As long as you’re leaving I’m happy.

There are many ways to proceed towards minimalism. Over at The Minimalists for example,  Joshua had a gradual process followed by a leap. For Ryan however, it was one giant leap, starting with a packing party.

http://www.theminimalists.com/21days/day3/

I find the packing party a really attractive proposition, but given my circumstances,  it’s  not realistically achievable . The family are not exactly on the same page as me, so I’m dealing purely with my stuff.  I also have health issues that mean taking on big projects isn’t possible. Every large project has to broken up into do-able chunks.

So here I am, moving towards minimalism by  degrees. But it’s very easy to drift  and lose sight of the goal this way.  So I have a pact with myself that every day, as long as  something leaves the house, or is prepared for leaving the house such as being put on sale, I’m happy.  Every day when I go through my stuff my mantra is, as long as you’re leaving I’m happy.

Moving towards miminalism

Those who’ve known me for a long time might be very surprised that I’ve decided to move towards minimalism. Not least because I’ve spent many years being surrounded by clutter of every sort.  Those who’ve known me for a very long time indeed would not be so surprised as more than once in my life I’ve gotten rid of almost everything I own.

It’s a huge task and it will take some time. I should add that I am not imposing my decision to let go of my things on any other member of my family. I just have a strong desire to live with less and less of my stuff will have to do.

So far I’ve cleared a vast amount of paper, filled two recycling bags full of it and shredded enough to half fill a wheelie bin. I’ve now filled two textile recycling bags full of duvet covers, blankets,  sheets, towels and pillow cases.  I’m just about to start on my personal books. Book clutter is probably my worst problem. This is the first pass, so when I’ve done every room in the house I shall start again and get rid of more.

On this theme I’ve decided to take part in Mrs Green’s ”Use it up!” challenge. I have a lot of stuff in my pantry and freezer and as I only have £163.12 in my budget for the whole of June to buy groceries, toiletries and cleaning products for 2 adults, 1 teenager, 2 dogs and 2 cats I think it’s a very timely challenge indeed.

http://myzerowaste.com/2012/06/mrs-greens-use-it-up-challenge

Please bare with me with this blog. I am very new to blogging and still finding my feet.