Get Rid Of 10 Things A Day: What Left My House in 2012
Filed under Noted
My November 1, 2001 Resolution was “Get Rid Of 10 Things A Day.” I was living in a small house with no closet space and a lot of clutter. Since there’s very little I hate more than the daily packing and unpacking of stuff from storage, I tended to stack things that needed to be packed, Tetris-like, back into my closets, on the floor in front of the closet. This gave my house a decidedly Crazy Old Lady flair.
I realized on November 1, 2001, that every house I had ever lived in had less storage space than the previous home. (And I counted my college dorm room in this assessment). Since more storage was out of the question, I would just downsize my belongings until I could fit everything in one easy to grab layer within my closets.
Less things, less things to dust.
I decided on ten things because I felt that it was an achievable goal. I had been a messy person my entire life and previous large scale purges of stuff from my home had never resulted in increased closet space.
It wasn’t until March of 2002, five months after I’d committed to my 10 Things Resolution, that I walked into my house and actually could see that it was noticeably tidier. At that point in time, I’d already removed over 1500 items from my house.
When I moved in with my now-husband almost five years ago, I downsized my possessions by 80% in order to fit all of my belongings and all of his belongings into Dinky Manor, our 1000 square foot house with (of course) terrible storage space. I found this dramatic downsizing totally liberating.
In 2011, after living for three months abroad in Florence, Italy in a tiny, shared apartment with fewer than 100 belongings, I returned to my home in Los Angeles with a much more critical eye toward my belongings. I missed my Italian minimalism.
Last year I decided to keep a list of everything I got rid of so I could get an accurate picture of what I was stockpiling, and what I could live without. Although I didn’t get rid of 10 things a day, I did ultimately get rid of 1018 things.
- Disney baby mobile
- Disney wall decals
- wallpaper borders
- metal storage trunk
- printer
- brown GammaGo sweatshirt
- gray sweatshirt
- gray French Connection sweater
- Alumesh vintage handbag
- vintage embroidered “Maxine” shirt
- vintage undies
- onyx necklace
- “Wildcats” varsity patch
- red, white and blue flowered belt
- vintage camel beret
- crazy glue pen
- book
- book
- book
- book
- book
- book
- book
- CD
- CD
- CD
- CD
- CD
- 200 Cigarettes Soundrack CD
- birthday card
- empty metal Nivea Cream tin
- black cashmere sweater
- black cashmere sweater
- photograph of Erin
- bra
- Nirvana CD
- gray vintage jacket
- blue silk vintage jacket
- butterfly skull t-shirt
- vintage undies
- vintage muumuu
- padded envelope
- padded envelope
- vintage postcard
- vintage postcard
- mailing envelope
- Rowan Studios knitting book
- printed knitting pattern
- “hippie” handbag
- vintage notecard
- Better Homes and Gardens magazine
- Better Homes and Gardens magazine
- Better Homes and Gardens magazine
- plastic dip bowl
- knitting needles
- highlighter pen
- highlighter pen
- highlighter pen
- highlighter pen
- gray hoodie
- striped neckwarmer
- The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest book
- terra cotta pot
- terra cotta planter
- terra cotta planter
- pink pot
- tomato cage
- tomato cage
- tomato cage
- jade plant
- cactus
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- Indian earrings
- sterling silver hoop earrings
- mustard colored handbag
- black Max Studio jacket
- eyeglass case
- ball of pink wool yarn
- clear eyeglass frames
- wide red belt
- navy blue sweater
- sterling silver earrings
- vintage refrigeratorware
- black jacket
- empty spool of thread
- empty spool of thread
- empty spool of thread
- stockings
- empty Motrin bottle
- eyeglass holder
- little black dress
- Hawaiian dress
- jade bracelet
- sanding sponge
- foam brush
- sun hat
- craft syringe
- seat cushion
- seat cushion
- seat cushion
- shipping box
- shipping box
- shipping box
- shipping box
- shipping box
- shipping box
- shipping box
- shipping box
- shipping box
- shipping box
- shipping box
- Resistance magnets
- Resistance poster
- Resistance poster
- Resistance poster
- Resistance poster
- Italian hotel guide
- shipping box
- mid-century modern saucer
- pink linen shorts
- cactus
- AMC Movie Watchers card
- flower pot
- Brooks Brothers shirt
- white t-shirt
- white t-shirt
- eyeglass holder
- acidophilus
- angora scarf
- birthday card
- birthday card
- vintage postcard
- vintage postcard
- vintage postcard
- vintage postcard
- hand-knitted hat
- paint strainer
- thank you card
- Brushy Mountain patch
- headphones
- edwardian silk blouse
- shipping box
- vintage postcard
- birthday card
- hand-knit scarf for Colleen
- The Nickle t-shirt
- Ikea bag
- Tupperware cereal storer
- Better Homes and Gardens magazine
- Documentary Magazine
- Documentary Magazine
- Documentary Magazine
- Documentary Magazine
- chef’s knife
- Cynthia Rowley handbag
- leather messenger bag
- Max & Cleo dress
- cotton scarf
- black knit dress
- Lucky Brand shirt
- t-shirt
- Linoleum book
- book
- book
- book
- book (Pan)
- book (Does This Make My Butt Look Fat>)
- book (France Today)
- book (Let’s Go Paris)
- book (Mother Goose)
- book (God’s Photo Album
- book (Maui travel guide)
- book (Ethan Hawke Novel)
- book (Lightening On The Sun)
- book (Capture the Flag)
- book (They Took My Husband)
- book (Who Moved The Cheese)
- book (Portrait of a Lady)
- Japanese logo book
- Thesaurus
- King Lear Cliff Notes
- The Tempest Cliff Notes
- Paul Prudhomme cookbook
- book (How To Buy A House In California
- book
- book
- book
- book
- book
- book
- book
- book (Among The Thugs
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- vintage cake decoration
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- Tupperware money bag
- Tupperware money bag
- Tupperware money bag
- Tupperware seal
- The Hollywood Reporter
- The Hollywood Reporter
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Better Homes and Gardens
- smug
- Smug
- Fridgesmart
- Fridgesmart
- FlatOut
- Tupperware planter
- Tupperware cannister
- fruit locker
- Rock n Serve
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- handled shopping bag
- green cashmere sweater
- mailing box
- vintage postcard
- giant bag of packing peanuts
- Ghastly Ones t-shirt
- mermaid t-shirt
- black tank top
- French Connection t-shirt
- long johns top
- long johns bottoms
- Christmas socks
- running shorts
- tote bag
- Persian rug
- Soul Comes Home DVD
- Once Upon A Time In China DVD
- CD
- CD
- Nat Nast shirts
- Tupperware seal
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- plastic pot
- underwear
- bag of black rubber bands
- underwear
- box of blueberry tea
- box of ginseng tea
- box of mixed herbal teas
- bottle of multivitamins
- Paul Frank pajamas
- pink tank top
- blue tank top
- sterling silver wire
- bag of scrap sterling bits
- pint jar
- jade plant
- gold bracelet
- gold bracelet
- Coppertone suntan lotion
- Body Shop shampoo sample
- Body Shop conditioner sample
- Aubrey facial scrub
- Tupperware chip and dip bowl
- Tupperware salt and pepper shakers
- floating candle
- Chinese Opera matches
- silk bag
- lighter fluid
- coral t-shirt
- orange air freshener
- orchid clip
- orchid clip
- Ithica shoes
- shoes
- Prada suit
- Sarah Chen luggage
- vintage beaded sweater
- Better Homes and Gardens magazine
- book
- book
- book
- book
- beaded skirt
- lucite ring
- Aubrey shampoo
- hemp lotion
- iodized salt container
- The Pet Name Book
- book (The Belfast Frescoes)
- red raffia ribbon
- vintage postcard
- cat lampshade collar
- cat lampshade collar
- cat lampshade collar
- book (Rainfall)
- spice bottle
- spice bottle
- spice bottle
- spice bottle
- spice bottle
- spice bottle
- vintage red tweed coat
- packing box
- Chinese cough syrup
- Hollywood Reporter
- box of Detox tea
- box of mixed herbal tea
- box of chamomile tea
- laundry basket
- Sterlite bin
- metal candy tin
- footie socks
- footie socks
- book (King Lear)
- French conversation book
- book (The Winds of War)
- book (The Laura Palmer Diary)
- book (Crockpot Cooking)
- book (Stocking Up)
- cookbook
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- foot powder
- book (The Namesake)
- Healthy Eating cookbook
- book (The Flea Markets Of London)
- book (Why me?
- spider killer
- spider killer
- wasp killer
- bug spray
- bug spray
- flea spray
- flea shampoo
- vintage KFC shirt
- puffy envelope
- sterling silver baby spoon
- orange silk ribbon
- Tupperware container
- hipster baby sweater
- birthday card
- Freezermate
- Freezermate
- Freezermate
- Freezermate
- Tupperware tomato
- Tupperware modular dish
- Tupperware soup mug
- Tupperware soup mug
- Tupperware colander
- book (Behind The Scenes At The Museum)
- Tupperware cake taker
- handtruck
- jadite cup
- jadite cup
- jadite cup
- jadite cup
- jadite cup
- jadite cup
- jadite saucer
- jadite saucer
- jadite saucer
- jadite saucer
- jadite saucer
- jadite saucer
- Swedish film
- shipping box
- Alexander McQ shirt
- puffy envelope
- reusable grocery bag
- book (The Constant Gardener)
- Tupperware cookbook
- book (The Fatal Shore)
- book (I, Claudius)
- book (Lamb)
- book
- book
- bra
- box of succulent clippings
- lipstick
- pill case
- pill case
- pill case
- pill case
- Afar magazine
- Ikea catalog
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- key
- Gola throat lozenges
- reading glasses
- reading glasses
- reading glasses
- flower barrette
- flower wrist corsage
- pepper grinder
- black BCBG heels
- Fendi mules
- lipstick
- pedicure set
- bag of emory boards
- bag of nail files
- bag of mixed bandaids
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
- bumper sticker
- 7even corduroys
- pillow case
- footie socks
- vintage polka dot shirt
- Santa gift bag
- bag of packing peanuts
- bubble wrap
- metal tea tin
- metal candy tin
- mailing envelope
- phone case
- vintage smoking pipe
- mailing box
- vintage smoking pipe
- vintage smoking pipe
- vintage smoking pipe
- vintage pipe stand
- book (Empire Falls
- book (Better Homes and Gardens)
- Williams-Sonoma booklet
- plaid platform shoes
- old house key
- old house key
- old house key
- old house key
- old house key
- old house key
- wool paisley shawl
- vintage silk pencil skirt
- vintage yellow wool pencil skirt
- gray cashmere turtleneck
- black J. Crew cashmere polo sweater
- white and navy blouse
- silk Chaus blouse
- fabric swatch
- fabric swatch
- plastic hanger
- glider cushion
- glider cushion
- glider cushion
- glider cushion
- glider cushion
- glider cushion
- glider cushion
- bag of bolts
- multi-skirt hanger
- crocheted poncho
- Westways magazine
- Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- Process Church book
- metal cigarette case from Puerto Rico
- Staples Singers CD
- Cristine’s CD to Fred
- puffy envelope
- white ankle socks
- blue espadrilles
- beige Polo sneakers
- photo of Grandma
- photo of Grandmas
- Tupperware mini quick shake
- Tupperware magnet
- Tupperware magnet
- Tupperware bowl
- 1930′s oil lamp from ranch
- painted Grandma portrait
- painted Grandma portrait
- photo
- photo
- photo
- photo for Julien
- photo for Julien
- photo for Julien
- photo for Julien
- photo for Julien
- photo for Julien
- photo for Julien
- photo for Julien
- photo for Julien
- photo for Julien
- vintage Red Cross pin
- gift box
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- photo for Ted
- vintage Christmas card
- vintage Christmas card
- Martha Stewart cook book
- vintage blue suitcase
- yellow and black sundress
- Grandma’s houndstooth jacket
- Grandma’s houndstooth jacket
- Grandma’s camel skirt
- black walking shorts
- black walking shorts
- pomegranate shampoo
- pomegranate lotion
- texturizing hair mousse
- cat bed
- canning rack
- Mikasa tiki platter
- apple charm
- Legal Daisy Spacing book
- Chapstick
- Tupperware spice container
- Tupperware stainless steel sponge
- Tupperware deli stacker
- Tupperware one-touch cannister
- Tupperware modular bowl
- Tupperware coffee cup
- Tupperware snack cup
- Tupperware snack cup
- Tupperware mini bowl
- Tupperware soup mug
- Tupperware bag
- packing box
- purple silk blouse
- Stella McCartney t-shirt
- pink cashmere sweater
- snake earrings
- suede boots
- glass vase
- thai mirror
- workout DVD
- Lifeboat expansion deck
- vintage birthday card
- director sample
- vacuum attachment
- J. Crew catalog
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- Hollywood Reporter
- RISD t-shirt
- Ferragamo lotion
- vintage bodice top
- black tulle skirt
- Rachel Roy skirt
- Dixie Chicks CD
- RISD sweatshirt
- pinstriped shorts
- white dotted swiss top
- searsucker skirt
- pink flip flops
- plaid belt
- upcycled tuxedo shirt
- square necked blouse
- peach dress
- flowered shirt
- Tupperware training film
- empty check register
- empty check register
- empty check register
- checkbook cover
- old check carbons
- black maxi dress
- lint roller
- vintage Dartmouth jacket
- french wine glass
- french wine glass
- french wine glass
- french wine glass
- black resin pin
- grapefruit lotion
- candle
- black sweat pants
- men’s t-shirt
- Insomniac t-shirt
- Insomniac t-shirt
- Philippe’s shirt
- Amoeba records t-shirt
- vintage band t-shirt
- vintage band t-shirt
- vintage band t-shirt
- vintage band t-shirt
- Halloween stripes shirt
- Hollywood Reporter
- Better Homes and Gardens magazine
- Better Homes and Gardens magazine
- Jadite cup
- Jadite saucer
- knickers
- Boardwalk Empire dress
- silk penny loafers
- brown riding boots
- red vintage tennis shoes
- apricot tree
- pillow case
- Victoria secret giftcard
- black socks
- Rachet & Clank t-shirt
- bath towel
- bath towel
- bath towel
- black socks
- shoe box
- men’s checked shirt
- KXLU sweatshirt
- Supertwin t-shirt
- Molotov t-shirt
- Molotov t-shirt
- Alma Del Barrio t-shirt
- KXLU t-shirt
- Ann Mugler shirt
- Amy’s Eyes book
- black pen
- Sterling silver bird charm
- Sterling silver petroglyph charm
- elf ring
- Downtown Abbey clogs
- Typhoid Mary book
- shirt for Tomas
- cream fez
- glider chair
- vintage skate key
- prop handbill
- prop handbill
- prop handbill
- Cajun spice
- Tupperware fridgesmart
- Tupperware fridgesmart
- Tupperware fridgesmart
- Tupperware fridgesmart
- Tupperware fridgesmart
- Tupperware salt & pepper shakers
- Tupperware toy
- Tupperware toy
- Tupperware toy
- Tupperware toy
- Tupperware toy
- Tupperware toy
- Tupperware toy
- Tupperware toy
- Tupperware toy
- Tupperware toy
- pheasant salt shaker
- pheasant salt shaker
- Christmas garland hook
- Christmas garland hook
- director reel
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- paint
- Raid
- paint thinner
- weed killer
- pesticide
- pesticide
- pesticide
- wine gift bag
- reusable grocery bag
- candle
- Tupperware tomato keeper
- Tupperware tomato keeper
- Tupperware tomato keeper
- Tupperware tomato keeper
- Tupperware tomato keeper
- Tupperware mini wonder bowl
- Shape-o ball
- Frankoma vase
- vintage underwear
- Betty Draper day dress
- book
- compost bin
- beaded purse
- snakeskin purse
- puffy vest
- Hello Kitty PJs
- white shirt
- white shirt
- brown tank top
- brown tuxedo shirt
- red trench coat
- white cardigan
- pink cardigan
- pink 1940′s dress
- J. Jill shirt
- pink silk dress
- lavender blouse
- white button down shirt
- kids t-shirt
- kids t-shirt
- sweater
- blouse
- blouse
- t-shirt
- t-shirt
- tank top
- tank top
- tuxedo blouse
- Brasile soccer jacket
- Nike Goddess dress
- mid-century end table
- tape measure
- cactus plant
- matchbox car
- matchbox car
- rototiller
- fire pit
- Nars pressed powder
- glitter glue
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- record
- pink Zara dress
- pink nail polish
- pink flip flops
- saw horse
- saw horse
- iron
- ceramic salt cellar
- Christmas Sterlite bin
- Dallas Swat sweatshirt
- beige blouse
- Orbitron t-shirt
- foundation
- pink tank top
- Winnie the Pooh sticker
- Winnie the Pooh sticker
- Winnie the Pooh sticker
- burning man satchel
- crocheted handbag
- brocade pillow case
- shriner statue
- crocs
- spool of ribbon
- Art Bin
- Escada perfume
- orange baseball cap
- pink sweater
- batik dress
- brown dress
- brown sweater
- bra
- Abercrombie shorts
- pink Adidas tennis dress
- crew jacket
- crew jacket
- frisbee
- make up
- make up
- bag of nails
- shag coin purse
- video game t-shirt
- Hal t-shirt
- In a Dork Forest t-shirt
- blue basket
- pyrex casserole dish
- spice container
- vase
- vintage bedwarmer pan
- rice cooker
- spool of ribbon
- spool of ribbon
- wrapping paper
- wrapping paper
- map
- Tupperware steamer
- place for seals
- Flat Out
- Flat Out
- Flat Out
- Flat Out
- Fridgesmart
- Stuffable
- Stuffable
- Stuffable
- can opener
- wine opener
- Fridgesmart
- corduroy skirt
- corduroy skirt
- stinky candle
- Stuffable
- Stuffable
- Stuffable
- measuring cup set
- black fez
- Crystal Wave
- Crystal Wave
- fleece hat
- striped shirt
- white t-shirt
- plastic planter
- Jesus rocks t-shirt
- navy t-shirt
- cut-off shorts
- blue tank top
- white tank top
- vintage oven tool
- Muth honey bottle
- Muth honey bottle
- Muth honey bottle
- Muth honey bottle
- Muth honey bottle
- Muth honey bottle
- Muth honey bottle
- Muth honey bottle
- jelly jar
- jelly jar
- jelly jar
- jelly jar
- jelly jar
- jelly jar
- jelly jar
- jelly jar
- jelly jar
- vintage Christmas card
- Sammy Davis Jr. postcard
- vintage Christmas card
- Christmas mini note pad
- Christmas mini note pad
- Christmas mini note pad
- Christmas mini note pad
- Christmas mini note pad
- Tupperware tote bag
- blue beaded necklace
- stationery box
- stationery box
- stationery box
- shipping box
- padded envelope
- Hollywood Reporter
- jelly jar
- jelly jar
- gift wrap doodad
- gift warp doodad
- roll of bubble wrap
- jelly jar
- vintage red fez
- vintage green bead
- Tupperware grid
- Tupperware grid
- Tupperware grid
- Tupperware grid
- make up
- make up
- make up
- make up
- make up
- make up
- glue stick
- vintage Christmas card
- vintage postcard
- vintage Christmas card
- vintage postcard
- vintage postcard
- vintage Christmas card
- Japanese stationery card
- Sterlite bin
- Sterlite bin
- Sterlite bin
- padded envelope
- vintage Christmas card
- vintage Christmas card
- marshmallow cookbook
- pewter giraffe figurine
- Tupperware
- Tupperware
- Tupperware
- Conad lip balm
- vintage Christmas card
- vintage Christmas card
- vintage Christmas card
- vintage Christmas card
- vintage Christmas card
- puffy envelope
- vintage underwear
- scrap booking scissors
- scrap booking scissors
- scrap booking scissors
- Rit dye
- Rit dye
- green tank top
- gray shirt
- Nyquil
- ear buds for old head set
- X-box
- X-box controller
- X-box controller
- Ciao! italian textbook
- puffy envelope
- green beaded necklace
- ankle weights
- flowered sundress
- Petit Bateau wrap top
- skull underwear
- socks
- socks
- socks
- socks
- socks
- socks
- socks
- navy skirt
- Calvin Klein ruffled top
- striped top from the Gap
- Season Serve
- Mandarin Silk tea
- Renew lotion
- nivea lip balm



5 Comments
WOW! How did you find the time to write all of those down? You amaze me sometimes!
This is crazy amazing. I feel inspired to do the same. Thank you!
Elinor–it took me TWO HOURS of typing while I watched Downton Abbey out of the corner of my eye. I wanted to make entries every day directly on this blog for this year’s 10 Things to be more efficient, but I just can’t. I get such a sick satisfaction from writing down each item in a little black notebook.
I am so incredibly inspired! I just wonder what did you DO with all that stuff? Obviously, some of it was trash but what of the stuff that wasn’t?
Hi Nicole–
I sell a lot of things on etsy, ebay, and at garage sales and consignment stores, but I am SUPER diligent about making donations to my local AIDS charity and battered women’s shelter every month.
I also tend to have a lot of parties that involve trading stuff for free. I get most of my favorite clothes from swap parties and host a New Year’s Day book swap every year. The leftovers from these parties are donated to the Los Angeles Public Library Book Drive and to shelters. If I leave a swap with less things than I brought, I count that as a success!
For everything else, I started a “Trading Post” in my neighborhood in a paved vacant lot near the bus lines and down the street from a school. I leave stuff that’s still useful, but isn’t in good enough shape to donate to a thrift store, there for people to take for free. I generally do this at night when I’m taking my evening stroll. So far, everything I’ve left there is gone by lunchtime the next day. For example, last night I left a half empty bottle of perfume, a pair of shoes, some really stinky hair conditioner, and a little sewing kit there.
Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!