I’m not the OP, but I’ve been doing the same thing (I am eyeing retirement in about six years). I’ve long been a purger, but I’m also a buyer, so am trying to be more mindful about purchases as I look to the next stage of my life. In terms of what I do with the items I purge, I find they wind up in a couple of different bins, if you will. I use a consignment store for clothing (Lilly Pulitzer, lululemon, Theory, Vince and other higher end labels). I donate brands my consignment store won’t take, plus clothing and shoes from DH and DD and household items, old tech, etc., to a coupe of favorite charities that pick up in my neighborhood. I’ve sold a number of fine jewelry pieces I no longer wear, or that were given to me by my mom when she was cleaning out after divorcing my dad (many were not my style); note this was for the gold, rather than for the stores to turn are and resell. Finally, I have a handful of friends and family who I’ve passed some pieces on to, items they’ve long admired, or that I believe are their style. My niece, who moved to our area, is just starting out, so she’s loving some of the work-appropriate items I’ve passed to her, like a Theory blazer, several Vince tanks and sweaters, and a Cole Haan wool winter coat. We’re close enough in size that my tops, jackets and outerwear work for her, and many accessories are size agnostic. She’s so thrilled to have the pieces and I’m thankful that someone I know is getting great use out of them! It somehow makes me feel better about purging them from my closet.I am interested to know more. As you look at your things now, which ones feel easiest to let go? Which ones do you feel like keeping? Are there anyone your life that you are consider giving or gifting some items to? Please share more
On topic for this thread, I attempted a low-buy year in 2023 and failed miserably. I did OK in January, but it quickly went downhill after that. So no more drastic declarations! Instead I want to be more mindful about what I purchase, making sure as best I can that items will be closer to forever pieces. We’ll see how that goes in 2024…
