I have packed up and moved nearly every single year over the last decade. Because of how frequently I move, I am no stranger to purging my wardrobe. When I’m preparing to pack up the contents of my four walls, I always sort through my closet before packing up any of my boxes. I go through my clothing, shoes, and handbags, ultimately deciding which items I will sell or donate during the process. Last week while assessing my current wardrobe situation (because yes, I am moving yet again), I realized I have acquired quite a few new handbags this year. In fact, there are more handbags in my collection than ever before. I’m a big fan of selling my bags to fund new acquisitions or if they’re not being used frequently enough, but to be honest, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve sold any of my bags…two years, to be exact (what can I say? I’ve had more space recently).
I don’t necessarily mind having a large collection, in fact, having a closet full of beautiful bags is something I’ve dreamed of for years. Now that my dream is a reality, I’ve learned that there is a downside to owning so many handbags, that downside being that I don’t use a large percentage of the handbags in my collection. Not to mention that when I do use them, it’s not nearly frequently enough, especially when their cost is a factor. I’m a firm believer that bags are meant to be used and loved, I don’t want any of mine gathering a layer of dust in my dark closet, only seeing the light of day once a year. I’ve been trying to exercise mindfulness and make an effort to use all of my handbags on a rotation, but it’s tough to stay consistent with nearly 30+ bags in my closet. It doesn’t help that I have added quite a few new bags into the mix this year, many of which have been on my wishlist for a long time. Because of the growth of my collection, I am looking to purge a bit and sell 3-4 bags this fall (baby steps!). My problem? I love all of my bags. I want to sell a few in the hopes of minimizing my collection, but I’m stuck on which bags to release back into the wild.
This leads me to my question: how do you know when it’s time to say goodbye and part ways with a handbag? Is it that the bag hasn’t been used in 6 months, a year, or more? Is it that the design is out of style or doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore? Maybe you want to sell it to a fund another new shiny bag you need in your life? Or perhaps I am overthinking this and I should just keep my bags until I have a real reason to let them go? I’d love to hear your thought process when you decide that you want to sell a handbag, or alternatively when you know you need to hold onto it.
8 years ago my husband was offered a position out of state – too good to pass up so we sold our single family home and have been living in high rise condos ever since. We downsized to about a quarter of what we had.
I have a fixed amount of space and I refuse to go beyond it. Hate clutter. I’ve chosen to upgrade my collection mostly to Hermes and have consigned most everything else.
I heard once that you should take pictures of things that you want to remember, but don’t see yourself using again, then get rid of them. It has worked well for me. No regrets.
Thanks for sharing–the idea about the pictures is very interesting, I haven’t heard that before! 🙂
I never let my bags go! They stay in the bag retirement home that is my closet. Otherwise they take up residence in the adult handbag assisted living in my mother’s closet.
LOL!!! I’m with you!!!!!!
Hilarious!!! Love it. ??
I would love to hear others answers to this. I have sold some of mine, but I do have quite a few that I haven’t touched in years. Should I get rid of them?? There are a few that I know aren’t worth much(lower end brands) Its a shame to spend $500 on a coach bag and you can’t even sell it for $50. I do have a few MG bags I should sell. Mostly large bags, been using very small bags for quite some time now. I can’t even use them because I don’t even know what to put in them anymore! lol
I have 2 Prada bags lying in their boxes since I purchased them, not used once. Where do I sell it to get a good return especially since never used once.
I have clutches that no long fit an iphone. That’s kind of a bare minimum requirement that a bag can hold your phone and a set of keys and a credit card! But I love them so I’m holding out hope that apple will come back out with slightly smaller iphones in the future. I haven’t upgraded to a plus model because that would knock 4 or 5 more clutches out of the rotation. I hate getting rid of bags! I can always think of a reason that I might “need” this one in that color at some specific time and place.
I have no problem selling my bags if I haven’t used them for awhile or have simply fallen out of love with them.
I sell my bags when I feel guilty looking at them for being unused. So far I haven’t had any regrets on a bag I’ve sold. I’ve sold 30+ bags, but yes, the return is low. Still, it’s nice to see a clean shelf!
Lucy – that’s great that you’re taking baby steps towards your goal!
One thing I consider is if there’s a bag that I think is pretty but feel guilty for not using. If I haven’t used it it’s likely because other bags have either been more functional or have given me greater joy so I naturally choose them over the mess used ones.
Also, asking myself if I purchased something that really suits me or was purchased for an “aspirational me”. Several years ago when Coach re-released the Willis bag I was influenced by pretty blogger pics to buy a vintage version (I’m lookin’ at you, Atlantic Pacific!). While a very pretty bag and functional, I just didn’t love it as much as my other ones and I never looked as put together as the bloggers. I sold it for 1/5 of what I paid, but it was better than looking at it and not choosing it each time.
My last trick is saying I love all these bags and then ranking them from my most favourite and onwards. From there, I take note of the “bottom ones”, determine why they’re closer to the bottom and ask myself if I would ever choose hem over the higher-ranked contenders. If I can’t think of a time I’d choose them, they’re ripe to be sold.
Good luck on your purging journey and move!
Thank you so much, Tiffany! Thanks for the ranking tip–that’s a great idea!
^^ This. The “aspirational me” comment really hit home. I have so many bags that are more “aspirational me” than actual me. Larger Chanel bags are the biggest culprit. (Medium boy, flap bags). I just never use them or feel right when I wear them. My WOC though. LOVE IT. Never gonna give it up. I think the point @Tiffany makes is great. I also concur that ranking them helps to really understand if something can be let go. It might also help you see patterns in what you really enjoy and using that will help direct what to get rid of with little fear that you’ll miss it. It can also help with determining if other bags you are considering buying will actually work for you. I know as we age style, needs, and our lifestyle changes but we also need to adapt to how we live now and if you’re trying to cut the fat, being aware of how you live right now is key.
Agreed Andrea! I had to add that I *also* find the Chanel flap is an “aspirational me” bag that is beautiful, timeless, and classic… but i don’t feel right when I wear it! You’re selling me on the WOC though, which I’ve been pondering for roughly a decade. 😛
I recently purged a couple of bags. Top of the list are bags that are heavy and cause shoulder/back pains. The dress code in my company has relaxed a bit so I sold my formal looking bags. I didn’t mind selling the bags cheap since they were just taking up space in my closet, they have already served their purpose and they no longer work for me.
I get rid of bags that either not functional in my life or too big. I have 3 bags that I keep out of sentimental value. I’m doing a purge, hopefully, this weekend. I need the space.
I will never part ways with my bags. I’ve always been telling my friends how I’ll pass down the designer bags to my daughter when she grows up. Let’s hope that they’ll increase in prices as time passes!
I agree with you, Sarah!
I never trust myself. Not once did I sell the bag in the winter just to regret if terribly in spring when the thirst for colours overwhelm me, or sell in summer and next winter I am desperate for a certain bag and I buy it from someone else…..I am very careful lately and leave them be …I bought every one of them because I was in love and that feeling still comes and again goes …I did firmly sell some which I did not regret because they simply did bot work with my body, made me chubby or shorter
When I forget I had them in the first place:)
I have lots of designer bags. I still have the receipts for most of them. I would say, I spent about $40K on my collection over the last 5 – 8 years. I refused to part with them because, everything old will eventually be new again. My bags are filled with tissue paper and I dust them weekly. I have a Gucci bag, purchased in the late 70’s. This bag was a gift from girlfriend who passed away. She was a flight attendant and traveled to Rome often. The GG logo is the old canvas fabric. The bag is still looks fabulous. I will never part with it. My collection will be passed on to my daughter and her daughter. BTW: My collection consist of Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Valentino and Celine.
It is interesting that the lady in the elevator complimented my bag today and then asked how many I had and what I did with them when I was done. I told her that I sold. If the bag doesn’t work for me anymore I sell it. I don’t really have attachment to bags.
I part with over 50 bags mostly chanel and Louis Vuitton, I’m the kind that fall out of love with bags quite easily. so If I don’t like them I get rid of them. I like $$ in my bank accounts more than sitting in my closet.