Welcome to another episode A to B podcast: Simplicity, Organization, & Fun.
We had more items to discuss today but we get stuck on problems paper with our paper and photos. But first, we are so excited to be wrapping up the final days of the 30-Day Minimalism Game, led by The Minimalists.
The challenge is to 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. So as you can imagine these last couple days of the month have been a challenge.
THE 30-DAY MINIMALISM CHALLENGE
Last week, in Episode 15, we shared days 12 through 25. In Episode 14, we shared days 5-11 and in Episode 13 we shared days 1-4. Today we are sharing days 26 through 30 and our final thoughts on the game plus some surprising things we learned.
In the final days of the challenge, it was getting hard to find 26+ things to get rid of. I finally broke down and tackled my neglected box of photos. Procrastination is my middle name when it comes to organizing my photos.
Most of my photos are digital now but these were pictures I had printed out before I started making yearly photos books in 2012. I already had a large photo album to organize them but I needed to sort them out by year and throw out the duds.
Two and a half hours later, I had the keepers in an album and I was able to trash 100 or so photos!
Let me tell you that it feels so good to have this task done! It feels like I have been working on this project one small step at a time for so long. The 30 Day Minimalist Challenge was worth it just for this.
If you are feeling a little hesitate to join in, it is a great little way to push yourself. If you need an accountable partner use the hashtag #AtoBpodcast on social media, along with #minsgame and we will be there to cheer you on! It is not too late.
Organizing Photos
Photos can be a tough for some to organize because there are so many memories attached to them. However, if you have ever had to go through boxes and boxes of a loved one’s photos you know that an intentional, curated photo album can be so meaningful not to mention more manageable.
It is so important to examine why behind organizing your photos. Is it a special time that you want to look back on and remember? Is it to capture your children’s’ childhood to share with them as they grow? Is it to pass down to the next generations? Deciding on your “why,” can make tough choices clearer.
As you are going through each photo, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Is this a good picture? Is the subject is clear? Do you like it?
Do I have multiple copies or is this similar to other, better photos?
How many pictures do I already have of this event? How many pictures of this event do I need?
Would anyone want to see this picture in 20+ years?
Are there people in it? Is it of an iconic landmark you can find online?
As you ask yourself these questions, keep in mind that ultimate “why” you are doing this helps you stay on track.
We’d love to hear any tips you have found to organize your photos. We’ve already decided to devote a whole podcast episode to digital photos and we’d love to share your tips!
A New 30 Day Challenge!
During the Minimalism challenge, especially towards the end, I felt I was rushing around my house digging for items. Maybe it was the organizer in me but I wanted to spend a few minutes organizing the places I had just decluttered. So for this month, we are going to do just that!
We are bring back a series I use to do pretty regular here on Space for Living Organizing, 10 Minute Tuesdays! For this challenge, you choose one small space and spend 10 minutes organizing that area. Set your timer and after your small, intense focus on that one area, you are done.
In case you need a little extra push to join us, here is a super awkward video I made of a 10 minute Tuesday. It is from 5 years ago but the strategy remains the same!
Shining Light on problems
In Episode 15, Shining a light on Pesky Problems, we looked at simple problems we have grow accustom to that really only involved a simple fix. I love that this silly, little idea helped me develop after-dinner family chores. Now we all clear the table and one person wipes the table, another sweeps, and another puts away the food while I work on the dishes.
Yes, it sounds so obvious and basic but previously I didn’t even realize it was an actual problem with a solution. Instead of looking for a fix, I was tolerating the simple fact of life that I hate cleaning up after dinner. But as Bethany pointed out, if we stop and reexamine we might find that those pesky problems have a simple solution!
Any pesky problems lurking undiscovered in your home? We would love to hear of any problems you have encountered in you own life! Did it require a simple solution or did you have to get creative?
You can find us hanging out on Instagram @AtoB podcast |Facebook | Twitter
We even have a voicemail line (858) 480-7722!
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.
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.
