini (two cute
boutiques that I always enjoy shopping at after I’ve brought in my goodies, an
inexpensive reward for my virtuous cleaning).
You can also, of
course, get receipts and tax deductions for everything from those new sheets
and comforters that never looked right in your bedroom to art and jewelry.
It’s great for
everyone. Someone else will be delighted with something that is surplus or
unused in your life. People and organizations that need help will benefit. And
you’ll experience the very real joy of giving, freedom from caring for items
you don’t need and the time and space for new adventures.
S.
Derrickson Moore may be reached at dmoore@lcsun-news, @DerricksonMoore on
Twitter and Tout, or call 575-541-5450.
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