50 Days with 100 Things
I’ve been practicing the The 100 Thing Challenge for 50 days and am happy to report that just like Project 333, living like this is not extreme or even very challenging.
That’s not to say that they wouldn’t have been challenging if I jumped into them without making other changes first. If I had started either of these experiments before I started to simplify my life, they would have seemed impossible.
If the 100 Thing Challenge had come before our last yard sale ever, decluttering, paying off debt or even Project 333, I would have likely given up and gone shopping.
Nicole, a woman who spoke at a recent conference I attended said “Big sexy dreams are only accomplished one tiny, very unsexy step at a time.” I couldn’t agree more. Living with less than 100 things has never been a big sexy dream of mine, but without smaller unsexy steps, it never would have happened and I never would have been able to live my really big sexy dreams like quitting my job, working for myself, and spending more time doing things that I love with people I love.
My 100 thing Challenge Update
I’ve bolded the items I’ve used in 50 days and made notes to a few others.
- Yoga mat
- Sunglasses
- Laptop bag
- Purse
- Travel bag
- Bracelet
- Cross bracelet
- Gray/white scarf
- Green scarf
- Black pashmina
- Casual hat
- Red Sox hat
- Winter hat
- Winter mittens
- Winter coat
- Winter vest
- Trench coat
- Leather jacket
- Black rain coat
- Blue hiking coat
- Robe
- Yoga pants
- Black undershirt/tank
- black hiking/workout shorts (I lost these traveling. It happens)
- Workout shorts
- Workout shirt
- Workout shirt
- Sweatshirt
- Bathing suit
- Bathing suit cover up
- Underwear (grouped)
- Lounge shirt
- Lounge shirt
- Lounge pants
- PJs (cool weather)
- Lingerie
- Lingerie
- Night gown
- Night gown
- Tank top PJs (warm weather)
- Purple heels
- Black flats
- Black boots
- Snow boots
- Hiking shoes
- Sport shoes (I replaced these with a new pair)
- Tennis shoes
- Flip-flops
- Jeans
- White dress capris
- Blue outdoors capris
- Dress pants
- Khaki pants
- Black skinny pants (added a pair of leggings)
- Black sleeveless dress
- Orange/white dress (replaced this with simple gray dress from storage)
- Green/white dress
- Blue sleeveless dress
- Holiday dress
- Gray maxi skirt/dress
- Gray short skirt
- Tweed skirt
- Black wrap short sleeve
- Black tank
- Yellow tank (I replaced this with a blue/gray short sleeve shirt)
- Black tank flower detail on back
- Gray ruffle shirt
- Plaid button down
- Light blue button down
- Black long-sleeved tissue tee
- Gray long-sleeved tissue tee
- Black cardigan
- Cream cardigan
- Black blazer
- Cream blazer
- White sweater
- Green sweater
- Laptop/charger
- Phone/charger
- Camera/charger
- External hard drive
- Rosetta Stone headphones
- Ear buds
- Photo card reader
- Office supplies (pens/pencils/paper/paperclips/files)
- Diary (planner/calendar)
- Bible
- Kindle + charger
- 1 book in progress (+ small rotating library of less than 10 books)
- Toothbrush
- Hairbrush
- Blow dryer
- Flat-iron
- Makeup (grouped)
- Tennis dress
- Tennis racquet
- Journal
- Candle set
- Bike gear (grouped)
- Ski gear (grouped and stored until Winter)
I mentioned in my original 100 thing challenge post that I was storing things instead of donating everything that was left over. As it turns out, I’ve donated more than I’ve stored. Anything replaced on the list was donated and after boxing everything up, I realized that I didn’t really need it after all. So what did I keep in storage?
- Clothing (2 small boxes)
- Jewelry (1 shoe box, not full)
- Journals, Books (1 small box)
My takeaway 50 days in, is that living with less than 100 personal items is not extreme, but only because it’s not where I started. I leaned in to less and can’t imagine a better way to make any change.
What will you lean in to today?
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My hat is off to you!
Thanks Laurie. I’m having a blast!
I accidently went under 100 items (it wasn’t planned I just de-cluttered). Although I am counting the books I need to finish my studying as one, but only a year until they go. . . but I find it no hardship at all to have so little. It makes me wonder why I ever had more
I think that’s why experiments like this are important. Until we test living with less, we don’t really know what we need or want.
I had to smile at the non-bolded winter items. You’d be hard pressed to need those at this time of the year.
Especially here in Utah. It is so hot that I barely need my summer clothes.
I love your update!! You’re doing so well & I’m inspired by your success so far. I did project 333 early this year & so far I’ve no interest in opening the small suitcase at the bottom of my wardrobe & I’ve actually managed to keep reducing my casual loungewear
I’m really enjoying sharing your journey & hearing how much you’re enjoying it
I’m going to keep going with Project 333 but I don’t think I’m ready for 100 things or less yet maybe I should aim for 100 things or less in my handbag first
don’t worry I am exaggerating 
Fiona, Try not carrying a purse at all. Could be a fun experiment.
Courtney, I always get a smile on my face when I see your e-mail in my inbox. Today was no exception. I’m in the process of moving from Michigan to Arizona. Only the things I adore will be going with me. I’ve weeded my clothes several times and tonight I’ll be doing it again before I do my final pack. Can you think of any posts you’ve written that may help motivate me to add more items to the donate box and less to the shipping box? I also have an unhealthy attachment to an exercise ball that I’ve actually never used. Any ideas? Thanks for sharing your thoughts with all your readers
Connie, I’m glad My email makes you smile, because this comment made me smile. Moving is an awesome opportunity to let stuff go. There must be a preschool or day care in your neighborhood that would get more use out of that exercise ball.
Search my posts under the “clutter” category for extra motivation, but more importantly, think about your new space and new life in Arizona and if you want to spend your time taking care of your stuff or exploring your new community.
Let me know how the move goes and then inspire readers by sharing your story through the new “Simplicity in Action” posts. (email me if you are interested)
Hi Courtney,
Congratulations! It’s an achievement, whether you leaned into it, or not.
I am an academic type (at a large university), and books are my huge weakness and biggest struggle. Clothing is my next bugbear. Reading your posts are an inspiration, and I’ve been able to declutter about 300 books, and still counting.
The crazy notion that guides this decluttering is the idea that, if I had to evacuate my home and put everything in my ancient Honda Civic, what would I take?
Thanks so much for the post!
I have a post coming soon about books! Congrats on downsizing your collection.
Hi Courtney,
Well done. I’m 4 months into the 100 Thing Challenge and loving it.
I have 2 boxes I’ve stored of clothes to possibly bring back into the closet after the challenge, I think I’m going to give them away at the end (without looking in the boxes so I won’t miss something I’ve forgotten about).
Blessings on the journey.
This is quite inspiring and I am making great strides within my home. However, I am packing for a 3 week journey to Alaska and Cali. I definitely have more than 100 Things in my “pack pile.” HELP! I know I will not need all of this and my goal is to take one carry on. I am desperately trying to apply the same principles I live by at home to travel. Any advice?
Thank you!
Have you seen the website http://www.onebag.com/? It really helped me lighten my load while traveling.
This is wonderful. Thank you, thank you!!!
I have yet to count what I own, much less what I use on a regular basis. I got rid of most everything to move into a one room/studio apartment a year ago and find I use very little today. Most of the extras are for company, ex: the extra bedding for overnight guests and extra dishes. I really have to count just out of curiosity.
Hi Courtney
Stumbled onto your blog through a search for minimalist homeschooling and clicked the link on Minimalist Moms.
Read through your list and I’m wondering … don’t you cook or clean? I mean, your list is mostly clothes and gadgets. How do you live without cooking utensils, a broom, cups, plates. Do you have a car, or bike, or any furniture? A bed and linen?
Just curious.
Check out her original post: http://bemorewithless.com/2012/my-100-thing-challenge/
the 100 things only applies to personal items (not household). hope that helps
Thanks Linda. Yes, I am part of a family of 3. Our kitchen/household items are not part of my 100 things. Yet.
so jealous… i keep trying, but i don’t think i’m down to 100 yet.