Halve my stuff in 2023

At the start of this year I decided to set myself a big decluttering challenge - halve my belongings by the end of 2023. I've set myself decluttering challenges before. One year I got rid of 1 item for every day of the year so 365 things in total. The issue with that is the fact I didn't take into account the things I was bringing in. I may well have ended up with the same amount of stuff - if not more - than when I started. Hence this year I am halving my stuff overall.

One of the reasons I want to drastically declutter is because I only want to own a small home. I don't want to be paying for square footage to store STUFF. If I have fewer belongings then I need less space. It also means that any moving costs will be lower and I think it is very freeing.

I particularly wanted to declutter my bedroom. I was finding it difficult to sleep because of the things I could see in my room. I am by no means a hoarder but I had stuff under my bed, pictures and running medals on the wall, a bookshelf full of books and ornaments, and too many clothes in my wardrobe.

First thing I did was count my stuff. I have a spreadsheet with each category on (I ended up changing categories to storage spaces, i.e. wardrobe, shelves, etc., to make it easier) and I count everything up every few months to see how I'm doing. I have counted clothing, books, stationary, shoes, accessories, and coats. There is no issue in our house with kitchen things or other household items so they are not being included. It is very enlightening to know just how much stuff you own!

Then the fun bit started. As you might guess from the fact I run a decluttering and organising business, I LOVE getting rid of stuff. It feels like a weight off my shoulders when something leaves my house. I have been selling and donating my stuff all year. I have so far made enough money to go on holiday to Lanzarote! I am really enjoying the extra space and money that decluttering is giving me.

I will be counting my stuff again next month so fingers crossed I am on target! Watch this space.

If you'd like me to help you with your own decluttering journey then please get in touch.