The Minsgame – Week One

I’ve managed to convince my family to participate in the November challenge of getting 465 items out of the house – each. 465 x 5 = 2,325 items out of the house.  If you missed the introduction to the Minsgame, you can read about it here.

I used the above photo of our basement in order to give you a glimpse of what we have to work with. To be fair, our basement does look a lot better now. The photo above was taken during our basement clutter reveal.  There are after photos which show our progress here and here. We continue to take 2 steps forward and 1 step back in the basement, but we’re making progress.

The minsgame is a perfect opportunity (in my mind) to make a group effort in moving large numbers of things out of our basement and other areas that always need attention: toys and clothes.

Full Disclosure

I bribed  motivated my children into participating by offering them $20 at the end of the month if they managed to participate all the way to the end. Their eyes lit up at that incentive! In all honesty, that should be what they get for their allowance, which we never remember to give to them.

Day 1

Everyone participated in Day 1, contributing something they were ready to get rid of. My youngest son and middle son looked around the living room and picked the closest thing to them that they didn’t have any sentimental attachment to.

My oldest son picked the Trouble game that I’ve been meaning to throw out. He pointed out that it’s missing pieces and we rarely play it.

I picked my exercise pants that are too tight around the waist. I ordered them online and they have never fit right. I’ve kept it and worn it a few times when all my other exercise bottoms are dirty, but I’m always uncomfortable in them. Ever since we used the KonMari Method on our clothes, I’ve been quick to put things that “don’t spark joy” in the donation pile. I held onto this “just in case”…but I know that I need to donate them now.

My husband, after some gentle nudging and my persistence, agreed that the box of recycling in the basement could be taken as one item. He was surprised that that would count as an item.

I’ll be sharing daily photos of what we’re getting out of the house on Instagram, follow along if you’re interested in getting daily updates!

Hopes for the Minsgame

I started this challenge as a way to involve my family more in the regular habit of decluttering. My hope is that they will develop the habit of really noticing their possessions and take action if something is ready to be released – donated, sold, trashed, or recycled.

Currently, they just ignore the clothes that are too small or too worn. They just don’t wear them but leave them untouched in their drawer (or the floor, or the hamper).

Currently, they just ignore the toys that are in bins and the books that are on bookshelves. We have a whole bin of dress up clothes, but only a few that my youngest son really enjoys wearing.

I’m hoping that as I take the time to remind them daily to pick out items to give away or throw out, they will eventually make those decisions without my reminders. It may take more than a month, but 465 items each is a great start!

Are you interested in participating? Come join the Facebook group started by the MinsgameBOSS for support and encouragement. Use the hashtag #minsgameBOSS on social media when sharing your progess!

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