October is the Month of Change (Again)
As I write this post, I realise I am a duffer.Looking back through my archives for the September 2013 in 2013 Challenge post, I realise... I never wrote one!September was an exceptionally crazy month, with our 4 year-old breaking her leg (she's fine now!), an interstate trip for my first conference speaking gig and various other craziness. But to forget completely? Like I said - duffer.I will make up for the lack of September checklist over the next week or so (it's all about decluttering and organising memories - photos, scrapbooks, keepsakes, artworks etc), but for now... let's dive in to the October tasks.October is the second month that we will be focusing on seasonal items. We first looked at this change in June - when we swapped our summer for winter, or vice-versa - and now, as we get close to the busy holiday season, it's time to work through these areas again.Think of it as a good opportunity to reassess what it is that you like, need, use and care about. Chances are, even if you worked through these spaces back in June, you will find a great deal more stuff you now feel happy to let go of.In fact, that's one of the beauties of committing to living a simpler life - it gets easier over time to let go of stuff. Things that used to seem so essential turn out to be merely clutter after you make the shift to simple living.To jump right in to this month's challenge, you can download the October checklist here. Or keep reading to find the full list, as well as added tips and suggestions below.
October is the Month of Change (Again)
The focus areas of this month’s tasks are the:
- linen cupboard
- general and seasonal decor
- wardrobe
- garage/basement
Again, we are focusing on the seasonal items this month. Think winter linens, coats, snow gear, throw blankets, heaters and boots for some. While in other parts of the world, it’s time to bring out the summer gear.These tasks, while relatively small in comparison to those we’ve worked through in previous months (you can find all previous checklists here), provide the perfect opportunity to do a little work now reap the benefits of a clutter-free home as we come into the busy end of the year.
The October Declutter Checklist
Remember, we're looking at items you won't be needing over the coming months, as well as items you no longer need at all. This could be decor that adds to the clutter, throw cushions you no longer need, recreation gear you don't use anymore and seasonal clothes and shoes that haven't been worn.Move through each of the specific areas listed below, keeping an eye out for anything else you want to let go of. You will be amazed at the amount of stuff you can happily part with now that you've been working on simplifying for 10 months.Linen Cupboard
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Quilts/Duvets
- Throws
- Pillows
- Towels
- Guest linen
Wardrobes
- Swimwear
- Winter coats
- Scarves
- Boots
- Sandals
- Dresses
- Shorts
- Winter uniforms for school/sport
- Lightweight clothing
Specialist clothing (hiking or snow gear)Basement/Garage
- Seasonal recreational gear (fishing, snow)
- Beach equipment
- Outdoor furniture
Seasonal Decor
Soft furnishings (cushions, throws)- Tabletop decor (vases, bowls etc)
- Mantle, coffee table and hall stand decor
You can download the printable version of the October checklist here. This is a shorter set of tasks, as it involves a little more sorting, shifting and storing than the usual tasks. Don't feel overwhelmed by this though, as each of the tasks above can be broken down further, into manageable, 10-minute tasks.Remember, baby steps are the way to go here - and if you look back at where you were when this Challenge first began, you will be amazed at the progress! Well done!