I've been having a sort out in advance of redecorating and knowing I'm going to have to empty cupboards before I can move them out the way. Once thing I have found, is that physically seeing and holding things I hadn't looked at or even thought about in years, instantly brought back memories of people, times and places. Without the physical thing, I may never have recalled that memory again, and that really bothered me. As much as I want more simplicity in life, I want a life full of random memories and times recalled. I want things around me that make me retrieve these little jewels and I believe my life would be impoverished if I were to strip out possessions that the onlooker might consider unnecessary.
That’s so interesting Vivienne! I find with sentimental items it’s more complex isn’t it.. and what you’ve said helps me remember how unexpected sentimental items can be. My mum treasures her dad’s very ordinary breadknife, for example. I think for me it’s finding the memories that matter and sloughing off the ones that don’t. I want to remember but I also want to live in the now. Thanks for the thought provoking comment! ❤️🙏🏻
It’s good to remember that photos help, I’ve definitely done that with some things and then decided to keep others. I think it’s wise to tread carefully with things that are irreplaceable and take time with it.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I have been living in Australia the last few months, 10,000 miles away from my houseful of stuff in the US. Half the clothes I brought I don’t even wear. Clothes and art are the things I have the most of and which own me. Being here I feel so liberated from all that stuff. I have been focused on experiences, which have brought me much joy. I have to go home fairly soon (sadly) but I have been thinking a lot about how I can declutter when I go back. I think it will make me feel much lighter and happier.
Hi Utpaladhi, reading your post reminded me of a huge “declutter” I did in 2011 and then the subsequent regrets about some of the things i gave away. All the regrets were about objects that held memories and I felt in losing the object I had lost connection to the being (human, dog, plant, pine cone …) or time in my life, which felt painful. But thinking about it now, actually I had not lost those connections, otherwise how could I have remembered the objects and their connections for me. So I’m wondering if for me, it is more about confidence that what really matters in those connections has become part of me anyway, so I do not need the object. I am a collector by nature or habit (not sure which) though and happily re-read series of books, so I’m not sure I am cut out for minimalism. However, i do really resonate with clutter = discomfort, so I am feeling inspired to look for and let go of the “no longer/never was needed” and some of my unnecessary “just in case …” things! Thank-you 🙏🏼🙂 Penn x
Thanks Penn - lovely observations! And minimalism definitely isn’t for everyone. We’re all unique and have our own way of moving through the world. And even for those who resonate with it, it takes time and practice to feel comfortable letting go and - as you say so beautifully - finding what matters in those connections. Hope you take the inspiration and find your own path! 🤍
I just moved into a 55+ community of 35 much smaller suites than the house i just left. As you can imagine i’m still not unpacked and i’m already thinking about sending more off to the Thrift. As i was moving my stuff in from my car i met some of the people who might become new friends coming and going in the parking lot. To a person they said it is a process. Declutter before you move, declutter after you move, declutter when you purchase something new, declutter when you run out of space.
I just brought over the last of my boxes today and they don’t fit onto my storage space! Time to declutter… again.
Wonderful you’ve found a great place to live - wishing you lots of new and supportive friendships! And good luck with keeping on with the decluttering! 🥰🙌🏻
Oh boy, living as a family of four in a two bed flat, I very much get the feeling of stuff impacting your mental state. You’ve inspired me to tackle my mental mug cupboard!
Lovely article, and so nice to read about Mr Flo ❤️
I'm a minimalist except I've kept every letter and card I've ever received. I've tried to sort them but haven't succeeded. At times I just want to throw them all away. But I can't allow myself.
Love this article and everyone’s momentum! Thank you for writing a thoughtful article, too. I grew up in a “what if I need this later” household and my parents kept all kinds of things. My mom is a master curator, too, and has collections of all kinds of things. I’m moving soon and now am going through all my pandemic purchases. 🤣 I’ve always been a minimalist, but lockdown had me buying and buying! My favorite discovery was that I had 11 usb b to c cables! Like how many times can you charge something at once!
I’ve done this too, starting in 2022. I just finished my biggest declutter, including finally tackling my 3 boxes of photos and photo albums and my huge shell collection. One of the hardest to let go of was my jewellery (mostly silver ) - I wasn’t able to sell any of it. I had to be content knowing these items would make their way to new owners who would appreciate and hopefully love them. I made thousands of dollars on Facebook Marketplace and eBay, and donated several car trips to my favourite op shop (they loved seeing me, and told me they appreciated the quality of items I donated.) I know you’re never really “done”, but I have definitely achieved my baseline this round. Down to 25 books. 2 mugs. 5 plants 😆 Anything new coming in will have to pass a stringent test. It feels amazing! I encourage anyone to take this journey. It’s about so much more than the clutter and is life changing.
I've struggled with decluttering for years. In some ways I surrendered to just being a maximalist, though deep down I know I can do better. Thank-you for this post. I'm going to try again. I'll start with one category and one part of the house.
Good luck with it Shaunté! I think there’s something about finding our way… maybe you like more things than others but there are changes you can make to help things feel a little more calm in your space. Hope you find the balance and just go slow ❤️✨
Declutterring IS my spiritual practice… started in 1993. Like you I have far less then many people but still have stuff I don’t user or wear… definitely a process 🤗
That's a good while ago, hey?! Lovely to hear you see it as a spiritual practice - I've definitely got more to say on that front, as a Buddhist, so watch this space 🤗
Great suggestions! Yes, possessions can really weigh you down and the angst intensifies as you age! I agree the process needs time and care. I find it is mostly the fear of regret that holds me back. There is definitely a big psychological component to conquer before the actual purge.
Thanks Liv! Psychology is huge, for sure. I think that’s why it had to happen in stages for me, building up confidence that I wouldn’t regret letting go
Love this. Since packing 2/3 of our stuff in preparation for a move that didn't happen, I've been amazed at how rarely I miss the 'packed things' - and it's so freeing to have more space in all the cupboards. I love the ongoing practice of clearing things out - it's delicious!
Yes, exactly that! This is one of the things that one of 'The Minimalists' Ryan Nicodemus did. He packed up all his things and then only took out things he could recall and that he needed for the next 21 days. After that, he just got rid of all of the boxes!! https://www.theminimalists.com/packing/
Just found your newsletter! We sold our house and almost all of our possessions in 2020 as we had a narrow boat built to live on. We've now bought a van conversion too to extend our travelling capabilities, but have few material possessions. We're retired, so can pursue a nomadic lifestyle between the boat and the van and it feels like total freedom! We had 24 tumblers when we left the house...now we have 4 and only use 2 from day to day. We love having less 'stuff' and hope never to accumulate things for the rest of our lives 🙂 Karen
Oh, the burden of too much stuff. I think I have a “but you can turn that into something” scarcity gene. I definitely blame my upbringing. So I’ve been collecting random things that I feel I will recycle, reuse, up cycle. Problem is I haven’t gotten around to “these recreate” projects and while the excess stuff bothers me, it’s the annoyance of not doing the thing I told myself I would do with this stuff that gnaws at my spirit. But what a delight to recycle old divorce papers/bills into beautiful handmade paper. Binders full turned into a few sheet and the satisfaction that I did something creative.
Yes, decluttering does happen naturally in waves. After we see how effective the first round was and get mentally healthier, we seem more "items" - we really don't need.
That’s a whole other ballgame, isn’t it! I did find that by going through my own stuff it had an effect on my family, as they saw how nice and spacious things started looking… but yeah you can’t force anyone to let go, has to come from them
I've been having a sort out in advance of redecorating and knowing I'm going to have to empty cupboards before I can move them out the way. Once thing I have found, is that physically seeing and holding things I hadn't looked at or even thought about in years, instantly brought back memories of people, times and places. Without the physical thing, I may never have recalled that memory again, and that really bothered me. As much as I want more simplicity in life, I want a life full of random memories and times recalled. I want things around me that make me retrieve these little jewels and I believe my life would be impoverished if I were to strip out possessions that the onlooker might consider unnecessary.
That’s so interesting Vivienne! I find with sentimental items it’s more complex isn’t it.. and what you’ve said helps me remember how unexpected sentimental items can be. My mum treasures her dad’s very ordinary breadknife, for example. I think for me it’s finding the memories that matter and sloughing off the ones that don’t. I want to remember but I also want to live in the now. Thanks for the thought provoking comment! ❤️🙏🏻
Take pictures of those items then let them go.
It’s good to remember that photos help, I’ve definitely done that with some things and then decided to keep others. I think it’s wise to tread carefully with things that are irreplaceable and take time with it.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I have been living in Australia the last few months, 10,000 miles away from my houseful of stuff in the US. Half the clothes I brought I don’t even wear. Clothes and art are the things I have the most of and which own me. Being here I feel so liberated from all that stuff. I have been focused on experiences, which have brought me much joy. I have to go home fairly soon (sadly) but I have been thinking a lot about how I can declutter when I go back. I think it will make me feel much lighter and happier.
Yes! Experiences bring joy, not things! 🙌🏻 Really hope you can keep that feeling of liberation Martha
Hi Utpaladhi, reading your post reminded me of a huge “declutter” I did in 2011 and then the subsequent regrets about some of the things i gave away. All the regrets were about objects that held memories and I felt in losing the object I had lost connection to the being (human, dog, plant, pine cone …) or time in my life, which felt painful. But thinking about it now, actually I had not lost those connections, otherwise how could I have remembered the objects and their connections for me. So I’m wondering if for me, it is more about confidence that what really matters in those connections has become part of me anyway, so I do not need the object. I am a collector by nature or habit (not sure which) though and happily re-read series of books, so I’m not sure I am cut out for minimalism. However, i do really resonate with clutter = discomfort, so I am feeling inspired to look for and let go of the “no longer/never was needed” and some of my unnecessary “just in case …” things! Thank-you 🙏🏼🙂 Penn x
Thanks Penn - lovely observations! And minimalism definitely isn’t for everyone. We’re all unique and have our own way of moving through the world. And even for those who resonate with it, it takes time and practice to feel comfortable letting go and - as you say so beautifully - finding what matters in those connections. Hope you take the inspiration and find your own path! 🤍
I just moved into a 55+ community of 35 much smaller suites than the house i just left. As you can imagine i’m still not unpacked and i’m already thinking about sending more off to the Thrift. As i was moving my stuff in from my car i met some of the people who might become new friends coming and going in the parking lot. To a person they said it is a process. Declutter before you move, declutter after you move, declutter when you purchase something new, declutter when you run out of space.
I just brought over the last of my boxes today and they don’t fit onto my storage space! Time to declutter… again.
Wonderful you’ve found a great place to live - wishing you lots of new and supportive friendships! And good luck with keeping on with the decluttering! 🥰🙌🏻
Oh boy, living as a family of four in a two bed flat, I very much get the feeling of stuff impacting your mental state. You’ve inspired me to tackle my mental mug cupboard!
Lovely article, and so nice to read about Mr Flo ❤️
Completely hear that! Keep me posted how it goes :)
Just dropped off a couple of bags of toys to the charity shop! A small step but a good un 😁💆♀️
Woohooo!!
I'm a minimalist except I've kept every letter and card I've ever received. I've tried to sort them but haven't succeeded. At times I just want to throw them all away. But I can't allow myself.
Any advice?
Love this article and everyone’s momentum! Thank you for writing a thoughtful article, too. I grew up in a “what if I need this later” household and my parents kept all kinds of things. My mom is a master curator, too, and has collections of all kinds of things. I’m moving soon and now am going through all my pandemic purchases. 🤣 I’ve always been a minimalist, but lockdown had me buying and buying! My favorite discovery was that I had 11 usb b to c cables! Like how many times can you charge something at once!
I’ve done this too, starting in 2022. I just finished my biggest declutter, including finally tackling my 3 boxes of photos and photo albums and my huge shell collection. One of the hardest to let go of was my jewellery (mostly silver ) - I wasn’t able to sell any of it. I had to be content knowing these items would make their way to new owners who would appreciate and hopefully love them. I made thousands of dollars on Facebook Marketplace and eBay, and donated several car trips to my favourite op shop (they loved seeing me, and told me they appreciated the quality of items I donated.) I know you’re never really “done”, but I have definitely achieved my baseline this round. Down to 25 books. 2 mugs. 5 plants 😆 Anything new coming in will have to pass a stringent test. It feels amazing! I encourage anyone to take this journey. It’s about so much more than the clutter and is life changing.
I've struggled with decluttering for years. In some ways I surrendered to just being a maximalist, though deep down I know I can do better. Thank-you for this post. I'm going to try again. I'll start with one category and one part of the house.
Good luck with it Shaunté! I think there’s something about finding our way… maybe you like more things than others but there are changes you can make to help things feel a little more calm in your space. Hope you find the balance and just go slow ❤️✨
Declutterring IS my spiritual practice… started in 1993. Like you I have far less then many people but still have stuff I don’t user or wear… definitely a process 🤗
That's a good while ago, hey?! Lovely to hear you see it as a spiritual practice - I've definitely got more to say on that front, as a Buddhist, so watch this space 🤗
Great suggestions! Yes, possessions can really weigh you down and the angst intensifies as you age! I agree the process needs time and care. I find it is mostly the fear of regret that holds me back. There is definitely a big psychological component to conquer before the actual purge.
Thanks Liv! Psychology is huge, for sure. I think that’s why it had to happen in stages for me, building up confidence that I wouldn’t regret letting go
Love this. Since packing 2/3 of our stuff in preparation for a move that didn't happen, I've been amazed at how rarely I miss the 'packed things' - and it's so freeing to have more space in all the cupboards. I love the ongoing practice of clearing things out - it's delicious!
Yes, exactly that! This is one of the things that one of 'The Minimalists' Ryan Nicodemus did. He packed up all his things and then only took out things he could recall and that he needed for the next 21 days. After that, he just got rid of all of the boxes!! https://www.theminimalists.com/packing/
I do miss my Spring clothes, the food mixer etc, but maybe we need to look at the content of the boxes carefully when we unpack them!
Let me know how you go! Good to start a new place with just what you really need and love ❤️
Just found your newsletter! We sold our house and almost all of our possessions in 2020 as we had a narrow boat built to live on. We've now bought a van conversion too to extend our travelling capabilities, but have few material possessions. We're retired, so can pursue a nomadic lifestyle between the boat and the van and it feels like total freedom! We had 24 tumblers when we left the house...now we have 4 and only use 2 from day to day. We love having less 'stuff' and hope never to accumulate things for the rest of our lives 🙂 Karen
Oh, the burden of too much stuff. I think I have a “but you can turn that into something” scarcity gene. I definitely blame my upbringing. So I’ve been collecting random things that I feel I will recycle, reuse, up cycle. Problem is I haven’t gotten around to “these recreate” projects and while the excess stuff bothers me, it’s the annoyance of not doing the thing I told myself I would do with this stuff that gnaws at my spirit. But what a delight to recycle old divorce papers/bills into beautiful handmade paper. Binders full turned into a few sheet and the satisfaction that I did something creative.
Yes, decluttering does happen naturally in waves. After we see how effective the first round was and get mentally healthier, we seem more "items" - we really don't need.
Ain't that the truth!
It's not me that won't let go, it's the husband….and he owns most of the stuff.
That’s a whole other ballgame, isn’t it! I did find that by going through my own stuff it had an effect on my family, as they saw how nice and spacious things started looking… but yeah you can’t force anyone to let go, has to come from them