Too Expensive to Declutter?

I’ve heard it said quite a number of times that an item of clothing is just “too expensive to declutter”. It’s no surprise that we can really feel the pinch when parting with unwanted items that we’ve spent quite a bit of money on. Suchlike items include outfits that we’ve purchased for formal events like weddings or what we’ll call “investment items” – costly handbags, jewellery or other wearable items that we bought in the belief that they would serve us indefinitely.

So, I thought I’d thrash out some of my thinking behind the options when faced with this kind of dilemma.

1. Sell it  It can be fun making money out of your unwanted items and many people are really skilled in this area. Diligently taking photos of the items and wording the online ads, they enjoy the thrill of the sale. For some, however, the prospect of selling unwanted items is an unfathomable and unnecessary chore in the decluttering process. Even though we might have fond memories of our expensive items and we believe that others should covet and respect them, the reality is that dressy items in particular can look quite dated in a short time, quickly depreciating in value. High street clothing tends to lose 75% of its value within just a year, and a more expensive accessory or piece of clothing or jewellery will retain its appeal depending only on the specifics of the item and the brand. Many online sites are flooded with items that are unwanted – not just by the seller but by the prospective buyer, too. Selling online takes time and patience, and as your clutter is moved from one spot in your home to another, gathering dust while it waits to sell, it can defeat the purpose of decluttering in the first place.
2. Give it  Passing on expensive items to friends and family is a lovely gesture, especially when you know they’ve had their eye on the item for a while. Those close to us may flinch at the thought of us parting with our expensive items and may want the item by default. However, expensive doesn’t always equate to currently desirable, well-fitting and flattering, so consider whether the item will instead become their clutter.
3. Donate it  Giving your unwanted items to charity is always a positive and selfless act, and this is why I enjoy incorporating “Donate to charity” into the ethos of National Declutter Day. Regardless of how much money the charity makes from your unwanted item, this feel-good experience ultimately benefits yourself as well as others who have less.
4. Restyle it  Depending on the item, it may be worthwhile getting it refitted or restyled. If you feel the style is no longer suitable or relevant but you love the fabric you might like to exercise your creativity and get the item remade into unique and meaningful household object like a toy or soft furnishing.
5. Keep it  Assuming the expensive item no longer fits you, flatters you or makes you feel good for any reason, why would you really want to keep it? Taking up valuable space in your wardrobe, every time you look at the item it’s probably making you feel guilty for no longer wearing it and for the money you feel you wasted on it. I believe if we truly want to feel free in life that it’s imperative we become aware of this guilt and take the right kind of action to overcome this senseless and stunting emotion. Helping people to understand and release on guilt and other negative decluttering feelings is the foundation to my work and if you need help with this please have a look here at how I can help.

Too Expensive to Declutter?