Clutter Busting: Got the Shoes Blues?

The waves of spring and summer catalogs have been coming into my mailbox with promises to make me look the best in this year’s fashions. It is so reassuring to see a fashion that I don’t have to worry about sucking in to wear, or drop 10 pounds! I live in the northeast and just this week I got to wear my sandals for the first time this season, so these catalogs have made a very welcome appearance. Shoes have always brought me such joy…so how can I NOT buy just a few pairs of new shoes this season?

So, how does one justify one more pair of shoes, when there is a mound of them in the closet already? How do you know what to get rid of and what to keep? Why not just keep them all… you might need them someday…right?

Following is a step by step instruction for how to handle your own shoes blues:

#1: Take out every shoe you own and line up on the floor. You may want to do this while you are alone so not to shock your spouse!

#2: Immediately toss the shoes that are beyond repair. I know it can be difficult to discard a pair of shoes that were so good to you. I’m giving you permission to let go, they have done their job and done it well (as everyone can tell when they look at your feet).

#3: Donate, sell, or give away any shoes that hurt, are the wrong size, don’t fit your style, were given to you but yet you don’t like them, etc. etc.

#4: Too much of a good thing is sometimes NOT. Do you have too many shoes the same style and you always seem to grab one of them over the other? (Example: 4 pair of black pumps all the same style). Give a few of them away. It’s okay to do this and someone else can benefit from your generosity!

#5: Look for true needs in your shoe wardrobe. Write down what shoes you truly need and put this list in your wallet. When you are shopping pull this list out and stick to it!

#6: Don’t just buy shoes because they are cute or because they are on sale. You need to buy shoes that you really need because they work with your wardrobe; and that just so happen to be cute as well!

#7: Less is more! Purchase good quality shoes that feel good. Take care of your feet… they lug you around all day!! It is better to have a few pair of shoes that make you feel amazing than having a closet full of nothing special.

#8: Be true to your budget. Buy only what you really can afford. Don’t trade your long term wants for you wants right now.

#9: Store your shoes properly. Keep your shoes clean and kept neatly in your closet. Take good care of them and they will last longer.

Have fun organizing your shoes this week!!

Betsy

Editor’s Note: You can find the shoes pictured above on www.shoes.com - $44.99 from Bongo here while they last.