Closet Clean Out Challenge 2025: Step 3 – Refresh and Renew

Welcome to the next phase of our 2025 Closet Clean Out Challenge! With Step 1 and Step 2 behind us, I hope you’ve already experienced the joy of an organized closet. If you missed the first steps, you can catch up by watching the videos on our Facebook or Instagram pages.

This week, we’re diving into Step 3: Refresh and Renew. It’s all about taking a hard look at what you kept during the first two steps. Let’s tackle those “sacred cows” — the items you held onto but haven’t worn in ages.

My Closet Clean Out Story

I completed Step 1 on Sunday, and wow, it felt amazing to walk into my newly organized closet. This morning, I wore an outfit I’d forgotten I even had! Eliminating 20 items that were cluttering my space has not only made me feel lighter but has also opened up room for some exciting new additions (wink).

Now, it’s your turn to evaluate what’s left in your closet. This week, I’m challenging myself—and you—to wear those “sacred cows” – the things that you can’t seem to let go of – to see if they still work. If you can create an outfit you love with them, great! If not, it’s time to let them go.

Top 10 Rationalizations for Keeping Clothes

Here are some of the reasons we convince ourselves to keep certain items. Do any of these sound familiar?

1. I might lose weight and be able to wear this again.
2. If I get this tailored, I’ll wear it again.
3. It’s still fashionable, and I love it—how can I let it go?
4. I wore this for a special occasion, so it has sentimental value.
5. I might need this for a party, vacation, or special event someday.
6. I wouldn’t wear this out, but it’s fine for around the house.
7. I live in Wyoming, so I need all the sweaters, coats, and vests.
8. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
9. It doesn’t fit now, but it’ll motivate me to lose weight.
10. I just bought it, so getting rid of it feels like wasting money.

The Refresh and Renew Process

Gather all your “sacred cows” and any items you didn’t wear in 2024. Take them out of your closet and into another room. For each piece, ask yourself these questions:

• Weight Changes: Is it your current size, one size bigger, or one size smaller? If not, let it go.
• Tailoring Needs: Can you commit to tailoring it in the next 10 days? If not, donate it.
• Fashionable but Unworn: Try it on. Does it fit well? Is it comfortable? If not, it goes.
• Sentimental Items: Do you have the space to store it elsewhere, like a cedar chest? If not, it goes.
• Special Event Items: Are you sure you’ll wear it for an upcoming occasion? If not, donate it.
• Around the House: Do you already have enough “comfy” clothes? Replace worn-out ones and donate the rest.
• Seasonal Necessities: Do you really need so many coats or sweaters? Keep only what you truly wear.
• Classic Pieces: Have you worn it in the last two years? If not, it’s time to say goodbye.
• Too Small: Be realistic about your current size and let go of anything that doesn’t fit.
• Recent Purchases: If you pass it over every morning, it’s a sign it doesn’t belong.

Watch and Win

Want a more detailed explanation? Join me live tonight at 6 p.m. MST on Facebook or Instagram. I’ll demonstrate the process.

💳 Challenge Perks: Don’t forget that we are hosting a special after hours shopping event for all of you who donate clothing to Dress For Success! I will give you $1 in store credit for every business item of clothing donated, up to 20. Then, you will receive a special invitation to our Fashion With A Purpose Event on February 6th from 6-9 p.m.

Let’s refresh and renew together—your perfect closet awaits! 🌟