Closet Conundrum: Intervention

August 2nd, 2012 admin

I recently came across a client who was desperately in need of a closet intervention.
She was a full-time mother, part-time freelancer and moderate hoarder. She hadnʼt
cleaned out her closet in years. Iʼm talking clothing from her college and subsequent
clubbing days, work clothes from an office job she held in her mid twenties, maternity
clothes, post-baby body clothes and more polyester than anyone should ever own.

Part of the problem was that she had the space and didnʼt realize that the closet clutter
was the symptom of a bigger problem. She was having new mom anxiety, hadnʼt totally
accepted this new stage in her life and was clinging to the memories of parties past.
After some deliberation, I decided to approach the situation in a diplomatically firm
manner. Three hours of sorting later, we were able to cut down her clutter by 80%. She
had a large pile for donation, a smaller pile for consignment and a healthy assortment of
current clothing. She was such a good sport and mid-way through the process really got
into it. We got rid of so many skeletons in her closet and she felt invigorated. Her
emotional and physical load was lifted.

When discussing which items she should save for her daughter, I gave her very clear
advice. Keep only items that are great quality. Designer ready to wear, leather goods,
natural fabrics and items that are in really great condition are appropriate. Most
importantly – no matter how sentimental – do not keep the polyester halter top with the
mystery stain that you wore back in your heyday. Odds are you wonʼt want your
daughter dressing like that anyway.