This is part of my Swift Decluttering For Clothes.

One reader asked:

Is it OK to keep maternity wear? I plan to have at least one more kid.

This is a common question people ask when they declutter. And my answer is a resounding Yes. Of course, you can keep maternity wear!

Here are the swift decluttering guidelines, practices, and considerations for keeping maternity wear.

Guidelines

  1. Don’t keep things that are stained or need mending.
  2. Only keep things you love. Ask, “Would I buy this in the store today?”

Practices

  1. Your bedroom closet is for clothes that fit and are ready to wear. Store maternity wear elsewhere until you need it.
  2. Limit your containers for storing maternity wear, e.g., three plastic bins in your basement.

Considerations

  1. How much money do you have? If money is tight, keep more maternity wear.
  2. How much space do you have? If space is tight, keep fewer items.
  3. Is it hard to find maternity wear for your body shape/size? If so, keep more.
  4. Do you need different kinds of maternity wear, e.g., work and exercise? The more types you need, the more you should store.
  5. Do you have the skills to mend clothes? Do you have the time? If so, give yourself a week to mend clothes before getting rid of them.

More Decluttering Questions:

I need a plan

Dealing with guilt

Which clothes to keep

Selling clothes