backward hanger

Backward Hanger Challenge-Closet Clean Out Begins

Closet

I have been doing the backward hanger challenge for almost two months now. I totally recommend doing this. It’s been a real eye opener. And the reality is I only wear a small portion of my clothes. For example:

  • Out of my 17 dresses, I currently only wear 2 on a regular basis.
  • Out of my 19 pair of shorts, I currently only wear 4 on a regular basis.
  • Out of my 28 pair of pants/jeans, I currently only wear 5 on a regular basis.

I counted a total of 34 items I normally wear on a rotating basis. Whaaaat..

That being said, my first goal is to condense to the following:

  • 5 pair of jeans (boyfriend, skinny/regular x2, cropped flare, around the house pair)
  • 1 pair of white jeans.
  • 1 pair of black jeans
  • 10 pairs of pants (other than jeans. Including nice pants, cargos, drawstring, khaki)
  • 7 pairs of shorts
  • 2 skirts
  • 10 everyday dresses

I was almost successful with this first goal. I did keep 3 extra pair of jeans (blue, white, and black). I’m happy to report I don’t miss a thing.

 

 

 

Backward Hanger Challenge

Closet

My closet goal is to have quality, not quantity. For me to love and feel good in every item I have hanging in my closet. I think I have probably given away at least 4 trash bags of clothes, shoes, and jewelry. My thought process is most of my things are decent and if I’m not going to wear them, someone else should.

In my quest for a perfectly curated closet, I have begun the backward hanger trick. Here’s how it works: Once you have worn an item of clothing, return that item to your closet, placing the item’s hanger backwards. This lets you know this item has been worn and cannot be worn again until all other hangers are backwards too (ideally). This will get me wearing the clothes I never wear, or forget to wear, and get me out of the clothes I always wear. It will show me which items I always reach for and what items I never touch. Trashbag #5…maybe.

I have been doing this challenge for almost two weeks now and it’s working for me. I have been wearing clothes I never put on for whatever reason. It takes a little bit more time because I can’t just go for my fave jeans and blouses, but I’m wearing  outfits I never knew I had.