Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Lauren of Take a Moment Today.
How many times have you walked into a store with nothing in mind except the desire to shop? A year ago, that was me. I loved shopping. Everytime I walked into my closets (that’s right, I said closets), I never felt I had anything to wear. So, back to the mall I went. Mindlessly purchasing items that I did not need and some that I never even wore.
Last year, I discovered Courtney’s blog Be More With Less. This introduced me to the concept of minimalism. I was completely obsessed with this idea. As I read through her previous posts, I came across Project 333. This was the perfect way for me to work my way into minimalism.
I began with my own version. I started with 40 items of clothes. I didn’t include shoes or accessories. I held onto all the clothes I wasn’t using. Roughly a month into the project, I came to the shocking realization that I didn’t need so many clothes. I was upset that I had wasted so much money. I felt guilty about wanting to get rid of so much.
I slowly began the process of eliminating the excess. I donated clothes that didn’t fit, clothes I never wore, and clothes that were simply bad choices. Eventually, I had created a wardrobe that worked for me. When my husband and I moved into our new home, the “master” closet was actually smaller than any closet we had ever shared. However, thanks to Project 333 all of my clothes fit onto my side. I have downsized my shoes and accessories as well. I still own more than 33 items, however several are work related, and this is the least amount of clothing I have ever owned.
As a result of Project 333, minimalism has branched into so many other areas of my life. I have been able to apply it to my home, my traveling, as well as my hobbies. It has taught me to be satisfied with what I own. It has taught me that more isn’t necessarily better and to let go of what is unnecessary. The best part? My husband and I have noticed a definite improvement in our bank account.
Read more from Lauren at Take A Moment Today.
