When you are a blogger, it’s really easy to feel like you have to show different clothes and accessories all the time, so your content can be fresh and new all the time. There’s been an increase over the last few years of vloggers and bloggers doing haul posts – and I’m not the only one thinking this is not a positive thing. I would say the only good haul posts would be of stuff you manage to find on car boot sales and charity shops, for the simple reason that it shows that you can find good second hand items, and maybe inspire more people to do the same – when you shop second hand you’re not contributing to further pollution and you’re helping good causes.
As you may remember, I decided to get rid of more stuff, by setting aside at least one item per day during the month of December and it’s now time for the de-haul report.
I didn’t take pictures of every single item but I made a list of all the things I cleared up.
I threw away:
– 3 pairs of tights that had seen better days
– 2 ill-fitting thongs I never wore because they looked terrible on
– assorted makeup that I never used and was getting old
I set aside to donate/ recycle:
– 4 skirts
– 3 pairs of trousers
– 1 pair of leggings
– 1 scarf
– 1 pair of sandals that hurt my bunion
– 2 pairs of boots
– 1 furry muff (I had replaced it with a nicer one recently)
– 15 dresses
– 1 playsuit that doesn’t fit me anymore
– 2 American Apparel long sleeve leotards (never wore them because it’s not that practical)
– 3 cardigans that have seen better days
– 7 t-shirts/ tops
– 4 removable collars
– 1 funny mask
– 4 necklaces
– 2 brooches
– 2 pairs of earrings
– 2 pairs of hair bows
– 3 hair accessories
That adds up to 64 items in total. Considering the objective was one per day for a month, I think I did rather well. I think I still have to get rid of more stuff, but I find that taking small steps at a time makes it a lot easier. Also, I’m not adding as many things back to the collection as I’m purging, so one day I will end up with a manageable quantity (or so I hope).
I will now be taking the bag full of stuff to the closest Oxfam – they not only sell the garments that are in good shape but will also recycle those that aren’t and for that reason I find them to be the best charity to donate to. (I also used to volunteer with Oxfam a few years back so I have a good idea of how things actually work).
I will do another challenge in a couple of months and will discuss the results again.
Do you struggle with too much stuff? What are your thoughts on haul culture?
7 Comments
I usually struggle with keeping myself from buying too much stuff – everywhere I go, there’s something i want! The one thing that keeps me from going on shopping sprees (besides money) is the lack of space in my house: living in a tiny flat, and knowing I’ll be moving in a few months, make me very aware of the fact that I need to keep clutter to a minimum.
That said, I keep struggling with too much stuff, as I tend to wear anything I still fit into until the very last seam has burst. It’s probably the opposite of a fashion haul, but my bursting drawers are proof that it’s not that healthy either! I love your idea of a de-haul, and setting aside items you no longer can or want to wear – it’s definitely something I need to to more of, and you’ve inspired me to start today 🙂
I don’t like to get rid of things all that much either and certain things I wear them for years and years… but my current living arragements don’t allow for the same quantity and variety I had previously, so something’s gotta give. I’m sick of living in a wardrobe, to be honest!
Oh, wow, 64 items in a month is very impressive! (Would you like to help me purge my wardrobe too?) This has inspired me to take everything out of my wardrobe and reevaluate what I don’t need! xx
I’ll come round with a bottle of prosecco 😀
It’s a constant struggle for me! I fluctuate weight and so I always have stuff in different sizes whack makes things worse. NOT a fan of haul culture, unless it’s thrift finds or something similar, like you mentioned.
Hi there! Great post. Yes, I agree with you. I really, really need to stop buying things, I find it really hard to get rid of things too because I feel guilty that I’ve got it, therefore I must keep it and use it (and also I like lots of things). I have a huge box of things I need to get rid of which I put aside a couple of months ago, but not managed to completely empty it. The only ‘what I’ve bought’ posts (Not sure I could use the word ‘Haul’) is what I’ve bought in charity shops if I’ve found a few good items- too ashamed to show what I’ve bought anywhere else!
Great thoughtful post. x
Great job! It feels so good to get rid of stuff 🙂 Totally agree with your feelings of having too much stuff, and still feeling like you need to buy more to blog about. Have just done a carboot haul vlog and the whole thing only came to about £20 – so much better 🙂 I also did a big January declutter challenge that’s on my blog 🙂 Definitely got yourself an avid new follower 😀