December 7th-31st (The Grand Finale!)

Pictured here is the final pile of stuff that will be making its exit as part of the 2015 decluttering project.  The pile doesn't include the sheets and pillows on my messy bed (I must confess I have never seen the point of daily bed making), but it does include clothing, purses, wallets, unused shelf paper, resume paper, a flamingo travel mug, a Spongebob pin, cookbooks and several other assorted items.

I am thrilled to have completed this project, since I don't consider myself someone who is particularly good at following through on long-term goals.  I've also really enjoyed the enthusiastic responses I've received from everyone I've shared the idea with. 

Since this is my final post, here are a few things I've learned over the past year:

1. My mind is very sneaky.  Even when I know my attachment to something is completely irrational, I am still able to come up with a dozen reasons why I can't get rid of it.  For example, there were several times I had a hard time getting rid of an item that had been packed away so long that I didn't even remember I had it.
2. I have more hiding places in my small house than I ever imagined.
3. Picking out clothes in the morning is much easier now that I've gotten rid of most of the things I knew I would never wear.
4. Single-purpose kitchen gadgets should be some of the first things to go.  Who needs a tomato slicer when I knife works just fine?
5. One of the most difficult aspects of getting rid of things is deciding where they need to go.  Donating is the easiest solution, but not everything is donation worthy.  I try to recycle what I can, but, unfortunately, some items are just destined for a landfill.  Rob and I are still due for a trip to a local convenience center to get rid of some our old electronics.
6. I have not missed or regretted getting rid of one single item.  No matter how attached I thought I was to something, once it was gone, I never gave it much thought again.  
7. Even after getting rid of 365 items, I still feel like I have a long way to go.  My plan is to continue to do one item a month as a way to continue being mindful of my possessions.

Rob's pick for 11/19

One random black cup that has been a collection point for loose bathroom items (nail files, clippers, scissors, thermometers, etc...).

It was initially part of a set I bought back in my bachelor days (hence black, so I didn't have to worry about it matching), somehow it has survived long after its fellows have disappeared.

Fate: Goodwill

Rob's pick for 11/16-18

Still behind, but catching up!

I noticed that our "random utensil" draw was a little over populated so I went through and removed all the duplicates / things we do not use.

This is my half of the 'take'. On to Goodwill!

November 24th-December 6th

I am running a bit behind (as usual), but with this post I am finally breaking into the final month of this project.  I knew from the beginning that I "should" be able to do it, but to have made it this far is very exciting...especially for someone like me who has a hard time following through with things.

This is an oddball set of items, many of which resided in my attic until recently.  I find that the attic is a great place to go when I'm struggling to find something to get rid of  because "out of sight/out of mind" means I'll probably never use it again.

Rob's pick for 11/15

A stack of about 80 (weak) beer coasters left over from when a friend that use to peddle "beer" came for a party and brought cups and coasters.

Don't work, he has seen the error of his ways and stopped delivering sub-par beer.

Fate: Recycled

December 21 - 26 - Linda's picks

Donated to Durham Rescue Mission. 

Dec 16 - 20 - Linda's picks

Donated to Durham Rescue Mission