Even though I’m done with my 21 day declutter challenge, it seems like I’ve gotten used to doing a daily post.
I was originally planning on taking a few days off, but it seems like I just can’t help myself… I feel compelled to sit down and write a few words 😉
During these 21 days, I have to admit, I have surprised myself. I thought I would struggle with my goal of 231 items out-the-door. But no! It turned out to be much easier to “loose” the items, even so.. never in my wildest dreams did I think I would end up with around 400 items leaving the house.
It’s been quite a while (last year) since my focus was on decluttering, so you might say I’ve had a bit of a break from it all. And during this year I’ve been “beating myself up” a little, over the fact I couldn’t ever seem to get back into the groove of it.
Now on the other hand, I think the break has been a good thing.
I have noticed during this challenge, that it’s been easier to shed items that have survived several culling’s before. The items themselves have less “power” over me. I’m firmer in my decisions and I have a clearer vision of how I want things to be.
Decluttering can at times be emotional draining, memories and feelings come popping out of the woodwork, and sometimes a person need a break, a time-out! It’s good to take the time to process… sort of let your heart catch up with your brain.
This is what my break have given me. Time to “heal” so to speak. And now I’m more focused than ever to get the stuff out of the house.
So if you find yourself at a standstill… it might be time for a break, to let all the impressions sink in and give yourself time to recoup and gather new energy.
My decluttering isn’t going to end with this 21 day challenge… no, I’ve already got plans for more challenges, as they seem to make me more “accountable” 😉
It hasn’t hurt that I have had some great bloggers join me or cheered me on. I have to give credit where credit is due. Without you, my wonderful blogger friends, I’m not sure I could have done this.
THANK YOU ALL!
Still in this challenge is:
– Melinda, at PurpleSlobinRecovery, is still working hard at her place
– Grace, at The CFO MOM Blog, is making some hairy goals for the month of October
– Jen, at The Hidden Hoarder, still going strong on her day 19, Total so far: 698.
and already done are:
– Barb, at Decluttering The Stuff, 14 days. Total count: 146.
– Gilly over at Anything but housework, got rid of 11 trash bags from her closet!
– Liliia at Bring your baby abroad , decluttered her old room, while visiting her mum.
Minimalist Sometimes 
Nice to “end” a project like this on a positive note!
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Thank you 🙂 It helps when there are a few of us, makes it a much more fun project 🙂
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Well done on exceeding your goal! You comment about getting rid of items that survived precious cullings really hit home with me. When I got rid of 11 bags of clothes (that number actually went up and is still rising!), I was getting rid of clothes that had survived several cullings. I had held onto items of clothing that I knew I would never wear again but that I had worn for special occasions. You are right, things do lose their power over us as time goes on. I am far more ruthless now because I love the feeling that uncluttered space gives me when I have thrown tons of stuff away. Thanks for the mention and for the initial inspiration to have a declutter binge (along with Melinda and Jen).
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I love the feeling of uncluttered space as well 🙂 I think that is part of the driving force, that pushes me into decluttering more and more. And it is true.. the things loose power as times go by.
I have to admit, I’m really happy I’m on this track.. I notice that I’ve gained more perspective as I have moved along my minimalist path. And I’m not done yet 😉
I’m utterly impressed with your closet cleanup. It made me curious to find out how much of my closet I have gotten rid off.
It turns out I have just about halved it the last couple/three years. Which I think isn’t to bad.. as my current closet is just shy of 300 items and that includes EVERYTHING from undies, pantyhose, garden clothing, caps, lounge-ware, sport-ware, winter-ware, gloves, belts, scarfs and shoes/boots/bike-shoes/golf-shoes and work-boots. I’m still working on making my wardrobe smaller.. but I think I’m getting close to the end, as I feel like I can’t really downsize it much more.
My closet now, can breathe.. it’s easy to pick what to wear. And it’s easy to see what’s missing from my wardrobe, so when I DO go shopping, I know exactly what I’m looking for 😉
Good luck with your continuing culling, I’m sure you will have it exactly the way you want it in no time at all 🙂
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Great job. You have accomplished a lot in 21 days! I’m inspired. I haven’t followed along because I haven’t been in a place where I could do a lot of decluttering — just other things that seemed more pressing. Still…I need something to shake me up a bit and reading this summary helped. Thank you and continued success with the process. 🙂
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Hi Anne! I can’t believe I missed this post earlier!
The Declutterathon was wonderful for me too! I can’t wait for your next challenge!!
Hint-workshop, shed, porch included perhaps???
Than you for all the inspiration, and encouragement!!
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