DEAR HARRIETTE: I have at least three sizes of clothes in my closet that represent the range of weights that I have carried over the years. My weight has gone up and down, which is why I have kept some of the clothes. But now it’s getting ridiculous. I don’t have room for the clothes that fit and that I want to wear because of the closets full of clothes that fit a smaller me. I’m worried that if I do eventually lose, I won’t have clothing to fit my smaller body. Should I hold on to some of the smaller ones? -- Outdated Wardrobe
DEAR OUTDATED WARDROBE: If you were to take a poll of women in your family, neighborhood, social clubs, house of worship -- anywhere -- chances are, you would find many women who have nearly identical stories. Closets swelling with clothes that don’t fit is a common scenario. And yet, it usually means that people are hoarding these belongings with the hope that one day they will be able to wear them again, though that day rarely comes.
You should go through your clothes, and anything that you have not worn in the past year or so should be tossed. You can give the clothing to friends and family, charity or elsewhere, but get it out of your house. If you want to hold on to one or two treasured items, go for it. But the lion’s share of items should leave your home. This will free up your space for you to live in the moment, without clutter. If and when the day arrives that you do lose weight, you will want something new to wear anyway!