
I can hardly believe that we are already in the holiday season and the new year is so close. Yesterday I decided that I’d LOVE to start the new year much lighter by releasing the things I no longer use, need, or desire. No I don’t have clutter “bursting from the seams” of my home, yet I do notice that I still have many things that I do not use daily, monthly, or even seasonally. My definition of the minimalist lifestyle stems beyond counting every item I own, yet the amount of things I do own is still a part of this minimalist journey.
I’ve been paring down my possessions for four years now. It started with clearing out all the excess furniture when my husband and I first moved in together. As a result our apartment became beyond spacious and felt so much lighter. I then moved on to releasing my past shopaholic tendencies to focus on paying off my debt, minimizing my wardrobe, making my own simple cosmetics, and finally looking through all of my own personal possessions.
I became overwhelmed counting my personal possessions in the past, but I do know that knowing how much I own is also recognizing how blessed and abundant I already live!
Over these years I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I no longer look at consuming and having things as a source of true fulfillment or happiness. I haven’t lost my personal style to mundane clothing pieces or tortured myself with living with so little that I’m miserable. Actually the exact opposite has happened! I’ve found great pleasure owning only items that I truly love, releasing as much clutter as possible, refining my personal style with a capsule wardrobe, and freeing myself of the need to be shopping constantly and instead being more creative. Now when I need something, I get exactly what I need without distraction, then move on to more exciting things that really bring me joy.
33 Days To Declutter 100 Things
Today is Day 1 of my 33 Days Declutter Project that will take me into the new year with 100 less items. In the past I would take a full day usually on the weekend to go through a pile of things. I would spend hours shredding old paperwork or looking through a ton of miscellaneous items. My decluttering process would leave me satisfied with my progress afterwards, yet sometimes make me feel a bit drained.
I am due for a solid decluttering session and feel as if I’m ready to embrace a much more minimalist lifestyle. I’m not sure if I will ever own only 100 Things, yet am open to finding exactly what number works well with my lifestyle and desires. I never thought I could downsize to a capsule wardrobe, but I finally did and LOVE it!
For this 33 Days Declutter Project I will let go of three items each day. Actually today is Day 1 and I’m choosing to release four items so that before the year is up I will have donated, recycled, or thrown away a total of 100 things. I’m honestly not sure if this will be easy for me or not, yet I do think it is necessary and that the final outcome will be incredible.
My Plans
1. Let go of 3 things daily
2. At the end of each week take items to be donated to the allocated donation center.
3. Only go through paperwork once a week as not to torture myself.
4. Look for solutions to make decluttering easier each time, for example scanning documents and receipts versus filing them all.
5. Find more enjoyment in this process!
Every time I take the time to release the old, I am creating wonderful energy and space for new exciting experiences to enter.
I’m not sure exactly why this is true, yet I do know that everything is energy. When I keep things out of fear I am only creating what I do not want versus designing my life to fit my dreams. I also feel that decluttering is symbolic for embracing new abundance as well as success. I am always excited about beginning a new year positively, and for 2014 I’m open to creating the space for beauty, joy, serenity, peace, abundance, and prosperity.
So what do you think? Would you want to join this project with me?
If so use #33DaysDeclutter on Twitter and Facebook to share your thoughts and progress and/or simply comment below! I’ll be updating my progress as well!
See the full list of the 100 items that I decluttered after this project was complete here as well as my thoughts about it all!
Peace & Sunshine!
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Tara says
I’m in! I love this idea!
Dawn Michelle says
Sweet! I plan to post what I’m decluttering on Facebook and Twitter daily if I can. I’ve already chosen a few clothing items, yet there are more things that are not clothing that I’ll be going through over the next 33 days.
Nwasha says
I’m in too ❤️
Deb says
I’m in and invited members of my decluttering support group to participate.
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks Deb! I love that you have a decluttering support group. That’s pretty awesome!
Erica says
This post came at the right time! I looked at my bedroom a few days ago in disbelief. I realizd I have tons of clothes that I don’t wear, along with other items that I don’t use. I will be joing you and your readers on this journey. Thanks for continuing to inspire me! 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
I’m so glad Erica! I’m kind of excited about this project myself!
Maja says
I’m in! That’s a beautiful idea and you’re right – it might help with the drained feeling after a ‘normal’ decluttering session.
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks Maja! I’m thinking that it won’t be as draining as “normal” decluttering sessions either. At least that’s the intention!
Malarie says
I’m in too! Last weekend my husband and I took 3 SUV loads to Goodwill, but I’m sure I can still find 99 more things this month. 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Malarie,
I’m always surprised with all of the things that I find every time I go through my stuff. Good for you for already getting a head start on the decluttering process!
Michelle D... says
I’m in. Started yesterday.
Deb Joshi says
Hi Dawn,
I am so excited about this idea it is ridiculous. I live in The Netherlands, but I am not Dutch and to fit a certain status quo here I packed my house so full of stuff, that it bust be a sin somewhere. Anyways, Thanks for this opportunity because doing the unpleasantly necessary around friends is always more enjoyable.
I am an active declutterer but I have some weaknesses too – my books, storage bins, cd’s/dvd’s, craft supplies and tea cups lol . So I will make a point to target those areas on you challenge. Hope to share my updates on twitter with you soon. Wishing us all success!!
Rufaro says
Fabulous idea! I’m in. What a great way to clear the home and mind in time for the new year. Love it.
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks Rufaro! Glad you’re joining us!
sandy says
I’ll be doing it although not on facebook. This is a good idea. Thanks Dawn.
Also, I’m not sure you know that Amazon has a program where you can send a group of things in a box to them. They will pack items separately and ship them to online buyers. Then, they send a check to you.
This works for books, accessories and everything. If anyone is interested here is a link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/seller-account/mm-product-page.html
One of the YTers I follow does this and has made good money.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy, Thanks so much for sharing this! I must check it out!
Laura says
I’m late to the party, but I’m in!
Dawn Michelle says
Yaaaaa Laura!!! Welcome!
VA Wallingford says
Your blog has been so inspirational and life saving for me. As a work in progress minimalist, I have discovered that having less is more to me. For the last three years, I have been downsizing and within the last year the focal point has been my wardrobe. Connections to things can be challenging as many emotional ties are developed with material items. However, through reading your blog and others in the community it has encouraged me that, “I can do it,” and life afterwards is so much more fulfilling. Thank you so much and I look forward in continuing to follow your writings/blog.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi VA Wallingford,
Wow, thank you so much for your kind words! Voluntary simplicity is definitely a rewarding process, yet it does take time and patience. Best wishes as you continue your journey!