
At the end of last year I had decided to challenge myself to declutter three items a day for 33 days. On the first day I actually released four items and then continued with three items daily so that I would have decluttered a total of 100 things before the new year. When I did this project last year it was challenging, yet I was forced to dig deep, and I discovered that I was keeping ridiculous items such as broken sunglasses that were stored in my car glove compartment. You can read the list of the 100 items that I decluttered from the first time doing this challenge here.
During The 33 Days Declutter Project I posted my three items daily on the Minimalist Beauty Facebook Page. Posting my findings held me responsible to complete this project when there were days that I wanted to quit or when I became frustrated. Although I was only releasing only three items a day, staying consistent was what made this extremely difficult for me. Some days were definitely easier than others.
Despite knowing what this challenge entails, I’ve decided to go for Round 2. Although I got rid of a lot of things before we moved in July, the truth of simple living speaks volumes when you open your closet doors. This time I will be focusing on items in our coat and hall closet, as well as kitchen cabinets which are not used daily or monthly. Because I have a tiny wardrobe already, I will not be focusing on clothing as much this time, yet I will stay honest with myself through the process.
Living light is such a beautiful way to experience every day, yet it takes an intense effort in a society that focuses on consumerism.
The only way to continue to thrive living simply is to either never purchase anything again which really isn’t completely possible, of course minimize your consumption which is the philosophy behind living simply, and also to take the time to declutter for overall maintenance. Even with conscious consumerism, you are still given gifts, and collect more things than originally intended. Every once in awhile taking the time to go through everything can help get your back on track as well as be rewarding.
My Plans For Round 2
1. Let go of 4 things the first day and 3 things daily for the rest if this project.
2. At the end of each week take items to be donated to the allocated donation center.
3. Post what I am decluttering each day on Facebook.
4. Move towards a plastic-free lifestyle again.
5. Continue to find more enjoyment in this process!
Everything is energy. When we keep things out of fear we are only creating more fear in our lives versus designing a life of freedom and joy. When we keep things out of guilt or items that bring up negative emotions that definitely doesn’t add to more positivity or freedom in your life. In my opinion it is important to make space for the new things that you desire in life whether it is abundance, opportunity, peace of mind, success, you fill in the blank. Read the original article… The 33 Days Declutter Project.
So finally I’m going to ask. Do any of you want to join me on The 33 Days Declutter Project–Round 2? I’m starting on September 1, 2014 and will continue through October 3, 2014. Share your thoughts and your goals below!
Update… Day 16 of The 33 Days Declutter Project–Round 2
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Tara says
I’m in. This is right on time!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tara,
Awesome! I’m actually more excited about this project this time around.
Khadine says
Yes! This is perfect timing! I’m planning to move at the end of September, and I want to start new and fresh…NO junk! It really is ridiculous what I hold on to. And being someone that’s sentimental doesn’t help matters either. Plus, my birthday is also coming up in September…and it’s a big one! Time to make some changes. I think this will help 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Khadine,
I’ve found that the more I declutter the easier it is to let go of things that aren’t necessary for my life now. I honestly prefer decluttering a little at a time versus doing a full day or weekend of it now. Good luck with your upcoming move too and thanks for your comment!
Melissa says
I love this! I even emailed the link of this article to my beloved. He definitely could use the de-cluttering! Plus it wont be too crazy on time or planning. We’re going to text each other everyday with the 3 items to keep one another accountable and motivated. Also this is a fun little project for us since we have a long-distance relationship. Thanks for the article and I can’t wait for Sept. 1! Happy De-cluttering All!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Melissa,
It’s so great that you and your beloved will be doing this project together. It definitely helps to have someone to hold you accountable. Happy decluttering to you both too!
stephanie says
I so agree that releasing a few things each day is less stressful than doing a marathon clean out. I find that it becomes more of a habit to release things easier too when done over 30 days and you can ponder things in advance.
I’m in for this challenge! Going to keep myself accountable on this app called ‘Lift’- where you track your daily/weekly habits. I really enjoy the idea of living with less burden.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Stephanie,
I’m glad you’ll be joining us! Also thanks for sharing the info on the app too.
TRISH says
I am in!!!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi TRISH,
I know that this will be a rewarding project and I’m glad you’ll be joining us!
Yana says
I’m in! I just finished cleaning my new apartment last night. The entire time I was cleaning I kept thinking about your original declutter challenge and how much I really need to get to decluttering. This is great timing!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Yana,
It’s great you will be joining us! Happy Decluttering!
Kourtney Jeffe says
Yes, ma’am! 🙂 I’m on it.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kourtney Jeffe,
Sweet! You can follow everyone’s progress on the Minimalist Beauty Facebook page and share your experienced as well!
Lena says
I’m starting with y’all today!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lena,
Happy Decluttering!
Joan says
What a great challenge, count me in! Looking forward to a more positive space in 33 days!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Joan,
Glad you are joining us! Happy Decluttering!
Katherine says
Hi Ladies! I’m in for a modified version, if you’ll have me! I have a really heavy schedule for the moment, but I bet I could do a min. of 1 thing a day. I actually found this post on a break from decluttering my notes! If that’s okay, I’m in!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Katherine,
Do what you can. You might even find three items easier to accomplish once you get started. Best wishes!
Janet says
I’m in! Clothes , shoes and jewelry are going to a clothing exchange fundraiser. I’m off work for the next two weeks so no excuses!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Janet,
Yaaa! I’m glad you’ll be joining us. Happy Decluttering!
Aleisha says
This is just what I need! I have a hard time letting of stuff and I want to change. Please give me more info on how to participate.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Aleisha,
To participate in The 33 Days Declutter Project–Round 2 all you need to do is start decluttering. You can share insights, your three items, or questions on the Minimalist Beauty Facebook Page if you feel moved to do so. I am posting my items daily on Facebook and Twitter and many times other readers may share their items under that post or on the page or even on Twitter as well. We are sharing to keep each other inspired. That’s it! Happy Decluttering!
Catherine says
I’m in! I have SO much stuff I can get rid of! Got started a day late so I got rid of 7 things and don’t want to to stop! 33 days of getting rid of stuff will be so rejuvenating!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Catherine,
Happy Decluttering!
Trina Nahm-Mijo says
OMG, this is so inspiring. Except, I think I’m at a point where I may need to do like 20 items a day, but I already burned 6 lge. garbage bags of old paperwork on Sept. 1, so this is purrfect!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Trina Nahm-Mijo,
Decluttering six bags of paperwork is a major accomplishment! Glad you will be joining us!
Kate says
I just found out about this project today! however, I’m going to try to catch up because I feel like a have a few things I need to get rid off. I’ve been making process at decluttering my garage, I let it go of 3 furniture pieces and probably 5 boxes full of toys and other stuff we don’t use, our garage is now clean. Thank you for all your encouragement, I really enjoy reading your blog!
Kate.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kate,
I’m so glad that joining us for this! It also sounds like you’ve had a good start to decluttering yourself. I’ll be posting my items on Facebook and Twitter and others doing this challenge also do the same. Feel free to share your progress as you feel inclined to. Best wishes!
Janine says
This is an old post, yet I’m glad I saw it. I went through my paper clutter this week and was amazed that I kept certain info for so long. I was proud of myself for letting the paper/info go. I am planning on continuing this process with my books and CD collection. I have outgrown some of the items I stored for years and it’s time to let it go. Thanks for posting this.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Janine,
I’m so glad this was helpful. This really is a great time to go through items and create space for the new year. Best wishes!