I recently came across a YouTube video of a guy who was doing the 30-Day Minimalism Game. He had seen another creator do the challenge which inspired him - but it originated with the OG Minimalists, Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times–bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus.
You know a love a challenge and I was immediately keen to do my own.
With a new month around the corner, I decided to start on August 1st. The rule of the game is to declutter the number of items which corresponds to the date of the month, so, for example, you get rid of one item on Day 1, two items on Day 2 etc. You can get rid of items big or small - so it could be an old menu you've been holding on to (but now you just use uber) or a box from an old phone you used to own. It can literally be anything.
The Minimalists state that the item has to be gone by midnight that night, but I waved that rule as I wanted to sell some items which I knew would take longer. You're also meant to play the game with a friend to see who can last the longest, but I passed. By the end of the month, I will have decluttered over 460 items!
So, this is how I did on Days 1 to 15.
Day 1: I decided to get rid of this tube of Mirenesse mascara that I've been meaning to throw away. I use/keep my mascaras for way longer than you're meant to. But it's time to replace it.
Day 2: I have been holding onto these glass vases for years. I did used to use them, but my decor has changed, and I no longer need them. They're gorgeous but I prefer the vase I bought earlier this year.
Day 3: I decided to get rid of these three Christmas items. It's not that I dislike them but I'm trying to keep my collection minimal, and these sadly don't go with my other white and silver decor items.
Day 4: I had been holding onto these fake plants because I still like them, and I did like the way they looked on my shelf but I'm moving away from the fake plant look. I've kept my favourites though as I still want some.
Day 5: This was kinda a random day of stuff. The Thomas Sabo packaging came with a piece I bought last month. I thought about keeping the bag it came in, but I know I won't use it or the box. The razor I'd been meaning to switch out for a while as it's just not as effective as it once was, so it had to go. The piece of paper lists the types of Bon Bons available at the Only Mine chocolate factory. I enjoyed the chocolate but don't need to keep the paper. The last thing is a satchel of chilli from Maggi's two-minute noodles which I passed on to my sister.
Day 6: I went through my drawers and found a couple of things. This pen is all kinds of adorable but it's without ink, so I want to replace it next time I'm at Monster Threads. The rest is old business cards I don't need, a flyer for an art show, and a booklet from Mirenesse that I kept but never looked at.
Day 7: A much needed declutter of my wardrobe. I finally decided to get rid of some items that I no longer wear. The purple jumper has always been too big for me and now I have better options to wear when I'm cold. The orange cardigan I got second hand. I wore it a handful of times but the orange colour is just too bright for me and I feel uncomfortable whenever I wear it. The blue dress has always been too small for me so it's time to let it go. The stripped dress I used to wear in summer, but I don't think it's my style anymore and I can't see me wearing it again. The sheer black burnt blouse is shorter than I like my tops so passing it on. The black t-shirt with the jewels I stuck on I used for a costume, but I no longer need it and it's too cute to not pass on. The sheer cardigan I used to wear in hot climates but recently I've been opting for an open shirt so it's time to let it go.
Day 8: So, continuing on with my wardrobe finds. The first shirt I used for a costume. It looks really cute on but it's just not my personal style and I'd rather someone else wear it. I don't need a Noel Fielding t-shirt to prove I'm a fan; besides, this one isn't in the most comfortable fabric. The denim shirt was for a costume, but I kept it because it looks cute on, but I just don't wear denim, and I don't see me wearing it anytime soon. The white sandals have been sitting in my wardrobe for years. I did wear them but it's time to pass them on to someone who will get the wear out of them that they deserve. The black shorts I used to wear under my dresses when I was on vacation. I took them to the USA with me last year, but I didn't wear them, so they have to go. The skirt I LOVE but apart from a costume, I haven't worn it, and I don't think I will. It's too bright and summery for me. The white t-shirt is stained so needs to go. The black lace bodysuit is new with tags so I'm going to try and sell it.
Day 9: These green boots kill my feet so I'm passing them on. The sequined black boots I love but they look funny on my feet, and they hurt too. The black sandals I've kept for years, telling myself that one day I will wear them again. But that day has still not come so I'm going to pass them on. These blue boots with the chain I bought second hand and just never wore, and I don't think I will. The gold heels I wore once to a wedding. I love the look of them, but I prefer a chunky heel nowadays. The gold bag matches the shoes but it, and the black bag, are just too small to fit my phone so I'm passing them on. The wallet I never used as it's impractical for my lifestyle. These navy boots I wore but they're difficult to get in and out of. I now own similar that I'd rather wear instead.
Day 10: I decided to declutter some cat toys. My cat has many toys, but he doesn't really go for the ones that make any kind of noise. He also has sticks he prefers so cull I did.
Day 11: I have a four-sided earring stand and my goal was to get it down to one (at least with the studs) so I removed the ones I never wear or don't really match my style.
Day 12: Another day of earrings I no longer need/wear.
Day 13: I generally wear and hold on to my leggings until I absolutely cannot wear them any longer, so I finally got rid of my leggings which had holes in them. It still hurt though. I also got rid of some paper cutlery that I never use. And a random ribbon I passed onto my Mum.
Day 14: Today I raided the bathroom and found a bunch of different items. Mostly freebies that I never used, some silver cloths and a random basket. I hate products in my hair so they went too. I tried the frizz ease by John Frieda and I just hate the feeling of gel in my hair so I passed it on.
Day 15: I had a bunch of books in the garage, so I went through them as well as books on my shelf. I could have gotten rid of more, but I have nothing else to put in my bookshelf, so I kept more than I needed to, but I'll rotate them in and out if I get more. I generally don't reread books so no need to keep them all.
Stay tuned for part two!
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