Teach me how to become a minimalist

**MaryCarney** · 12-16-2011, 01:48 PM

When we got a out-of-the-blue full purchase price offer on the house we have been trying to sell for 18 months two years ago, we had not even LOOKED at new places. We had two weeks to move everything we owned (four kids/homeschooling/lived in house for 18 years) into storage, while we took our mattresses and a suitcase of clothing each and camped in our oldest daughter's upstairs for three months.

We were 'homeless' for over three months - hadn't laid eyes on our 'stuff' in that whole time. We moved in March (downsizing 600 square feet to boot) and by May, when everything was finally unpacked, we had a GIGANTIC yard sale. Just the act of boxing it all up and getting out of your way is very freeing. I could see doing an entire room - packing it away for a month or six, and only the stuff you'd been willing to dig for getting to stay.

**shoiji** · 12-16-2011, 02:25 PM

I do enjoy a neat and tidy home. Right now I am thinking I really need to straighten up the bedroom. Put papers and clothes away. Right now my biggest problem is letting go of items. I guess living on my own and having very few things for years has me to the point of where it is difficult to get rid of things. I have gotten rid of lots of furniture and items I did not need but know there is more I can do. Guess living for so long without that it is hard to let go of items.

Need to really purge more items than I already have.

**Russ** · 12-16-2011, 02:31 PM

You folks would have a field day at my house, especially sorting through my stuff .

**bookwormpeg** · 12-16-2011, 05:03 PM

I have a real problem with books....I love books...have a ton of cookbooks I just can't part with...I hate going into a home where there are no books....doesn't everyone read???

**Darlene** · 12-16-2011, 05:05 PM

You could have a flood and become one instantly

Just joking!
My new rule when we do find a new place to live and the time comes to get things replaced is : I am not letting anything come through that door unless I absolutly love it and it has a purpose. This is my chance to start fresh & get it right.
It's amazing what you don't really need, you just think you need it. Jack and I can share a dresser and an itty bitty closet we have so few clothes now. Take a chance, re home things. You can be like a fairy godmother, bestowing your things on people who will enjoy them and if you need to see them I'm sure your friends would let you visit,lol. Save the pics and things like that... the rest, do you really need it? Do you LOVE it? If not why have it taking up space in your life?
Enjoy the journey!

**Missourimom** · 12-16-2011, 05:12 PM

I was a minimalist until I met my husband and I enjoyed it. My house did not overflow with excess of anything. The only thing my kitchen counters had on it was the coffee pot and a toaster. I only had a few pictures on the wall and zero nic naks and I just loved how uncluttered my home was.

For the first year of marrying my husband, I would almost have panic attacks looking at our kitchen counters. Now we have a mixer, knives, dish drainer, etc. THEN my Mother-in-Law moved in 9 years ago and we hung up more pictures. She tried put her nic naks everywhere, but I drew the line there! Ugh....I feel an old panic attack coming over me again. lol

**FrabjousDay** · 12-16-2011, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by bookwormpeg

I have a real problem with books....I love books...have a ton of cookbooks I just can't part with...I hate going into a home where there are no books....doesn't everyone read???

I have plenty of books...at my local library, or on my Kindle.

I love reading and love books, but hate book clutter. A few favorites tastefully displayed on shelves or tucked away on nightstands...no problem, but more than that and my head starts to hurt.

**oheoh's momma** · 12-16-2011, 05:27 PM

There are many things I would love to get rid of. I hate clutter, I hate too many nic knacks grouped together, I don't like table tops full of stuff. I have boxes of Jeff Gordon stuff. every table top is full.it is nerve wracking.. My husband has never been able to turn anything free down. When I was single my home was very warm and minimalist. LR couch coffee table with drawers for storage 1 candle. 1 rocking chair, 2 -3 floor pillows tv stand.
DR table 6 chairs flowers in a vase on the table and a rug under the table
daughter's room full of junk
my BR a queen size bed, 1 night stand, 1 dresser,1 chest. Night stand stored my beauty junk and had phone, lamp, and alarm clock.
All my table tops had 1 to 3 items
few pictures fewer nic knacks so peaceful a