After beginning the 33 Days Declutter Project some emotions are definitely coming up for me, and I’m only on Day 5. I’ve made so much progress over these past years on my minimalist lifestyle journey. Yet today I am feeling frustrated that I am still decluttering and have been since the end of 2009.
One major positive is that I’ve had the opportunity to take this process slowly since I have not had extreme circumstances for example moving to another country. I honestly believe that my idea of what minimalism can represent for my life has evolved greatly over the years. This new realization is why I’m motivating myself to reach the next level.
Today I’ve been sorting through paperwork. I believe that paperwork and sentimental items can be the most difficult things to declutter. One of the conditions that I stated for doing the 33 Days Declutter Project was to only go through paperwork once a week. I get very anxious looking through documents and items that need shredding or reorganizing. I’m not sure if any of you feel similar looking through paperwork, but I’m not having that much fun doing it. After it’s over I always feel good though.
Sentimental items are also a big challenge. We associate memories with different items. One of the greatest ways to keep a memory is by photograph. Digital pictures are definitely less cumbersome, but I still love actual photographs. Sometimes taking a digital photograph of an item makes it easier to let it go because you will still have the picture. I have a rather large bin of photographs that I will be going through this month. I’ve gone through this bin of photos once before, but I never downsized as much as I could have. Scanning them will certainly lighten the load.
Scanning things like greeting cards are another way to hold on to a memory without actually keeping it. I have more than a few greeting cards that could use scanning. I always say that I will scrapbook some of them, yet I have never made the time to do so, and some reason don’t see myself making the time in the near future.
Releasing three items a day hasn’t felt too overwhelming yet, although today is only Day 5 of this project. I’m holding myself accountable to complete this decluttering project before the end of the year. I know that the rewards will outweigh whatever negative emotions that I am experiencing today in the process. Some days have been very easy, yet today not so much.
I will say that I no longer look at my possessions the same way I did before since this project began. I tend to gaze over my things now with a second agenda wondering if I really need it or not. If something doesn’t feel just right to give away today, I’m hoping that if it isn’t loved or currently used that I will have the grace to get rid of it in the next few days or even week if I need that much time. I’m not sure how working through this project will feel over the rest of this month, but I am so excited to enter the new year in a lighter frame of mind, and with less things hanging around my place too.
Today I’m recycling a large stack of papers and used packing supplies, tossing a stretched out bathing suit, and giving away a wallet.
What’s coming up for you on this project, and what are you decluttering today? Read more about this project here!
Day 22 of The 33 Days Declutter Project
100 Things I Decluttered
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Julia N. says
Thanks for sharing this Dawn. I am excited to do this challenge but I get so annoyed looking at everything cluttering my space that I freeze up. It helps to know that where ever you are in this process that it can be frustrating. Pushing through is what matters. My three things are two shirts and a bag. I’m working on my capsule wardrobe this month.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Julia,
It really is about pushing through and yes it can be challenging but it does get easier at the same time. I’m at a stage where I am getting really specific about each thing that I own. I feel better about it all now one day later. No matter what stage your decluttering is just begin. Tackle small bits at a time. Thanks for your comment and best wishes!
Erica says
Hi Dawn,
I would like to know what you do with your wardrobe from prior seasons. For example Summer? Are these kept in your closet or stored away?
Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Erica,
I just began creating a capsule wardrobe for both spring/summer and fall/winter this year. Both wardrobes contain around 15 pieces, and I keep them in my closet yet divided by my hanging shoe organizer. In this closet I also hang my outerwear. It all fits fine since my wardrobe isn’t that large. Are you working on creating a capsule wardrobe?
Erica says
Hi Dawn,
Yes, I’m in the process of doing so. A few days ago I cleaned out my closet and had one large garbage bag of shoes and clothes for donation. I also found a few things to sell online. As of now, I’m not really sure how to define my personal style. I hope to figure it out by rereading your post on creating a capsule wardrobe soon. I do know that I like basic pieces with a mix of trendy/edgy pieces.
Off topic…. Do you have a cleanse or a detox that you do a few times a year?
Thanks for all the great post!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Erica,
Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your clearing out process! When defining your personal style it helps just to pay attention to what you love wearing and feel good in, as well as what flatters your figure the most. For instance as much as I love the way bodycon dresses look on others, they do nothing for my figure no matter how cute they are or even if they are one of the colors I look best in. I always choose an a-line or tunic instead. If you’re not sure about an item just wear it out. Usually you’ll know right away if you don’t feel your best, or if you do feel your best. Only keep pieces that make you feel your very best.
As for cleanses/detox, I no longer do specific cleanses at certain times of the year. I mainly go by how I’m feeling. If I’m not feeling well I look at what I’m eating and add more organic fruits and veggies. I also add foods into my diet on a regular basis that are naturally healing and detoxifying to the body. I give an example in this smoothie recipe.
Best wishes!
Nina says
This is a really great idea. Sometimes when I feel the need to declutter I go overboard, feeling the need to go through the whole apartment in one massive declutter session. Then I usually end up frustrated with how much is left to be dealt with. Your ‘3 items a day’ method sounds a lot more thoughtful. I think I’ll give this a try.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Nina, I’m glad you’ll be joining us! I’m posting my three items everyday on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks for your comment!
Malarie says
Today I got a little ahead of myself. :0 I rummaged through my make up and picked out only my favorites to keep. After doing that, I might as well ditch my vanity desk and pop it all in my sentimental awesomely vintage train case that my grandma recently passed down to me. In this case, accepting a sentimental item HELPED me minimize. I’m too embarrassed to even count the number of items I am ditching, so I will just count it as 1 for today.
I also threw out a T shirt I stained yesterday with a pomegranate :/ and a pair of unflattering pants – which I may have to replace with a better fitting pair since they are my only professional-looking pants. But, hey. I work at home, so I don’t foresee needing them anytime soon.