Whenever I look upon the sea of clothing in my closet, I always wonder: Why on earth do I make so many unnecessary purchases? If you’re anything like me, buyer’s remorse sets in quickly. Luckily, I have a cure: an annual springtime closet checkup. Do things my way and you can complete the whole process on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Step 1. Empty your closet. Then separate your wardrobe into groups: skirts, pants, trousers, shirts, suits, dresses and outerwear.
Step 2. Rate each garment from one to 10. Award up to five points based on how much you love the piece, and another five based on how often you wear it. This lets you keep clothes you love but save for special occasions and older items you wear to the gym.
Step 3. Collect everything that earned a rating of four or less and get rid of it. Now that you’ve made those tough decisions, what should you do with the clothes? Give them to one of these three organizations.
Diabetes Canada. This nationwide charity offers a declutter program. Gather up your donation- ready clothing and small household items (toys, kitchenware, home decor), and they’ll pick everything up from your home. The organization sells your clothing — in large part, to Value Village — and uses the cash to support diabetes research, education and health services.
- To arrange a pickup: Call 1-800-505-5525 or book online.
Dress Your Best and Dress For Success. These sister programs operate out of the same location and support men and women who need work-appropriate apparel for job interviews and long-term employment. They accept new and gently used pieces.
- Where to donate: The Walmer Centre, 188 Lowther Ave., Third Floor.
- Hours: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Common Sort. You can sell spare clothes to vintage or consignment stores. Common Sort has three locations — Parkdale, Riverside and the Annex — and they pay you cash or store credit for your wares. But they only buy clothes they can resell, so bring your best castaways.
- Locations: 800 Queen St. E., 444 Bloor St. W. and 1414 Queen St. W.
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Raquiya Austin runs her own entertainment-law practice. She writes about style on her blog, Strictly Legal Fashionista, and for both Precedent and PrecedentJD.
This story is from our Spring 2018 Issue.
Illustration by Alina Skyson