It’s that time of year when getting rid of the old, and bringing in the new, is upon us. If you happen to find yourself alone for a day or two over the holidays, instead of feeling sad and lonely because you’re alone, consider devoting the alone time to good purpose by shedding the clutter in your life. Whenever I get rid of things, it seems to open up new possibilities. I wonder why I held on so tightly to that thing, when there was something so much grander waiting for me. Besides, there’s nothing like playing your favorite 70s oldies music at the highest volume while sipping hot chocolate (I highly recommend the triple pack of William Sonoma hot chocolate) and tearing through old boxes, messy drawers, and cluttered closets.

Make room in your life for new things and new adventures!

If you have these things in your closet…it’s time to get rid of them:

MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE AND SPECIAL EVENT DRESSES

I know. It’s a beautiful memory. I looked and felt so beautiful in it. But, honestly, I don’t need the dress to enjoy the memories. I just sold my dress to a local woman whose son is getting married. With some small alterations the dress will fit her perfectly. I feel good about it — someone else will get the enjoyment of wearing this dress instead of it sitting unworn in my closet. Same can be said for those cocktail dresses you’ve been saving in the back of the closet in case you lose twenty pounds and get invited to a ritzy party of some famous celebrity! Let these dresses go.

CLOTHING GIFTED TO YOU THAT YOU NEVER LIKED

I get it. I have the same experiences. A friend or family member thinks something is so right for you to wear, but it’s so wrong. You let it hang in your closet, taking up space, because you feel like you’d be insulting that gifter if you get rid of it. Here’s the reality: after a few months go by, your friend/husband/relative probably doesn’t even remember giving it to you. Let it go.

DAMAGED CLOTHING

Stained, stretched out, small rip, missing button, zipper doesn’t work, hem falling out, faded. You haven’t mended or cleaned the piece. No time for those kinds of details. Let it go. Here’s an idea: if you can’t get the stain out and the fabric is high quality, make a pillow out of it, or give it to a friend who quilts. Better than ending up in the landfill.

YOU SPENT $$$ ON IT SO YOU’RE HOLDING ONTO IT

I finally wore it! I bought a Missoni dress at my favorite consignment store in Santa Barbara, thinking I would wear it to my daughter’s wedding, but turned out it wasn’t the right dress. So, there it sat, neatly folded (because you do not want to hang a woven knit garment as it will stretch the fabric) in tissue, for quite a while. Then, I decided to just freakin’ wear it. I paired the dress over black leggings to make the look more casual. I felt beautiful!

That’s a story with a happy ending. You may have something you’re holding on to, convinced you’ll wear it some day because you spent a lot of money. But, sadly, years go by, and you still haven’t worn it for a variety of reasons – it doesn’t fit right, not your color, no occasion to wear it (maybe your lifestyle has changed). Let it go. Let them ALL go. Note: I’ve started selling garments on eBay and it’s a wonderful way to get rid of things you’re not wearing, as well as find new owners who will appreciate your castaways. Let me know if you want to learn more.

SHOES THAT HURT YOUR FEET

You may be holding on to super sexy shoes that look so good but you can’t walk one “foot” in them. Unless you’re Oprah Winfrey, who confessed that she walked across the stage in bare feet and then, when seated, put on her sexy, super high shoes for her show, you’ll have to walk in those shoes. Let them go – your feet will say thank you. As a fellow woman of a certain age, I have sworn off the high heels, but I still mistakenly buy shoes that I thought would be comfortable but they aren’t. Get rid of those, too.

JEWELRY THAT YOU NEVER WEAR

Many women have jewelry boxes and drawers filled with a jumble of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Personally, I enjoy wearing every piece I own, and I wear jewelry every day even when running errands. It makes an outfit like tee shirt and jeans really stand out! But if you’re not wearing all that jewelry, go through it and let most of it go. I have a friend, Helen, who reworks jewelry into necklaces that women want to wear. If you have an inherited piece that simply doesn’t fit your personal style, or you received jewelry as a gift that isn’t right, Helen will redesign the piece into something you love. This makes so much sense, because many women have piles of jewelry they don’t wear because it’s the wrong style, color, or fit. I recommend finding a jewelry designer who can rework pieces for you, or let them go.

THINGS THAT AREN’T RELATED TO CLOTHING OR ACCESSORIES

Do you have tennis rackets, appliances, empty boxes, or things that have nothing to do with a wardrobe in your closet? If so, clean out those items that clutter this valuable space. Find another location for things that don’t help you feel more confident, beautiful, and fabulous. You’ll gain room in your closet for things that bring you joy!

BOTTOM LINE: ATTACHMENT TO THINGS YOU DON’T LOVE CREATES CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION

Decide that you’re only going to hold on to clothes (and things in general) that make you feel happy and serve a purpose to connect you with your divine feminine self.

What are you holding on to in your closet? Are you ready to let it go?