I easily lived with only 100 personal things for the Month of October. The 100 Thing Challenge ended up not being a challenge at all. There were only a couple of things that I missed, and a number of things that I never used.
What I missed
Two things. I can think of only two items all month long that I missed. And really, I didn’t miss them. I just used something else in their place after remembering that I “couldn’t” because they weren’t on the list. The two things that I missed?
- messenger bag – Because sometimes my backpack is just too big, and it would be nice to use something smaller.
- slippers – It turned cool, and since the heater hasn’t been turned on yet, it was rather brisk in the mornings. I simply wore my sanuks in their place. Though I could have added slippers to my list, I decided to do without, at least for the couple of weeks left in the challenge.
What I didn’t use
If I thought I was surprised by how few things I missed, I was amazed at how many of the things I kept out never got used.
-
Clothes
- khakis
- shorts – never wore these, because of the weather
- pj pants, fleece
- dress shoes, brown sketchers
- belt, leather, 2-sided
- suit
- dress shirt
- dress shirt
- dress shirt
- button shirt
- polo shirt
- rain jacket
- gloves, neoprene
- polypro pants
- polypro shirt
- lunchbox – I don’t remember carrying this all month long
- books in library – I don’t remember referencing any of my books even a single time
Transportation
(I haven’t used these yet, but with the temperature dropping, it won’t be long now.)
Eat
Other
17 things that I didn’t use all month long, and there are at least a couple more that I only used a time or two (swim trunks, handkerchiefs, most of the tools, and second doo rag). I could easily drop about 15 things, bringing me to a total of 80.
What I learned
I’ve got far too much stuff, “just in case”. Books that I once read, or tell myself that I will read one day, knick-knacks held on to for the memories they are supposed to provide, decorative items, tools that “I might need one day,” and far too many clothes. All things that I don’t need, and that are just taking up space in my apartment and cluttering up my life.
Removing these things from my life didn’t affect it in a negative way at all. In fact, I didn’t even notice their absence.
However, I also realized that I could get rid of so many things that it would be inconvenient. For this project, I kept out 5 days worth of socks and underwear. The way the laundry works out, that was just the right amount. There were only two times that I “had” to do laundry because I was going to run out. So, while I could live with only two pairs, at this point in my life it is not worth the inconvenience of having to wash them every night in order to have a clean pair the next day.
Was it worth it?
Definitely! It might not have been as much of a challenge as I expected it to be, but I am certainly glad that I gave the 100 Thing Challenge a try. I’ve learned a lot about my relationship with my possessions, and about how much I really need. Now I can more easily get rid of some of the things that I have allowed to stick around, just because.
What about you? Has this project helped you in any way?
Isn’t minimalism great once we give it a chance? It’s such a shame most people will never experience the freedom it brings. Keep spreading the word.
It’s fabulous! And the more I try it, the deeper I want to explore the rabbit hole.
I will certainly keep spreading. Thank you so much for your inspiration!
I’ve enjoyed reading about your experience. I’ve found that books are one item that I have held on to for years at a time without touching. As I declutter, more of my books go. The library is my friend. 🙂
I’m surprised how few books I actually use. For someone who loves to read, it’s not that many. I’ve collected the information just for the sake of having it. I do love the library. 😀 They have more options than I do, and I am able to request anything that they might not have at the moment. All at no extra charge!