This weekend I finally, finally managed to do what I’d been putting off for weeks -I threw out our old clothes. It wasn’t simply a case of chucking out stuff I hadn’t worn for ages, otherwise I’d have done it ages ago. For some reason I’d convinced myself that I/we needed this stuff.
How did I do it? Me, a hoarder supreme, well since you’re asking…
1) I chose the right time
For me being that little bit knackered, such as after a 10k run (Race for Life) helps. It means I’m in a no nonsense mood and am less likely to feel sentimental. If you are feeling emotionally knackered that’s a different story. I wouldn’t recommend chucking out things just after a split/divorce/bereavement.
2) I gave myself a time limit
I told myself I had just one hour to sort out the pile at the end of our bed. It worked, I set the timer on my iPhone and set to work. An hour and three black biner liner full of old clothes and underwear later. Result.
3) I had a end result in sight
There’s a chance we may be moving, but that’s a way off. I realised that Cancer Research the NSPCC and our local council recycling clothing charity needed these things more than I did.
4) I gave myself a reward
Tough tasks deserve the prospect of a treat at the end. Mine was an eyebrow shape and dye, which I’ve booked with Benefit in Spitalfields (nr Liverpool St) but a glass of wine or a bar of Green & Blacks probably would have done too.
Next – tackling my tax return, will let you know how I get on…
