Saying Goodbye to Bike Bags
Our simple living journey has taught me that less is more. Having less stuff in my life has helped me establish the priorities of building solid relationships, being debt free and living lightly.
Success is not defined by how much stuff you own. In fact, I think it’s just the opposite. The intended function of stuff is comfort and convenience. However, stuff represents an enormous amount of time and money. When I had excessive stuff I felt both uncomfortable and inconvenienced. By minimizing stuff, I now have more time and money. A surprising side effect of the 100 thing challenge was becoming debt-free.
100 Thing Challenge Update
The idea of counting up all of your possessions might seem a little crazy but, the larger point of the 100 Thing Challenge is to reconcile the needs in your life with the stuff you own.
The challenge helps me question consumerism and objectively consider my wants. Minimalism is about balancing needs and comfort. It’s not about asceticism and everyone’s journey is different.
I still have consumer desires and I am far from perfect. I recently purchased a few new items: a tweed jacket. I’m happy about these purchases because the items will be used nearly everyday.
I’m sticking to my 1 in-1 out rule; so I donated a few shirts to the thrift store and sold my bike bags. I loved my bike bags, but ever since we installed my bike basket, they have been sitting on the closet shelf. Also, Logan decided to downsize from 4 bags to 1 and I’m so excited! Our closet is finally minimal and beautiful. 
If you’ve been thinking of downsizing the amount of stuff you own, consider participating in the challenge.
Why downsize?
It seems like the earth has become a large garbage pit. When people get tired of their stuff, they throw it out and continue buying more to chase that new gadget euphoria. Every new item purchased means natural resources are used up. Resources are limited on this tiny planet and I think it’s important to examine our buying patterns on an individual and global level. There are so many reasons to downsize your stuff. Below are a few to consider…
1. Free yourself from clutter. It’s a form of procrastination.
2. Save yourself money in storage and maintenance.
3. Taking an inventory of your stuff will help you understand your needs and wants.
4. Cleaning is a breeze.
5. Lighten your impact on the environment.
If downsizing to 100 personal things freaks you out, try the 10 Thing Challenge.
If you’re not sure where to start read this post.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great post Tammy! You make a great point that minimalism is about BALANCE. Each path we take is different but all paths are valid. If a path is going to be sustainable, it has to create balance in our lives. Good luck on your 100 Thing Challenge!
I’m finally ready. I’m going to start an inventory tonight and will post the end result sometime early next week…I think I’m close enough to make this a reality…watch me be totally wrong and have like 300 things…anyway, good on ‘ya!
I own less than 100 items if “books” can be lumped together!
I actually went through my library and culled every book that I didn’t absolutely LOVE. It was hard but worth it. And I’m the kind of person who rereads, so it’s not like I’m keeping them purely for sentiment’s sake. Every once in a while I think of getting a Kindle, but at the end of the day I go back to my books.
I used to go through my dad’s book collection and discover new stories and authors. It was a very tactile exploration, looking at cover art and reading summaries. I just don’t see my kids exploring my .PDFs in the same way and I want them to love reading to.
That being said, I am almost militant about everything else we have. Doing the 100 Things Challenge helps prioritize what is REALLY important to you and your quality of living.
The 100 Things idea is beyond my abilities, but the 10 Things is quite doable. Like my debts, I just keep chipping away! Today I dug a trench to re-route the gray water from the washer to water the garden area. Now I’m whittling down the laundry area clutter. Baby steps beat none at all!
I don’t know how you do it. Superwoman!
@Kevin – thank you! I agree. It’s all about balance. The 100 Thing Challenge has worked for me. But it might not work for everyone.
@Jesse – Yay! Keep me posted on how the challenge goes. I hope it helps you downsize.
@Hayden – You go girl! Dave counts his book collection as 1 item, so you could too. We donated most of our books to the library. I love books, but we never reread any of them.
I can’t see myself actually using a Kindle. There is something about the feel of paper and actually seeing a book that makes me want to read. I enjoy ebooks, but it’s a different reading experience.
@Lisa – That’s awesome! I think the 10 Thing Challenge is a great option. Like Kevin said, we all have to find balance. WOW – a gray water system?! That is awesome!
@Liz – My number of personal items might increase. I’m considering purchasing a few new outfits! You inspired me to get my fashion groove on.
My wardrobe needs a serious update.
Another great post!
You could also choose to pack your life into a suitcase. It helps identify what you actually NEED if you were to live out of a single suitcase.
I literally lived that when I was a consultant, becoming a minimalist… and it put a lot of things into perspective for me.
Now, if I were to move anywhere, I am confident that 3 suitcases and 2 carryons is sufficient for the rest of my life
@The Everyday Minimalist – that’s awesome and such a good idea! We are traveling over Thanksgiving, so I might try out your idea. Hugs to you…
Oh and thank you for linking to my blog
I really appreciate it!
I would love to get down to 100 items, but with 2 teenage children that is difficult. I was looking over your list- do you really only have 25 articles of clothing? If so, I feel like a real clothes hog! Just curious how you do that.
Yup – only 25 articles of clothing. Although, the number of items in my wardrobe might increase. I’m thinking of purchasing another pair of pants and a tweed jacket.
How do I mange dealing with such a small wardrobe? It’s pretty easy. I have a lot of basic items, so it’s easy to mix and match. When we started the downsizing process, I had a closet full of clothes that I never wore. It seemed silly to hang onto items that literally collected dust.
Also, I have a day job that doesn’t require dressing up everyday and that’s a good thing. Henry David Thoreau had it right when he said: “Be wary of any enterprise that requires new clothes.”
Great post, and great idea, Tammy. We live in very small digs and I still need to get rid of stuff. Today, however, is about the emotional clutter of my life. I decided to take that down to -0-.
I actually am rushing head first into the 100 things challenge! I’m scared and delighted, all at once.
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