When was the last time you cleaned or arranged your wardrobe? A famous proverb says: “Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today.” Too often in life, we procrastinate over tiny chores that get done in a few minutes.
I had a plan to rearrange my clothes and accessories a month ago, but I kept telling myself that I can do it any time of the year.
Even though my wardrobe isn’t extremely messy and I’m not in the habit of throwing clothes around the room, every morning, the sight of colourful hangers and mismatched outfits resting in the wardrobe made my heart ache. I had all the time in the world, but I was too lazy.
So, last weekend, I reserved an afternoon to scan my wardrobe, and decided to spend a few hours editing and purging.
Step one: I took a deep breath.
Step two: I removed all the clothes and let the wardrobe breathe for a few minutes. Next, I swept the wardrobe and began to remove all colourful hangers – I hated them. I’ve bought dozens of black plastic hangers and prefer using only one type to make it look more systemised.
Then I began the real editing process. I split my clothes into two categories. One was monthly wear; the other was yearly wear. I packed all the yearly attire into a bag and, soon, I’ll hand them to a needy family.
I like all of my clothes, as the majority are new, but giving away the best clothes instils joy and happiness in me. Usually we donate what we don’t like. Charity is to give the best of what you have, not what’s left over, I believe.
The majority of people that I know go shopping every month and get new clothes and accessories. Even though they have the means to buy whatever they want, when it comes to giving away their best clothes, shoes or abayas, they think twice. I’m guilty of this, too. “I will need it sooner or later,” I think.
The fashion industry is always changing. Weekly, we see new collections in our favourite shops. Some people don’t wait for a special occasion – they just spend excessively on more clothes and shoes. Often, they end up not wearing them or forgetting about their existence.
After three hours of cleaning, I felt physically and mentally better, as though a great burden was lifted from my shoulders. Now, when I open my wardrobe, the mere sight of it makes me smile. From now on, I’ll make a habit of cleaning my wardrobe at least once every three months and give away clothes when I buy new ones.
Some household chores are boring, but I entertained myself while detoxing my wardrobe. And a bonus of this is rediscovering lost items. An organised closet leads to an organised life.
aalhameli@thenational.ae
Asmaa Al Hameli is a features writer for The National.
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