Paring Down

Eight years ago, my wife and I packed up and moved our family from the Chicago area to Nashville, TN. The best decision that I ever made in my life (outside of convincing my wife to marry me). Unless you are still living in your childhood home, you have probably move at least once. I have moved 23 times in my life….wow!

When we were moving to Nashville we went through everything we had. We donated, sold or threw away a good portion of material things that we had accumulated over nearly 12 years together. A large 53’ trailer picked up our things and drove it down. When they unloaded the trailer and we put things away our home was free of clutter.

This home we moved to was 1100 square feet and fit our needs perfectly. Since then, we moved into a home twice that size and it feels as though we are bursting at the seams. Now, you may be familiar with this story. In fact, you may be going through this same thing and not even know it.

It is said that the average home has 300,000 items in it. Holy crap that’s a lot of crap.

I am of the opinion that no one needs that amount of items unless it comes with a $ sign in front of it. It is time that we get rid of the things in our lives that no longer serves an use or we haven’t used in awhile.

Here are some guidelines that The Minimalists offer to get you started.

1. Start your crusade by doing a 30 day challenge. On day one, you get rid of one item. Day two, get rid of two items. You do this every day for 30 days and on the 30th day, get rid of 30 items. Now, I have tried this before and it is quite easy in the beginning. Much more difficult at the end of your 30 days. After 30 days, you will have rid yourself of 465 items.

2. Rule of thumb is if you have used an item within 90 days it is a keeper. If you have not used it in 90 or will not use it in another 90 days, it is time for it to find a new home.

3. If you are attached to something that you no longer use or has sentimental value, you can take a photo of it. This will always give you a memento and a reminder of something that you once had.

Those are just a few guidelines that my provide some use to you if you find your home bursting at the seams. It may provide value or it may be a crock of shit to you. However, I know that owning so many things provides no benefit me or my family. I no longer want to fill my life with “things” but I want experiences. Paring down can offer you freedom from the items that hold you hostage.

Listen, I am not telling you should do what I am doing. However, I can tell you that if you struggle with have a lot of crap in your home it may be best to get rid of the items that you are holding onto “just in case.”

Let me know your thoughts on the subject. I am interested to hear your opinion and if you have tried this before.

Peace and blessings!

JP