The Beginning of my Minimalist Lifestyle: Starting with the 100 Things Challenge

I’ve never been one to throw things out – or to go without for that matter. I’ve always been surrounded by “stuff” growing up and although I’m in no means complaining about that, I have recently been admiring many people who live a much simpler life. People who are able to up and relocate without problem.

So to kick off my attempt at a (somewhat) minimalist lifestyle, I’ve decided to go ahead with the 100 Things Challenge by David Michael Bruno. This is a challenge to only keep 100 personal items.

Naturally, things that are used by the household aren’t included – such as furniture, TV, etc. Also, books are not counted, and you are able to combine some items – including socks and underwear. The idea is to live minimal, not to have to go a day with inside-out undies.

So, without further ado, my personal items:

1. Macbook, including gear such as mouse and charger.
2. External hard drive
3. Headset, with mic (really needs replacing)
4. Headset, no mic
5. Digital Camera, Canon
6. Cell phone, Blackberry
7. Wallet
8. Watch, although it’s broken right now. I remember the day it happened.
9. Sunglasses
10. Note book, black, for notes.
11. Note book, blue, for brainstorming
12. Backpack, books and laptop
13. Backpack, for the gym
14. Jackknife
15. Razor, Gillette Fusion Power
16. Electric razor kit
17. Shaving Cream
18. Deodorant
19. Toothbrush
20. Tweezers
21. Chap sticks (combining)
22. Flip Flops
23. Running Sneakers
24. Vibram 5-fingers KSO’s, I’m going to be upset when Winter comes and I have to take these off.
25. Black Casual Shoes (really needs replacing)
26. Black Dress Shoes (also really needs replacing)
27. Nike Casual Shoes
28. Coat, black.
29. Jacket, grey
30. Scarf, brown
31. Scarf, red
32. Winter hat
33. Winter gloves
34. Belt, black
35. Belt, brown
36. Swimming trunks, blue
37. Swimming trunks, red
38. Shorts, White
39. Shorts, light brown
40. Shorts, lighter brown
41. Shorts, dark brown
42. Shorts, darker brown
43. Shorts, sports
44. Shorts, sports
45. Shorts, sports
46. Jeans
47. Jeans
48. Jeans
49. Dress pants, black
50. Dress pants, tan
51. Pants, black
52. Pants, tan
53. Pants, Pajama, black and white (I remember when I used to have so many of these)
54. Hoodie, black.
55. Dress shirt, red
56. Dress shirt, blue
57. Dress shirt, black
58. Dress shirt, white
59. Dress shirt, striped
60. Button down shirt, black
61. Button down shirt, brown
62. Sports coat, linen, black
63. Sport coat, striped
64. Tie, purple
65. Tie, black and white
66. Polo, blue
67. Polo, red
68. Polo, brown
69. Polo, red
70. Tank, red
71. Tank, blue (why do I still have these?)
72. Long sleeve shirt, black & grey
73. Long sleeve shirt, blue
74. Long sleeve shirt, white
75. Long sleeve shirt, brown
76. Long sleeve shirt, black
77. Long sleeve shirt, grey
78. Long sleeve shirt, old, for around the house
79. Argyle sweater, black & red
80. Argyle sweater, white
81. Sweater, white
82. Sweater, Grey
83. Jersey, old NS jersey (can’t seem to part with it)
84. T-shirt, grey
85. T-shirt, black
86. T-shirt, black
87. T-shirt, black
88. T-shirt, red
89. T-shirt, green
90. T-shirt, red
91. Gym shirt, white
92. Gym shirt, white
93. Gym shirt, grey
94. Running shirt, black
95. Running shirt, black
96. Undershirts (combining)
97. Socks (combining)
98. Socks, dress (combining)
99. Underwear (combining)

I left a spot open just in case. I know this doesn’t leave a lot of room for gifts, etc. But I thought I’d start by keeping things this way until Christmas. So I can reassess then.

I must admit that this is much harder when living in a location that gets both plus 40 and minus 40 degrees. Having to balance for both seasons will be tricky, but as more sweaters are needed, I will replace some of the items I won’t be using.

Also, I’m not throwing anything out. I’m boxing it up and putting it in storage – which is down 6 flights of stairs so I likely won’t be inclined to go down and unpack it if I have the urge to play Mario Kart.

I will write a followup post on the pros and cons of my experience living like this at a later date.

For more on a minimalist lifestyle, check out Zen Habits.