I think most here would be considered right sizers. Ultraangler though says he is one (not sure his total number of items currently and I think he is on vacation, outside the country).
I think most here would be considered right sizers. Ultraangler though says he is one (not sure his total number of items currently and I think he is on vacation, outside the country).
What is a minimalist, really? Someone who hoards space?
Not to be too lighthearted about it, but it's certainly easier to be a minimalist when you're single.
I consider myself a minimalist, although not hard-core. My downsizing occurred mainly as I repeatedly moved across the country years ago, leaving a trail of possessions behind me. A few things that have been helpful to me:
--If you haven't worn an item of clothing in the past year, let it go.
--Consider getting a scanner, if you haven't already got one, and digitizing paperwork and photos.
--Set a limit on the number of books you can have, maybe 15 or 20. I had a hard time letting go of some books until I starting to think of giving them away as helping introduce someone to a book I'd enjoyed. (And if you didn't enjoy the book, who cares?) If you feel a strong need for many books, get a Kindle.
--Assuming you have a smartphone, think of all the things it does--camera, MP3 player, recorder, alarm clock, timer, etc. etc. etc. You can get rid of all those things.
--Likewise with your laptop. No need for a TV or DVD player.
My smartphone is not going to replace my computer, TV or alarm clock. A have a curio cabinet full of antique glassware and hummels. I donated everything to a dog rescue group that has a upscale thrift and collectible store. That felt really good. Now i will sell the cabinet. I have been getting rid of stuff for decades and right when I think I have nothing left to get rid of I find something. They say most people only wear 20% of their clothes. When I semi-retired 2/3's of my clothes went. Then I lost 30 lbs and everything big went too. I had kept smaller pants which was good and only had to buy tops.
you had me until you said to get rid of the books and use a Kindle. NOOOOO!!!!!--If you haven't worn an item of clothing in the past year, let it go.
--Consider getting a scanner, if you haven't already got one, and digitizing paperwork and photos.
--Set a limit on the number of books you can have, maybe 15 or 20. I had a hard time letting go of some books until I starting to think of giving them away as helping introduce someone to a book I'd enjoyed. (And if you didn't enjoy the book, who cares?) If you feel a strong need for many books, get a Kindle.
--Assuming you have a smartphone, think of all the things it does--camera, MP3 player, recorder, alarm clock, timer, etc. etc. etc. You can get rid of all those things.
--Likewise with your laptop. No need for a TV or DVD player.
I have a dumb phone, but I'm always thinking of getting an alarm clock as backup (getting up on time is not-negotiable just because "my cell phone decided to kick the bucket"). Problem is I have no idea if anyone even makes a well made non-digital alarm clock anymore ... It's obsolete technology I guess, but I remember them being pretty unreliable even back in the day.
Trees don't grow on money
I doubt I'm a minimalist as the word to me connotes another extremism. However, we did get rid of 3/4 of our possessions when we moved last fall. That being said, I am so mad at myself for not saving certain practical things which I am now having to buy once again. Glass jars for storing food, extra towels, coat hangers, yard and garden tools, cleaning supplies, office supplies, lamps, etc. For some strange reason, I thought I wouldn't need those kind of things anymore or that they would be easy enough to replace. I forgot to factor in inflation as everything seems to have doubled or tripled in price since I last bought these things. And poor DH left behind many of his tools, lawn mower etc as we were trying to save on moving expenses.
I like this old saying:
"Love people, use stuff; because the other way around does not work."
I am a minimalist with less than 200 things. Minimalism has increased my happiness noticeably, expanded my circle of acquaintances, and given me a richer love for what I really care about.
Perhaps you will find the same result in yourself after to do a massive decluttering...
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