We're Traveling! Clothing Fresh Start
You may have read, my husband and I are building a house! This means we will be moving to Maine sometime next year. In the meantime we’re going Airbnb hopping! Starting in August we will be renting out our Massachusetts home and headed to our first stop, Chicago. We plan to be on the road through March 2021 and then rent a place near our construction site until the Maine home is complete.
This means we have about two months to pack up our current home and prepare for a somewhat transient lifestyle. I will take you along for the ride!
During our travels most of our belongings will stay in storage. We will travel with our pup (of course), comfort items, and essentials such as clothing and toiletries. Most of our travel “stuff” will be clothes, so I am addressing that first.
I am trying to transform my clothing collection. As we slowly emerge from our homes into a more vaccinated world, I’m guessing many of you are doing the same. Perhaps you changed clothing size; perhaps your lifestyle has changed; whatever your reasons may be, here are things to keep in mind as you define your ideal wardrobe.
A. Define your style.
How do you like to FEEL in your clothes? Such as: powerful, comfortable, formal, trendy, etc.
What MATERIALS do you gravitate towards? Soft cottons, drape-y jersey, fitted spandex blend, etc.
What FEATURES do you like?: Buttons, zippers, sleeve types, mesh, etc.
What COLORS do you feel best in?
B. What is your lifestyle?
Think about how many hours a week you spend doing different activities, and what clothing those activities require.
Some examples:
a. Formal: event, business, etc.
b. Casual: business, everyday, active, etc.
c. Workout: running, training, yoga, etc.
With this information in mind, edit your clothing and follow the organizing process that works for you. Donate, sell, etc. your unwanted clothing. (Fill out this handy document I made and keep it nearby while you edit.)
If you have read my blogs before you know I care deeply about consuming consciously to have minimal impact on the planet, and so that you live a life surrounded by only items that you need, use, and love. Therefore if you are going to buy new clothes think about the ethical and environmental impact of the clothing companies you are supporting.
In general, try to steer clear of “fast fashion” companies such as H&M, Zara, and Fashion Nova and invest in quality over quantity. I must say, if fast fashion companies are more suited to your style or budget, that’s okay, just try to get good use out of your products. For example, Old Navy tank tops are a workout go-to for me, so I wear them to threads. Here is a great list of ethical clothing companies. I am currently creating a chart on “green” clothing companies. Stay tuned!