A couple of months ago, as I was trying to close a sale, something that I can’t get off my mind happened. I was trying to sell these two gorgeous, limited Chanel runway pieces to my client Ronnie. Successfully, I was able to persuade her to buy the same bag but in two different colors. Both were pretty exclusive, and in my opinion, she needed them both.
However, during negotiations, she hinted to me that she was trying to purge and edit her closet. I think I swiftly reacted with an internal dialog of “what the fuck”; but, externally, expressed a politer version of, “don’t be silly, you gotta have it.” In hindsight, I wasn’t computing what she really wanted, or clearly deciphering the philosophical aspect of what really was happening. She wanted one of the items NOT both—and, perhaps, moral support for decluttering not just her closet, but also her own life.
Our tango of sorts was solely engineered by the tension of my passion and performance going head-to-head with her gut desire to start cleansing. In retrospect, I wasn’t able to see through the philosophical lens, but rather, only transact an incredulous state of shock. I was flooded with thoughts, such as “how dare she not buy more” or “cant she purge another time?”
As I look back, I admire her truth. I recall not selling as much to her after that point because she held firmly with her position and desire. Now more than ever, I can relate to this topic of decluttering on so many levels as I have started to act on it in my own life. I am not just talking about the trivial aspect of cleaning my room, but also cleaning and reorganizing my mind.
Part of this process has led me back to therapy. It is important for me to understand the why behind my behaviors and assess if they are in alignment with my own moral compass. The same thing can be said for tips to declutter.
I am getting rid of items I haven’t worn in the past year or two, things that were a one-hit-wonder, and/or items lying around that are collecting dust and not being used.
Before you start to throw everything away (which most certainly is not the purpose of decluttering), consider the following:
Are you starting in the right place of operation? Meaning, are you starting within yourself to declutter your own mess before you get to the piles of debris lying in your room, living room, office, or wherever?
Pause and take inventory. Stop and address the issues of “clutter,” acknowledge what doesn’t serve you, and court what does.
Make amends, and insert more attributes that create joy and not wasteful disarray.
I am a collector of fashion, but I’m reminded of the intention behind my cumulative ways... It’s my passion and it brings me joy! However, even I can get carried away and this year I truly have been purging, not only my physical space around me but also my own personal vessel. I am getting rid of items I haven’t worn in the past year or two, things that were a one-hit-wonder, and/or items lying around that are collecting dust and not being used.
Simultaneously, I am purging my own system. I am eliminating harmful indulgences or nasty habits that overall drain me or are not beneficial to my well-being. I encourage you to do the same. Be patient with yourself and the process. IT IS A PROCESS. Don’t beat yourself up for having arrived to where you are with your consumption, materialism, clutter, unhealthy habits of whatever nature, etc. Just be aware and act on it little by little.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither were the beliefs that haven’t been serving you. It took time to learn them and it will take time to unlearn me - and, then, swap out for healthier and mendable practices. It’s all in due time, but, at least, acknowledge it and get the “wheels” turning. You can do it! I believe in you!
About Cole:
Cole Clemens is an Assistant Buyer and the Head of Sales at Two Minds, a boutique in The Meat Packing District. He has been working in the fashion industry for over a decade.
You can follow him on Instagram @coley777, or visit his professional page @curatedbycoley.