I didn’t know how much the clothes in my closet weighed me down until I let them go. Every day, I’d open my closet, try on several different things, never really satisfied and leave the house thinking about what I needed to buy for my wardrobe. I’m not proud to admit this, but I shopped for every event and emotion. I always “needed” a new dress, a new scarf, or a new pair of shoes.

There was never enough.

Today, after more than 7 years of dressing with less (way less), I realize how heavy my clothes were. I don’t mean heavy on the scale, but heavy on my mind and my heart. My closet was a constant reminder of my debt and discontent. Paring down my closet helped me eliminate stress and stop “needing” so much. I’ve saved so much time, money and energy as a result too. That’s why I thought offering a closet make-under contest to celebrate the release of Soulful Simplicity was a great idea. It would be an honor to help someone else free themselves of a heavy closet to discover the benefits that follow.

The contest ends this Saturday, December 16th! I created the following Q & A to answer some of the questions I’ve been receiving. If you have others, feel free to drop them in the comments or reply to an email.

Closet Make-Under Contest Q & A

How do I enter?
All of the details are here, but in a nutshell … you’ll submit a receipt from your pre-order of Soulful Simplicity (Hardcover, Kindle, or book tour ticket) and a short essay about why you want to simplify your closet or your life.

Will the essays we submit be shared on the internet?
All essays will be kept confidential unless you and I agree to share. I know it’s hard to share your heart and promise to keep everything between us.

How long does the essay have to be?
500 words or less. It will be like writing me a letter. I won’t judge on spelling or grammar. I have trouble with that myself. I will only be considering your thoughts and words.

Should I enter the contest if I’m already practicing minimalist fashion Project 333 and have starting paring down?
Yes, if you want to spend the day together and think I might still have something to offer you, please enter the contest.

Does buying it on Kindle count?
Yes!

Does buying a book tour ticket count?
Yes! See if I’m coming to your city here.

Why isn’t this contest open to everyone?
Things get complicated legally when we open the contest to other countries so we decided to only include the US. That’s not to say I won’t consider something similar in other parts of the world, but not this time.

Will you make me get rid of my clothes?
Absolutely not. I’ll likely insist you keep them … but I may ask you to hide some for a while.

Will you judge me for my messy closet?
No way! Glass houses. I’ve been there.

Can I screenshot my receipt?
Yes, a screenshot of your order email is fine.

Will you clean my garage instead of my closet?
No.

UPDATE: The contest is over.