How I'm Getting Rid of 2018 Things in 2018 #2018MinGame

How am I getting rid of 2018 things in the last couple months of 2018? Using the classic #MinimalismGame format, of course! Let me walk you through how you can do it, too, and give you an update on my minimalism journey so far (3 years in the making)!

What is the 2018 Minimalism Game #2018MinGame Challenge?

Well, the basic premise is that I will be doing my very best to get rid of 2018 items in the remaining few months of 2018.

…

That’s pretty much it.

But HOW are you going to do it?

Ok fine, I’ll elaborate. I’m getting inspiration from The Minimalists and their 30 Day Minimalism Game, the classic month long challenge in which you get rid of one thing on day one, two things on day two, three things on day three, and on and on until you hit day thirty! In the 30 Day Minimalism Game, you get rid of 465 items total (if you make it to the end).

So, I’m just doing the EXTREME version of that same concept. Instead of getting rid of 465 things in 30 days, I will be getting rid of 2018 things by December 31st, 2018 (in approximately 4 months or 122 days).

Now technically I would only need 64 days to complete this challenge using the method set out by The Minimalists on their blog. But I’m trying to be realistic here. Clearly. So I’m doubling my time to ensure success! (This is wishful thinking at it’s finest but just go with it).

This challenge is ridiculous. I fully admit it. BUT when the idea popped into my head I just new I had to try it. To be honest, I don’t know if I even own 2018 things. But I’m going to find out! And I’m going to get rid of a lot of crap along the way. I’ve completed the first 10 days of my challenge so far, and purged 55 items! It feels so refreshing to be actively decluttering again. You can see the first 55 items I decided to part with in this video (skip to 20:18 to start with Day One - no really, that’s actually the time stamp. I couldn’t have planned it better if I tried.)

So join in, if you feel like a challenge, and tag #2018MinGame on social media so I can see how you’re doing! I’ll be updating you on my progress primarily on my Instagram, so follow me there if you haven’t already!

Check out the video I made for my YouTube channel to get a more thorough overview and to see what I decluttered for the first 10 days (totalling 55 items) along with my 3 year minimalism update! Watch the video here on my blog or hop on over to YouTube (and subscribe, while you’re at it! wink wink)

Ok, that's it! Happy decluttering.

Until next time,

xox Elizabeth

Declutter Your Computer!

Most of us use our computers everyday.  So why do we let them get way more cluttered and disorganized than our home?  I recently did a laptop rehaul and wanted to share my tips and tricks to a minimal, organized computer with all of you!  

Keep your desktop clear.

The desktop of your computer is like your desk.  It's home base, and everything you do stems from it.  Or, thinking of it another way, it's like your foyer.  The first and the last thing you see when using your machine.  So why do we clutter our desktops up with random screenshots, files, gifs, and folders?  I don't know about you, but when my desktop is cluttered it adds to my anxiety to a significant degree, without my even realizing it.  Keeping my desktop clear at all times has been incredibly refreshing!  I'm never going back to keeping 3 or 4 folders and countless random files there for "easy" access.  Because, let's be real, how hard is it to just go to the file you need in finder or to search for it in the search bar?  

I only keep files on my desktop that I'm currently working on (like graphics for my blog posts that I'm creating in photoshop).  But as soon as I'm done working on it, away it goes.

Oh!  Another thing, for Mac users specifically.  Please oh please keep your doc tidy!  A doc with 20 applications on it clutters up a desktop just as quickly as 20 files.  I like to keep mine VERY minimal - just the finder, system preferences, mail, calendar (to remind me of the date quickly), iMessage, downloads, and trash. Anything else I need I can quickly open using the launchpad shortcut (by pinching with my thumb and three fingers).

Behold the glory of my clear desktop (and my handsome fiancé!):

Clean out your contacts.

Friend from elementary school's mom's cell number?  Delete.  Coworker from three part-time jobs ago?  Delete.  Ex-boyfriend with whom you never again intend to speak?  Delete.  When you clean up your contacts it makes life so much easier.  No need to scroll through 12 Nicks to find the one you're trying to email.  Bite the bullet and make friends with the delete button!

Another thing to try, especially if you have a lot of coworkers or acquaintances that you need to keep in contact with, is to add how you know them in the "company" field.  This way you'll always remember which Susan is from your book club and which one works with you!

Sort your photos.

We take so many more photos than our parents, so shouldn't we have more captured memories to enjoy?  Not quite.  So many of us have such a disorganized photo folder that once a picture is taken, it never sees the light of day again.  I find that sad.  Why let thousands of photos take up precious storage space on your laptop without reaping the rewards?

But I know that you already understand why sorting your photos is important.  So let's get to the real question: how the heck do you do it?

1. Start by compiling all photos in one place.  I choose to use a Dropbox folder, so that I can access my photos from anywhere and they're safe if my computer breaks.  I don't use the carousel feature, however, as I just don't like it.
2. Automatically backup new photos from mobile devices when you plug them in.  I downloaded dropbox onto my computer and set it up to automatically save new photos from my camera roll whenever my phone or iPad are plugged in.  This way every time I charge my photos are being backed up to dropbox!
3. Create a naming system and stick to it.  I like to keep it simple.  All of my general photos are named in the following manner: year_month_day_short description (ex. 2015_10_19_autumndate3).  Graphics I create for use in blog posts and on social media I name following my filing naming system (described below!).  This makes it easy to find any photo!  Even if I forget the specific day it was taken on or description I used, scrolling through that month's photos brings me to it pretty quickly!  *For full disclosure, I'm still in the process of updating older photos to this naming system.  I have quite a few and it's taking me a while, but I'm doing it and noticing a big difference!
4. Delete duplicates and unnecessary photos.  While it may take 20 selfies to get the perfect one (believe me, I've been there) - you don't need to keep them all.  Delete all of the photos you're not going to want to look again again to remember a specific day or event, or need to post in the future.  Be harsh when critiquing photos.  Keep only the very best!  Your future self will thank you.  *I like to do it once a week so that I don't get a build up of too many photos that need to be sorted through.  It also helps exponentially if you delete unnecessary photos on your mobile devices throughout the day before syncing to your laptop or desktop!

Create a filing system and follow it.

This is a big one.  I keep all of my actual files on Dropbox (which just shows up as another file on my hard drive since I have it installed on my macbook) rather than in the "documents" folder.  This way, all of my files are accessible from anywhere and protected from computer crashes!

The next step is to create just a few folders for your main categories of files (just like in my Take Control Your Email post!)  Here are mine:

Within each folder I may have a couple subfolders, or not, depending on the category.  For example, my PLANT BASED BRIDE folder has a couple of different subfolders for different purposes, while my HOME folder only has one:  HOME_ARCHIVE.  Each main folder has an archive folder for old files I don't reference regularly but may need someday down the line.

I also have a system for naming each individual file.  Each file name starts with the shortcut for it's category (the main folder it belongs in).  So blog files begin with PBB while financial files begin with FIN.  Next comes the year and the month, then a short description.  Here's an example file: PBB_2015_10_declutteryourcomputer_pin (category_year_month_blog post title_graphic type).  Another example: HOME_2015_07_leaseagreement (category_year_month_short description).

You may have noticed my file named TEMPORARY.  This is exactly what it sounds like!  I keep this file for random screenshots and photos I save for short-term use.  I make sure to delete everything in this folder on a weekly basis.

Backup your files.

Once a month I plug in my external hard drive and copy and paste my Dropbox folder into a file labelled: (year)_(month)_dropboxbackup.  It's easy, and means I have a backup with all of my files easily accessible if dropbox ever goes down!

Reset once a year.

Once a year I like to reset my computer to its factory settings to keep it clear of cookies and hidden files that slow it down.  It's like getting a brand new macbook each year!

And there you have it!  My tips to declutter your computer and keep it organized all year long.  I hope you try some of them out and that they simplify your life as they have mine!  Watch out for my next post in the Living With Less series: all about decluttering your phone!

Until next time,

Do you have a system in place that you find keeps your computer in tip top organized shape?  Please share it in the comments!

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Living With Less: A Review of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up & How To Declutter the KonMari Way!

Hello and welcome to instalment number one of my Living With Less series!  Today I’m tackling the first step in anyone’s minimalism journey, decluttering, with the help of the KonMari method.  This method was developed by Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (and an absolute genius.) I’m going to give you a summary and review of the book and outline the simple steps you can take to rid your life of clutter for good!

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo (A Review!)

 (This post contains affiliate links.)

Marie Kondo is an organizing consultant and author from Japan.  She has a wonderful no-nonsense approach that really appeals to me, and is extremely likeable.  Marie explains why most people are suffering under the weight of their belongings and how to free yourself from clutter.  The book is easy to read and understand, and incredibly engaging.  I read it from cover to cover in a couple of days and was immediately itching to declutter!  This book is such an inspiring read; I’m not surprised that it’s amassed such a large following!  

The book begins by shedding light on the common problems with organizing and decluttering that the majority of us share.  She then goes on to explain her method of organization and why it works.  Next comes an in depth guide to decluttering your home from top to bottom and storing those precious items you decide to keep.

Marie's method is a breath of fresh air which focuses on the joy special possessions can bring rather than the need for acquisition or holding on to useless items "just in case".  She demands perfection, which is kind of wonderful in a world full of unnecessary moderation, yet understands that her clients and her readers are only human, and that some things just mean so much to us on a sentimental level that they belong in our lives.  She also believes that tidying should happen only once, not everyday.  This is wonderful news for all of us busy people who want to do it all at once and be done for good!

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to absolutely anyone. Click on the book cover to buy it on amazon and get started on your minimalism journey with me!  (Friendly Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link.  There is no extra cost for you, but the small commission I receive if you purchase through my link helps me keep this site up and running!)

Read on to learn how to declutter using the the KonMari method!

How To Declutter Your Life, the KonMari Way!

ONE Dress up for the event.  One of Marie's main beliefs is that tidying should be a special event, not a daily chore.  And don't we usually dress up for special events?  Don't do all of your tidying in sweatpants; through on a smart blazer or a pretty dress and give tidying the respect it deserves!

TWO Tidy all at once.  I'll say it again, just because it's such a revolutionary thought!  Marie asserts that tidying should be a one time event not a daily chore!  Clear your schedule so that you can do it once and do it right.

THREE Discard by category, not location.  Don't tidy your kitchen, then the bedroom, and so on.  Marie has learned the optimal method of decluttering from trial and error and her extensive experience.  Go category by category, and in the order she outlines in the book:

• Clothing;
• Books;
• Papers;
• Miscellaneous items, and;
• Sentimental items.

FOUR Put everything on the floor.  One category at a time, go around the house and grab every item then put it in one big pile on the floor.  Not only does this ensure that you don't forget or miss anything, but it shows you just how much you actually own; a pretty sobering realization!

FIVE Hold each and every item.  Pick up each belonging, one at a time, and ask yourself  "Does this spark joy?"  If yes, keep it.  If not, put it in the donate or sell pile!

SIX Focus. Don't play music or watch TV while you sort.  This is an important task that deserves 100% of your focus!

SEVEN Discard all, then organize. Resist the urge to put things away as you go.  Marie says it's important to go through each category and discard before organizing what you've decided to keep.

EIGHT Thank your belongings for their service. This one can seem a bit bizarre, but is quite nice when you think about it.  Marie suggests that you take a moment to thank the items you are discarding for their service.  Even if you are only thanking them for teaching you what you don't like, she says you should find a reason to be thankful for the time they spent in your possession.  

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This is just a summary of Marie's advice.  Go read the book to get the full benefit of her method and to hear all of the principles right from the horse's mouth!

I hope I've inspired at least one of you to explore the KonMari method and bring it into your life.  It has only been a month and a bit since I applied these principles in my own home, and while I'm still a bit of a work in progress, I'm noticing incredible benefits!  Remember that I will be posting a new Living with Less post each and every Tuesday for the foreseeable future.  Don't forget to check in on the blog every week or subscribe to the Plant Based Bride newsletter (you'll find the form at the bottom of this page) for updates right to your inbox!

Until next time,

Have you read Marie's book?  I'd love to hear your review in the comments below!

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