10+ Clothing Items You Must Toss Today

People often struggle to get rid of old clothing. Whether they’re sentimentally significant or you’re worried you’ll need them as soon as you throw it away, getting rid of old stuff can be hard. However, it’s clarifying, and refreshing, and allows more room for new or updated things, hopefully elevating your life. Interestingly there are several reasons for the struggle. Here’s a brief explanation and some items to get rid of asap.

Why It’s Hard to Get rid of Old clothes

Firstly, the most common reason for people to hold onto old clothing is because they feel guilty. The guilt of wasting money on something hardly worn, or the guilt of wasting a perfectly good article of clothing. Perhaps the item was gifted to them and there’s a sentimental attachment. Either way, holding onto it actually prolongs the unpleasant feelings and guilt. However, the money has already been spent and isn’t coming back so keeping those old items is a great way to perpetuate your guilt.

Instead, try donating old clothing if it’s still in good condition. As a result, you’ll feel better and more fulfilled. Meanwhile, you’ll make a positive contribution to someone else’s life.

Dress for Your Body Type Right Now

Another reason that people might hold onto old clothing for far too long is because of their weight. As we age, we go through weight and hormone fluctuations which means old clothing may no longer fit or look flattering. However, it’s not uncommon to hold onto the hope they’ll one day fit again. Sadly, this has a detrimental impact on your mental health. It creates negative feelings that reinforce depression regarding your weight and creates extra clutter which can cause a feeling of frustration or being overwhelmed.

Although there are many reasons for not letting go of old clothing, doing so can be freeing and have a positive effect on many aspects of your life. Here are 10 of the most common items found in closets that it’s time to let go of.

Letting Go of What Doesn’t Fit

As previously mentioned, one reason people hang onto old clothing is the hope that it might fit. Therefore, the first suggestion for old clothing to let go of is unsurprisingly, clothing that doesn’t fit. It’s not good for your mental health and takes up unnecessary space. Your confidence and closet will thank you.

2. Keeping Clothing “Just in Case”

The next suggested item to get rid of is anything that you have “just in case” of a special event or occasion. Often these go out of style and by the time you’re ready to wear them, you’ll likely be in the market for something more trendy.

3. Mismatched Clothing

This one probably doesn’t require much explanation but just in case, get rid of mismatched clothing because it doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing or professional. Rather it can look loud, messy, and poorly thought out. Instead, buy clothing in colors that compliment each other so you can mix and match your wardrobe without looking messy or too contrasting.

4. Clothing that You’re Tired of

While some pieces are timeless, if you’re unmotivated to wear them then it’s probably time to let them go. Fortunately, you can donate them so someone else can enjoy the outfit if they’re still in good condition.

5. Something that was a gift

It’s hard to let go of things that were given to us by people we love. It’s nice to be thought of and those items are reminders that people are thinking of us. However, precious moments are far more valuable and only take up space in our brains and hearts. As such, you can hold onto cherished relationships with memories rather than tangible items like clothing, which take up space and cause clutter.

6. Something from the past or future

While some styles come back around, holding onto things that you used to wear because you love them or think you might wear them in the future is another cause for clutter in closets and homes. Often, they sit in the back of our closets for months or years, becoming forgotten until it’s time to move. At this point, you’ll likely be looking to downsize to eliminate some hassle anyway.

7. Bridesmaids Dresses

Sadly, these are costly and generally only worn once. As a result, getting rid of old bridesmaids dresses can feel like a waste of money. Additionally, they represent big days for people we love. However, like gifted items, the relationships and moments spent together are far more valuable and meaningful than the dresses themselves.

8. Stretched Clothing

Over time, clothing becomes worn and stretched out. As a result, it no longer fits properly and is unflattering but getting rid of it will clear up space in your home and leave you feeling surprisingly refreshed.

9. Broken or uncomfortable clothing

Although it’s hard to let go of your favorite pieces, they can become worn down over time and are no longer useful. Therefore, if anything in your wardrobe is there “because you love it, even though you never wear it,” it’s probably time to let go. This also applies to shoes that are unbearably painful or clothing that is itchy or makes it hard to breathe.

10. Extra “Throw Away” Clothing

While some professions allow for the use of cheap, stained, or unpresentable clothing, like a painter, gardener, or teacher, in most cases you’ll feel better about your wardrobe if it’s not all “lazy day clothes.” T-shirts, comfortable yoga pants, and so on., are great to have around for unexpected messes or a day of lounging at home but consider adding some more sophisticated pieces to your wardrobe and reduce the “throw-away” outfits to 2-3 at most.

It’s time to refresh your wardrobe and get rid of old clothing, which is tough, especially when items hold sentimental significance. However, there’s some good news. Giving to others will not only free up space in your home but it will give you a sense of internal fulfillment and happiness. Here are some places to consider dropping off your old clothing.

Donate Old Clothing

If clothing, or linens, are in good shape, you can do a few things with them. Firstly, battered women’s shelters help women and children escape dangerous situations and many times, they have to leave their homes with little time to pack their belongings. As such, they have to start over, relying on the help of donations from the shelters. You’ll have to check with your local shelter to see what they accept and don’t but here are some generally accepted items:

• Luggage
• Professional Attire
• Warm Jackets and Gloves
• Blankets
• Pots and Pans
• Jeans
• Children’s Clothing and Accessories

Secondly, pet shelters can use old blankets and sweaters to warm animals in the winter, while mismatched, stained, or damaged clothing can be used as rags to clean up spills and messes or dry the animals off during the wet season.

Repurpose or Recycle Items in Poor Shape

Thirdly, damaged shoes, purses, accessories, or other items of clothing can be sent to some fashion brands to be repurposed. For instance, Madewell has a program, recycling old jeans for insulation for Habitat for Humanity.

Lastly, if you’re struggling to let go of the things that hold sentimental importance and are crafty, you can use them to create new pieces or make a quilt.