Thoughts: 30 days without accessories.

Around June 1st, I participated in a 30-day challenge that included stashing away all of our home accessories. Pretty much anything on a counter top or a bookshelf was stored in our second bedroom, a sort of "out of sight, out of mind" mentality to show how much stuff one has yet doesn't use -- thus doesn't miss when it's gone.

So, my thoughts on this little adventure?

Out of sight, out of mind? That didn't really work. All of my things taunted me for 30 days from the second bedroom. I guess I could have closed the door -- but the cats really enjoyed the mess (read: they like sleeping among the vases and inside all the empty baskets). I found myself in that room, more than usual, looking at all the stuff that I just don't use. I purged, and sorted, and cleaned constantly. Putting all non-essentials in one place makes me really realize how much stuff I have. And it was overwhelming.

Tossing personal preference aside? I missed our scrapbooks and our framed pictures. They add life and personality to our apartment and they make me smile when I look at them. I missed our framed wedding pictures from our bedside table and I missed the cute little trinkets Sean buys for me (like the message in a bottle he gave me for our first wedding anniversary).

I can do without. I don't think of myself as sentimental. I can toss things aside with the best of them. I do feel strongly about things (pictures, knick-knacks) that are reminders of my marriage. But other things? --baskets, candles, vases, throw pillows, etc. I didn't miss them one bit. In fact, I tried to sell them half way through the month at our town yard sale. 

Any permanent changes?

I haven't really decided. I like the open space; it requires less dusting. I enjoy the look and feel of our apartment; it has that simple and clean thing going for it. It's less stuff for the cats to try and knock over. 

Over all, it's been a good run -- and I'm not ready to make another change quite yet.