Welcome to a very exciting episode of A to B Podcast. We are starting a new challenge this month and we are so excited to get started!
Before we get our ahead of ourselves, let’s check in with our favorite decluttering segment,
Why on Earth Do You Still Have That?
In Episode 10, we checked in on the survey results on whether we should love or lose each item. It was a big, Why on Earth Do You Still Have That? round up!
Once we tallied the votes, it was hard not to notice the results were all lose its! Nothing we brought forward for debate was worthy of taking up space in our homes or our lives!
Actually, I was always ready to let my items go mid-segment. Discussing it with Bethany, and sharing whatever justification had kept it in my home for this long was all I needed to say goodbye. We also found that sometimes what held us back from decluttering, was struggling with where the items should be donated.
As much as we love playing, Why on Earth Do You Still Have That?, it is time to up the ante on our decluttering! We are joining in a month-long challenge to declutter our homes. We are dipping our toes into minimalism and we would love for you to join in!
Minimalism Game
Since I personally think the biggest challenge for most people to get organized is the shear amount of stuff we own, I have always enjoyed the concept of minimalism. When you thoughtfully only keep items that bring value to your lives, it becomes a lot easy to get organized and stay organized.
Before you get turned off or click away based on the ideas minimalism might evoke, remember it can look different for different people. Minimalism doesn’t have to mean white walls and a stark environment. It can for some, but really, the real heart of minimalism is to continuously question the “stuff” in our lives along with our consumerism focused culture.
One of the leaders in the minimalist movement are The Minimalists. You might have seen their documentary on Netflix. They also have a podcast, a blog and a few books. They play a 30-Day Minimalism Game, you get rid of one thing on the first day of the month, two things on the second day, three items on the third and so on. Anything can go!
We are joining in and here is what we have gotten rid of so far 4 days into the month!
It is not too late for you to join it! Share your give away items with us by using the hashtags #AtoBpodcast and #minsgame.
Listener Question
We received a question from a listener on Facebook:
For those of us with a giant storage room (I know, CA peeps don’t really have this issue, but imagine going through a storage unit or something), how do you tackle organization? Set aside a whole day and knock it out, or in small bursts?”
I think the answer to this question really depends on the individual and the circumstances. I really don’t think there is a wrong answer as long as you start!
Just like most organizing projects as well as strategies, it really helps to know how you work best. Here are a few questions to consider when choosing your best strategy:
All Day Adventure approach?
- Do you have someone to help you?
- Do you have a full day to set aside?
- Do you hate it when projects drag on and on?
If you answered “yes” to those questions then an all-day work session might be for you!
I prefer a full day because of the immediate satisfaction of starting and finishing the project. I can’t get enough of those before and after pictures! Here is one from a storage closet I organized with Bethany where even the floor was covered. It took one long full day but the amazing transformation made it all worth it!
An all day session (or anything more than 3-4 hours) can be really taxing for most people, especially if there are lots of quick decisions to be made. If the following rings true for you, small bursts might be just what you need.
Small Bursts of Effort approach?
- Does scheduling a full day for decluttering feel impossible?
- Are there sentimental items that will take more time and mental energy?
- Are you okay with going slowly and taking your time even if the project drags on?
If this approach sounds like a better fit, remember 15 min- 1 hour a couple days a week will still add up to big results. I have used a baby step type strategy many times (in fact, my launch lingo described in Episode 3 is I can do anything for 10 minutes). I love that small steps can move you towards a seemingly impossible goal. I even used to do a series called 10-Minute Tuesday, where I focused on one small area at a time to organize.
One major pitfall of working in smaller time segments is that at the end of the mini-session, you look up and are surrounded by random piles and many unmade decisions. Try to be very clear on the “next action” for each of your piles, or at least a clear starting point for your next mini-session. Keep a pad of paper next to you for the “to-do” tasks that emerge as you organize.
Let’s Connect
Don’t forget, share your give away items with us by using the hashtags #AtoBpodcast and #minsgame or send us an email Hello @ AtoBpodcast.com.
You can find us hanging out on Instagram @AtoB podcast |Facebook | Twitter
We even have a voicemail line (858) 480-7722!
Happy you found us? Help others to find our podcast too! We would love your feedback! Please leave us a review in iTunes.
New to podcasts? Follow this guide to get you started and subscribe in iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play.
Still curious to learn more about the minimalist movement? I enjoyed Joshua Becker’s book, The More of Less. I also enjoyed this round up by The Blissful Mind.
