Clear It Out: What a Dumpster Taught Me About Branding
The Dumpster Lesson
There’s nothing like the sight of a massive dumpster in your driveway to spark a cleansing process. I recently did a deep clean of our garage and workspace — tossing outdated tools, broken pieces, and things we’d “maybe use someday.” It was cathartic. And it reminded me of branding.
Over time, even the strongest brands collect clutter: outdated taglines, irrelevant services, clunky websites, or marketing strategies that made sense three years ago but feel completely off today. We keep them around “just in case.” But that weight slows you down.
Why Brands Collect Clutter
Just like garages, brands accumulate things over time:
Old messaging that no longer reflects your voice.
Irrelevant services that don’t fit your audience anymore.
Outdated websites that look good but don’t function.
Strategies built for markets that have since shifted.
These elements aren’t bad in themselves — they just no longer serve your goals. And when left unchecked, they cause confusion, dilute your message, and waste energy.
The Power of Clearing It Out
At Moon & Marrow, one of the most impactful things we do is help clients clear the clutter. It’s not about tearing everything down. It’s about identifying what’s still sharp and relevant — and stripping away what isn’t.
This process allows us to:
Identify what’s outdated or underperforming.
Clarify what still connects with your audience.
Rebuild with strategy, simplicity, and purpose.
Reinforce the elements that make you magnetic today.
The result? A brand that feels lighter, fresher, and more aligned with who you are now.
Real Example: When Letting Go Unlocks Growth
One client clung to a beautiful website design from five years ago. It was visually striking, but it wasn’t functional — slow load times, poor mobile responsiveness, and an outdated message. By letting go of the old design and focusing on a clean, strategic rebuild, their engagement doubled.
Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t creating something new. It’s releasing what no longer works.
Clean Isn’t Boring — It’s Bold
There’s a misconception that simplifying means stripping away personality. But in reality, clarity makes your brand bolder. With less noise, your message comes through stronger.
Just like a cleared-out garage leaves room for new projects, a refreshed brand creates space for growth.
Make Room for What’s Next
If your brand feels bloated, scattered, or stale, maybe it’s time to rent a metaphorical dumpster. Clear space. Make room. And get back to a message that feels alive again.
Because clean isn’t boring — it’s bold.
Ready to clear out the clutter and refresh your brand? Let’s make space for what’s next.
