I am a packrat of the worst order. I have clothes from as far back as forty years, most don't fit me of course. What does help is that I am also a shopaholic and if I see a sweater that I like I might well buy one in each colour, so perhaps six or more identical sweaters, just different colours.

Many years ago I used to do a lot of knitting and loved knitting in mohair, I have lots of gorgeous (to me) sweaters but all too small, many either worn just once or twice or not at all but certainly not washed so they are still new looking.

I also have dresses, blouses etc some completely unworn.

They are too small and there is no pretending they will one day fit me, most unlikely and even if they did fit me in years to come, could I really wear the same styles when I am seventy as I did at thirty? No.

Then when I was so ill four years ago I lost four stone (56 pounds) in weight so bought lots of smaller clothes which of course no longer fit me, many are unworn as I bought lots of clothes suitable for work but lost my job.

What is worse is that I have no place to fit the clothes that do fit me, all my drawers and wardrobes are full of things I don't wear, can't wear.

I just made a start, I have filled my first large black plastic sack with clothes, it is breaking my heart but I really need to be completely ruthless.

I might try ebay for some of the brand new shirts and tops which are unworn but otherwise it is going to the Red Cross. I also have so lovely classic shoes which I might offer on there, perhaps worn once or twice - Charles Jourdan and the likes.

If it doesn't fit me now then it is going in the sacks. The only exceptions I think will be my long evening dresses from my early twenties and the dress my father bought me when I was eleven, they can stay for the memories.

Any other packrats out there? Anyone been ruthless and had a throw out?

I quite like going through and throwing stuff out that doesn't get used. We went through our clothes cupboards just this week. My rule is that if it doesn't get used for a year then it gets thrown out (this rule applies with lots of things not just clothes)so I went through and got rid of some clothes but trying to get the other half to throw out anything is such a pain in the backside!
"Oh that jumper is nice and warm" .. yeah so why didn't you wear it last winter??
"Still got some wear in that shirt" .. maybe when you were a bit smaller.

I find it quite satisfying throwing stuff out, I like having uncluttered spaces.

I have never had an uncluttered space.

I can remember giving away lots of stuff when I was in my 20s but haven't got rid of anything since!

I have the same problem Sue, I just know one day I will fit into some of my things again! Seriously though, we will be moving in a few months and I have got to do something about the number of blouses hanging, shoes stacked and purses piled in my closet. I've read a tip to turn all your hangers the "wrong way" at the start of the month and when you wear an item turn the hanger around. At the end of the month whatever didn't get turned gets tossed. It really works, until I go shopping that is - then it starts all over again.

I've managed to donate a number of large bags of shoes and shirts but I just can't part with my purses! Does anyone else donate Vera Bradley? I know I don't!