ARTICLE: 30-Day Minimalism Game (Days 16-30)

As explained in my post for Days 1-15 (which you can read here):

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! 

And yes, I know August has 31 days, but I didn't have the heart to go through my costumes just yet but one day soon I'll tackle day 31 but it'll be off-blog as it were. 

So, this is how I did on Days 16 to 30.

Day 16: I decided to clean out my make-up drawer. I keep most of my most used products easily assessable in my wardrobe, so these were the extras in that drawer. Including a concealer that my sister gave me that is too dark for me, different products in white and blue that no longer work, some very old blush and eye shadows that were gifted, the contour kit was also gifted and I can't for the life of me figure out how to use it, and the Victoria Jackson kit was also a gift and it's years old. Lastly, the brushes I was given and I don't even use them.

Day 17: I got rid of some old kid's DVDs that I no longer watch (I still have a heap of others), a snowman that is too cute to just sit in storage because it doesn't match my Christmas decor, another plant, a weird coca-cola bottle that I spent more on than I should have because it tasted exactly the same, a boot matchstick holder which I just don't see the sense in having although a cute idea, and two computer games. Full disclousre though, I wanted to test the games before giving them away. Age of Mythology didn't work but Zoo Tycoon 2 did (and I ended up playing it for hours) so I kept it and switched it out for a manky, old sandal I found.

Day 18: Today I went through boxes in my wardrobe and found some art supplies, keyrings, bookmark, decorative paper, unused phone case, a tin whistle, a recorder, two candles, foundation that was way too light for me and The Mighty Boosh figurines which I plan on hopefully selling.

Day 19: Another day of random things. I ended up giving away some old ceramics, a clock, a crystal, hair curl set, a birthday card, a food case, some old make-up, a broken pencil and keyring, and some Josh Groban M&Ms. 

Day 20: It's getting difficult and also still easy. I went through a set of different drawers today and found a bunch of random stuff including rubbish, make-up tools, some glass birds, plate, plant and measuring spoons. I've also decided to get rid of my crystal box as it's not being used as well as paper flowers that I used to use. The hair oil I tried but again, I don't like product in my hair so maybe someone will buy it considering I only used it once or twice so it's basically new. The wooden dinosaur will probably go to my nephew pending if he likes it or not. The frame was gifted to me, but I prefer black frames, so I switched out the OG print.  

Note: I ended up keeping the bowtruckle and switched it out for something else ^_^

Day 21: I feel like when you get to these higher figures, you're just scrambling to find anything that you are okay with letting go of. This fish chip bowl I used to love but now I'd just use a different bowl. You can see a bunch of electronics and the cases they came in. The game boy batteries actually exploded so it doesn't work but I'll see if anyone wants to buy the games. The round plant print cost SO much but it was all dirty. I cleaned it but it wasn't worth the cost. Hopefully someone else gets the use out of it that I didn't. One mug was gifted and the other I bought. Neither have really been used. The final thing is many Pete Cromer budgies and their stand which I have decided to sell because I have three other budgies and don't need so many.

Day 22: I rarely use nail polish anymore, so I decided to get rid of ones that were either old, matte, brushes I hated, dry, colours I didn't like etc. I was tempted to get rid of more but I resisted.

Day 23: Another day of random things including clothing which I don't wear, a belt that is stretched out, some random mugs, a journal and toothpaste, old razor package, a Christmas reindeer, an old card, random socks, shampoo containers, a mirror, a large case, and the clear bag I bought for when I went to CMA Fest. I thought about keeping it, but I don't see myself attending a festival in the US any time soon so I'd rather someone else use it. Like that saying goes - "My mind shifted from I might need this someday to someone needs this now."

Day 24: I went through my pop vinyl box and it's time to pass these one. I will keep my Keanu pops, but this is just more than I need. They deserve to be on display. Also, never buy anything hoping to make a profit.

Day 25: As well as the drawers that I no longer need, I found a lot more jewellery including earrings, necklaces, anklets and rings. I used to love statement pieces but now I keep my jewellery quite minimal. 

Day 26: And more jewellery... it's insane how much I have and don't wear! All must go!

Day 27: It was finally time to go through my car because the amount of trash I had in there was insane. And gross. Like someone left a packet of lollies in there and ants and mold had made it home. It was really gross!

Day 28: I'd been thinking about getting rid of some programmes for a while. Not my musical ones, of course, but like gigs or events I went to which I'm okay with letting go of. And then I went through my paper drawer and got rid of random things I don't need (although cute - look at that kookaburra!) and old business cards.

Day 29: It was time to let go of a bunch of CDs. I keep some favourites and gifted ones though.

Day 30: Another day of jewellery because I clearly have too much of it!

--

I wanted to just talk through some things because I'm actually shocked by how much stuff I own. I wanted to call it quits many times because I was convinced that I didn't own enough to get rid of but then I kept finding things I was okay with letting go of. Some days were harder than others but even looking back over my lists now, it's interesting seeing things which I completely forgot that I owned. Some things I was still second guessing but others were really easy to let go of. And that momentum really keeps you going because once you get through another day, you just want to get rid of more. You see those empty drawers and it's empowering.

So, what advice would I give to somebody wanting to take up the challenge themselves?

I would say, just know there will be some days that you will struggle. You will look at it all and think about the money you spent on it or if one day you can still use it. You will literally do everything possible to keep every little thing. But stay tough. That feeling of accomplishing the game is better than anything else. 

Just remember, keeping it isn't going to bring the money you spent back. And maybe you will need whatever again one day but if it's not difficult to replace just let it go if you haven't used it in years.  

I hope one day not to look upon this post and have regret. My hope is that I forget about every item here.

I don't foresee me doing this challenge again (I don't think I own enough stuff!) but it has made me more motivated to think carefully about the items I do own and what new items I decide to bring into my life. 

Always remember: "My mind shifted from I might need this someday to someone needs this now."