Closet Therapy: Decluttering Your Way to Mental Clarity

The Power of Closet Therapy

Many of us overlook our closets as just storage spaces, but they can have a profound impact on our mental state and daily lives. Closet therapy, a concept developed by professional organizer Shenise Jours, bridges the gap between mental clutter and physical space. By decluttering and organizing our closets, we can transform not just our wardrobes, but our minds as well.

What is Closet Therapy?

Closet therapy involves examining the contents of your wardrobe and how they relate to your current self and future goals. It's about more than just tidying up - it's a process of self-reflection and letting go of items that no longer serve you. As Shenise explains:

"The closet is one of the most overlooked spaces in your home, but yet it's the most intimate and one of the most important spaces because it's where we go to hide our insecurities, it's where we go to hide the things we don't want people to see."

By facing the clutter in our closets, we can gain clarity in other areas of our lives as well. The process allows us to release attachments to our past selves and create space for who we are becoming.

The Benefits of Closet Detoxing

Detoxing your closet goes beyond just getting rid of old clothes. It's about curating a wardrobe that represents who you are now and supports your future goals. Some key benefits include:

• Reduced stress and cortisol levels
• Time savings when getting dressed
• Increased inspiration and confidence
• Clearer decision-making abilities
• Improved mental clarity overall

As Shenise notes, "When you have a cluttered mind sometimes your decision making is not clear." By organizing our closets, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in other areas of our lives.

How to Approach Closet Therapy

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of tackling your closet, here are some tips to get started:

Set Clear Intentions

Before diving in, take some time to reflect on your goals for the space. Do you want to simplify your wardrobe? Create more outfit options? Define your personal style? Having a clear intention will guide your decluttering process.

Create a Vision

Use tools like Pinterest to create a vision board for your ideal closet and style. This will inspire you and provide direction as you sort through items.

Start Small

Don't try to overhaul your entire closet in one day. Break it down into manageable chunks, like tackling one drawer or category of clothing at a time. Schedule these sessions in your calendar to stay accountable.

Ask Key Questions

As you evaluate each item, consider:

• Does this represent who I am now?
• Does it align with where I want to go?
• Is it high quality and worth keeping?
• Will I actually wear this again?

Let Go with Gratitude

When releasing items, thank them for their service and let them go guilt-free. Consider donating or consigning pieces in good condition.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Many people struggle with letting go of clothing for various reasons:

Sentimental Attachments

For items with sentimental value, consider taking a photo to preserve the memory without keeping the physical object. As Shenise advises, "The brain doesn't know the difference between what's real or what's false, so no matter if you're looking at the real object or you're looking at the photo, you're going to get the same emotion."

Financial Guilt

If you're hesitant to let go of expensive items you rarely wear, reframe it as an opportunity to recoup some of your investment through consignment. Use the funds to invest in pieces that better suit your current lifestyle.

"Just in Case" Mentality

Many of us keep clothes "just in case" we need them someday. Be honest with yourself about how likely those scenarios are. If you haven't worn something in over a year, it's probably safe to let it go.

Maintaining Your Organized Closet

Once you've detoxed your closet, maintaining the organization is key. Shenise recommends:

• Putting items back in their designated spots immediately after use
• Using drawer dividers and other organizational tools
• Doing regular "mini-edits" to prevent buildup of clutter
• Reassessing your wardrobe seasonally

Remember, closet organization is an ongoing process as you evolve and your lifestyle changes. Regular maintenance will keep your space - and your mind - clear and functional.

The Ripple Effect of Closet Therapy

The benefits of closet therapy extend far beyond just having a tidy wardrobe. By creating order in this intimate space, you set the tone for other areas of your life. As Shenise shares from her personal experience:

"I don't spend my Saturdays cleaning up like most people do, because I'm doing little things during the week. So I say just do little things - put it back where it came from."

This habit of mindfulness and intentionality can spread to other aspects of your daily routine, leading to increased productivity and reduced stress overall.

Closet Therapy as Self-Care

Ultimately, closet therapy is a form of self-care. It's about creating a space that supports and nurtures you, rather than drains your energy. By letting go of items that no longer serve you, you make room for growth and new possibilities.

Shenise emphasizes the importance of living life fully and not holding onto physical or mental clutter that holds you back. She shares a poignant story about her mother, who passed away before fulfilling many of her dreams:

"Don't keep holding on to the physical clutter or the mental clutter. Mental clutter holds you back from the things that you want to do."

By decluttering our closets - and by extension, our lives - we create space for new experiences, growth, and joy. It's a powerful reminder to live intentionally and make the most of each day.

Getting Started with Closet Therapy

If you're inspired to begin your own closet therapy journey, here are some steps to get started:

1. Set aside dedicated time for the process
2. Create a vision board for inspiration
3. Start with one small area, like a single drawer
4. Be honest with yourself about what you truly use and love
5. Consider enlisting a friend for support and honest feedback
6. Celebrate your progress along the way

Remember, the goal isn't perfection, but progress. Each item you mindfully choose to keep or let go of is a step towards a more intentional, organized life.

Closet therapy is more than just a trend - it's a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. By taking the time to declutter and organize this intimate space, you create ripple effects of positivity throughout your life. So why wait? Open that closet door and take the first step towards a clearer space and mind.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW4_9F2fdrM