I joined a minimalist challenge group on Facebook. Our goal is to declutter our lives by getting rid of a specific number of items every day in February. On day one, we have to get rid of one item, on day two, two items, and so on. By the end of February each participant will have discarded a total of 424 items. I think. I might’ve forgotten to carry a two in one or more of my calculations. I know there’s a formula that might’ve made the process simpler, but my algebra days are far behind me.
Participants can send items to the trash bin, donate them, or give them to friends as gifts. Additionally, no items that are merely “wants” can be purchased during the month unless an additional four items per want are discarded. There are other rules, but these are the main ones.
Frankly, I’m not sure I have what it takes to complete this challenge. I can see that the first 10 to 15 days will be fairly easy. Just sitting in my recliner next to an end table stacked with papers, magazines, and coupons I can see at least two dozen items that need new homes. I guess if I get stumped for items to dispose of I can send Studly off to live with the gypsies.
Wish me luck. You may all be sick of this before the month is over. I’ll try not to be too obnoxious. Who am I kidding? Obnoxious is my middle name.
Peace, people!
Item #1: a green bath rug is headed to a nearby charity-run thrift store.
Praying for Eyebrowz 
My goodness…. I guess it would depend what you count as items…. x
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My understanding is that it can be anything other than everyday household trash—like the wrapper of a candy bar. I’m going to try to save my closet for the latter stages. I’ve got stuff in there that hasn’t been worn in years.
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And my husband thinks I’m nuts.
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We took loads of branches to the dump today. Will that count for the month?
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I don’t think it works that way.
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Shame 🙂
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Oooh….this is so up my alley!!
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It’s not too late to start! Want me to add you to the group?
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No thanks! But thanks for the offer. I’m going through my living room this month…I’ll keep track of stuff I toss though! Do old receipts count? (She asks as she knows she must go through things for taxes)
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I believe old receipts count!
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Good!! That’s this weekends project!
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Reblogged this on Bee Organized with Pamela and commented:
I love this challenge! Remember February is the shortest month! Can you do it?
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Thanks for reblogging!
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You are so welcome!
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The problem with this challenge for me is my wife goads me to throw out in batches. I went through my CD collection today and found I had purchased doubles for 25 albums. I will give them away to an avid, classic rock listener.
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Great idea!
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Okay, I read the challenges in reverse order. Doubled up at you sending the bath rug to the FBer who said she needed this. I need this too. Please do not send me any bath rugs! Might do this for Lent, starting Wednesday. Recycling and clearing. Doing without and doing. Like this very much, Leslie.
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Thanks! It’s amazing how getting rid of things is freeing! And I’ve not purchased a mere “want” since the first of the month. Doing it for Lent is a great idea—that would be 40 days and what a difference it could make.
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I definitely need it. I’ve got stuff in the garage that belongs to kids who don’t stay here any more. Things of my mum’s in the cellar and she’s been gone eight years. I was talking recently to someone about clearing the old, giving it away, feeling lighter. This sounds like the very way. Bite-sized working up to more each day. So glad I read this today!
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Yay!
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424 items, wow, that’s a lot to get rid of!
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I’m on track! For the moment….
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