30 Day Minimalist Challenge Wrap-Up

IT'S ABOUT TIME...

We are about two weeks past due for this, I do apologize for the delayed post. But here is my input and feelings regarding the 30 Day Minimalist Challenge.

I started on October 1st and finished on October 31st, an extra day didn't hurt but definitely added to the challenge. To begin with I designated a spot where I would pile things up, a simple task but had a great benefit. It made things easier as I had a place to "report" to with the items I was getting rid of along the way. I feel like without the designated spot the items would have gotten lost and possibly placed back to where they were before, especially with my husband's help, tehehe. So I picked a spot in my living, a spot I would see throughout the day, everyday! On the 1st of the month it was easy to get rid of one thing and then two on the 2nd of the month and so on. But I must be honest, I got busy a few of the days or just forgot on other days but I was sure to add extra items in order to get caught up with the current day of the month. I was worried it would be hard to find 15, 26, and 31 things to get rid of but it worked. I got rid of some dishes in the kitchen which were not being used, shoes, pieces of clothing, little decor items which were still sitting in a box, and even got rid of old cosmetics. I was shocked at how many pieces of clothing I was able to let go of, some of the pieces I forgot I even had. And yes, I found clothing with TAGS on it. Man, I never thought I would be one of "those" people! Not that it is a bad thing but I grew up in a household that if you bought it, you wore it or didn't buy it at all.
The OUT of control pile

 Towards the end of the month I had to take control of the pile as it was getting crazy. When I say "take control", I mean I went through and decided what I could sell, share with friends and/or family, or just DONATE. I was able to use the Offerup app for the things I wanted to sell. I simply took a photo of the item, added a little description, a price and post it! There are various apps one could use, there is not a special reason why I used Offerup, I had just seen and heard a lot of advertising about it. As with anything, one needs to be cautious of the information shared and aware when it comes to meeting the person buying your item. I never gave out my email or phone number as I was able to chat with the individual within the app. I only agreed to meet during the day at a public place like a food place or coffee shop. For extra protection I brought my "guard" dog Baylee, she would for sure "kill" them with hugs and kisses, haha. Anyway, the 30 Day Minimalist Challenge was a TRUE success for me! 

My organized SELL pile

When I think about it, the experience was SO much more than just decluttering my home but also my life. During the process of getting rid of things I was able to let go of emotional memories from my past. For example, I had a bag of fabric that was for a sewing project in 8th grade which I was suppose to do with a certain person in my life. I knew I was NEVER going to get back to the project as I don't even have a sewing machine or the pattern for the fabric. But I held onto it and it became a reminder of the disappointment and frustration that this person brought to my life. Letting go of the fabric was more emotional than I thought it would be but it was good. This challenge can be freeing in so many ways: emotional, physically, financially, and more. Having things can weigh you down, once you are able to let go and get rid of things you are on track for a happier and healthier life. I would encourage anybody to do it as it will become a yearly event for me and my husband.

Did you participate in the 30 Day Minimalist Challenge? 
Please share your experience with me. And even if you didn't, please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

 Come & Experience Life with Me,
Mrs. Dellagranda 


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