A couple of years ago I decided to take on a decluttering challenge. Before I explain all of the aspects of the challenge I need to share the reason why a minimalist mindset has become so important to me.
I grew up in a cluttered home. I think it has to do with my parents’ generation of not wanting to get rid of anything that could someday be of use, and over the years, it escalated into a mild case of hoarding. I hate that word. It sounds so dirty. I’ve seen the shows about hoarders and the filth they live in. My family was not living in a health hazard by any means, but it was frustrating to have to move piles of books and papers to simply eat at the kitchen table.
That being said, I probably have overcompensated with tidiness rules I have in my own home now that I’m an adult. I’m sure I drive my family nuts sometimes.
So the challenge that I made for myself was to eliminate one thing from my home each day for a year. At the end of the year, our home would be holding 365 fewer items. And I’m happy to report that I accomplished my goal. However, what I neglected to account for was the fact that items were still entering our home all year long, so I’m not sure how much of a success my initial goal of having fewer things in our home proved to be.
That’s when we instituted our minimalist family rules.
1. Only purchase replacements, consumables or school/business needs
For example, if the toaster breaks, we will purchase one to replace it. Obviously, we buy toilet paper and other hygiene necessities. And since we homeschool and have a small business, there are things that we need to have to run those facets of our lives.
2. Only replace items that need replacing
This is an area that requires a conscious effort to pause before we buy. When items break or wear out, it is helpful to assess our true need for the item and whether we really need to replace it. For instance, if a shirt gets a hole or stain that won’t come out, do we really need to replace it? Maybe consider minimalism by attrition.
3. Whenever possible, purchase used items over new
Not only does this save money, but it also is better for the environment. We happily sit on furniture and use vehicles that have been previously owned. This allows us to spend money on things that matter more to us, like travel and dining out.
4. One-in-one-out
This has become very important for us as it seems that kids’ toys seem to pile up really fast. And also, because my husband and I think it’s crucial for our children to see the value of the minimalist mindset now in order to prepare them for the rest of their lives. For every non-consumable item that comes into our home, an item of equivalent size needs to leave our home via donation, trash or by selling. Equivalent size became an additional requirement when a new, huge stuffed toy came in the door and the item offered up for trade was a keychain… needless to say we could see the dangers of not being specific here.
5. Pick up after yourself
If everyone puts away their things and cleans up after themselves, clutter doesn’t build up. If we tidy our spaces right away, we avoid cleaning marathons. Who wants to waste a perfectly good Saturday cleaning out the closets?
6. If it hasn’t been used in a year, it’s time to let someone else use it
This one is fairly obvious. Things that have been tucked away for just in case or someday can be of better use if someone else owns it. If we discover at a later date that we need the item after all, we can probably find another. I haven’t had this happen yet.
If you’re on the fence about some of the things that are in your home, you may want to try a system that has worked for one of our children who has a harder time letting go. We simply box up the things that she thinks she would be ok without and store it for 3-4 months. After that time, I ask her about some of the things in the box and if she missed them at all. Usually, she doesn’t but sometimes she does, so this system works for her. It allows her to eliminate without fear of losing something that she wishes she would have kept. The key is to ask her about the items, not show her the items. Otherwise it becomes like Christmas and everything is new again. When our children were younger we used to rotate out toys in this same manner. Every few months we would box up current toys and get out a stored box and they were new and exciting again. This is a great way to recycle what you already own instead of buying more.
Alas, back to the topic of this post…
With Covid last year we spent a lot of time within the walls of our home. We worked on projects, developed new hobbies and ordering anything online was as easy as the click of a mouse. This, and the fact that donation centers were closed, led to extra clutter around the house.
Even though the year is half over I’ve decided to reinstate my declutter challenge: Remove 1 item per day from your home for a year. Obviously now it will only be half the year, but I’ll see where I am in December. I may just continue through to the end of next June. I’ve created a chart to help me track my progress and it is undated so I can start over and over again each year or like in this instance, part of the way through the year.
This chart/tracker can actually be used for any daily goals or habits that you would like to begin. Ideas may include an exercise routine, a water goal, or making time for prayer or meditation. Maybe each year you’ll decide to begin a different habit or goal altogether, either way this chart is designed to help you track your progress in a fun way.
Also, included in the download is our family’s minimalist rules printable and a list of 100 things to eliminate while minimizing your possessions to get you started.
Hopefully this challenge will have different results now that the “rules” are in place as well. In the meantime, I’d love to hear about your decluttering challenges and successes! Complete the form below the images to download all of the printables!
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