100 Thing Challenge: Reducing Clutter Over the Summer

Are you tired of tripping over the same old clutter day after day, muttering to yourself that you really are going to get rid of it soon? Has your storage room started to resemble the famous closet scene from Poltergeist, where a monster emerges to terrify a family?

Reducing clutter and mess, for most people, is a never-ending problem. Sometimes when you clean, you are back where you started an hour later. You may even be noticing it more now that the kids are out of school for the summer.

In a tough economy, reducing the amount of stuff you have in your home can be a way to feel like you have more control in your life. People are looking for minimalism and simplicity in their lives.

Ashburn residents John and Tae Crotty and their sons, Max, 7, and Oliver, 5, recently made a big decision to move from a 6,500-square-foot home to a 2,500-square-foot home. They are making a commitment to reduce the “stuff” in their home and when they move, each family member will bring 100 things.

The concept is based on a grassroots movement started by a blogger named Dave Bruno. He is writing about his mission to reduce his household possessions and to only keep the things in his life that are truly important.

One way to begin is to establish rules, creating lists of things that can be considered non-exempt, such as clothing and electronics.

“We are going to purchase iPads for the family, as a way to digitize everything,” said Tae Crotty.

Crotty’s husband has claimed the vacuum on his list; she has claimed the food processor on hers. Even their kids are getting in on the action: an R4i game card can hold all of their DSi games.

Tae recommends taking inventory.

“At first, you might want to reduce your items by a certain percentage versus a set number so that it doesn't become so daunting that you never even get started,” she said. “The point is to make it fun and see how far you can push your personal boundaries.”

Minimizing “can be a way of life,” she added.

“For the first time in six years, we went on vacation with just three duffle bags,” she said, rather than trailers of extra stuff. “We enjoyed the elements of the beach more. The kids were more creative in how they played and we were more mobile and didn't worry about someone watching our stuff.”

Here are some ways you can reduce the things in your home:

Make donations
Not only does this help you eliminate things, but you are doing something good to help others. Get the kids involved: tackle bedrooms, toy/playrooms and all areas where you can reduce the clutter. Some charities even pick up donations. Don’t forget to get a tax receipt.

• , 20684 Ashburn Road, Ashburn, VA 20147
• Resourceful Woman Thrift Shop, 11 Loudoun Street SW, Suite A, Leesburg, VA 20175-2908, 703-771-8173
• The Salvation Army, 10 Cardinal Park Drive, SE, Leesburg VA 20176

Craig’s List
Look around at the things you are not using that are of value and post them on Craig’s List. It’s quick and easy, and can put some dollars in your wallet.

Yard sale
If your HOA does not allow yard sales, look for a group yard sale, often hosted by the HOA or a church.

Friend or neighbor
You may know someone who can use what you have outgrown. Clothing, books, video games, etc., can all easily be re-used in another home.

Consignment shops
This is a good way to clean out your closet and keep it up-to-date. Some also take furniture and other household items.

• Frilly Frocks, frillyfrocks.com, Building H, Suite 112, 1603 Village Market Blvd SE, Leesburg, 703-858-4940
• Consignment Solutions, consignmentsolutions.com, 1002 East Market Street, Leesburg, 703-669-5267

If you are interested in more information about the 100 Thing Challenge, visit guynameddave.com. Or check out his book, The 100 Thing Challenge: How I Got Rid of Almost Everything, Remade My Life, and Regained My Soul by Dave Bruno.