This Borderline Genius Challenge Is Great For Editing Your Wardrobe

All of that changed when I decided to dress with less—33 items, to be exact—for three months. I challenged myself to not buy anything new and see what happened. I expected I'd save money and create a little space in my closet but had no idea just how transformative this challenge would be.

I didn't throw away or donate any of the items that didn't make the cut. Instead, I put them in a box, sealed it shut, and put it out of sight. Hiding the rest of my closet was an important part of the challenge. As I said, I had no idea my closet was full of stress until it was gone. Once it was, I immediately felt lighter and better. And each morning, instead of unknowingly absorbing that stress every time I got dressed, I simply put on my favorite clothes and started my day. Here are some other unexpected benefits I took away from the challenge that convinced me to keep it going indefinitely:

Since I wasn't shopping or spending extra time getting ready, I had more time for my morning routine (journaling, meditating, and enjoying breakfast) and other things that matter to me way more than clothes.

When I wasn't spending my mornings deciding what to wear, or my evenings and weekends online shopping or trying thing after thing on at the mall, I experienced less decision fatigue and more clarity.

When I stopped focusing on what I needed, I became more content with what I own. I learned that I need way less than I think to be happy.

If you want to save money, have more attention for what really matters to you, and clear out the stress hiding in your closet, I'd highly recommend giving the challenge a try for three months and seeing what you think. I outline the entire process in depth in my upcoming book, Project 333, but here are the questions I get asked the most about it:

One.

You could do it that way, but I don't recommend it. Fifty to 90% of my seasonal 33 moves forward to the next season. There isn't one magical number, but this challenge will help you decide what "enough" means to you.

Not one time. That said, I didn't get rid of everything all at once. It took time.

I don't do chores. Just kidding! If I'm cleaning, I'll usually wear a T-shirt and sweats, but if I'm putting laundry or dishes away in between work, I just wear whatever I have on.

I plan for weather shifts when choosing my 33 items. There are some items I only wear at the very beginning of a season and some I only wear at the end.

You could come up with more questions or reasons why this challenge might not work for you, but once you get started, I think you'll find it's less complicated than you might think. By removing items from your wardrobe, you'll create more physical space in your closet and more mental and emotional space in your life.