[IntlSet]

A simple reminder

I had a conversation the other day with our summer intern, Julia, that has stayed with me. During the conversation, she talked about how college forces many students to live with very few possessions. That a dorm room can only hold a limited number of things and most kids survive on a couple dollars a day.

I thought about my own experience, and she was right. I had a lot of fun in college even though I didn’t have much money or much stuff. I have a few more responsibilities now, but not many. I had a part-time job, 18 hours of course work most semesters, and a car. Now, I have a full-time job, no classes, a spouse, a house, and a car. The list isn’t drastically different, but I have acquired significantly more stuff since college.

I’ve made a sign and hung it above my desk that reads “Simple living frees you to simply live.” I need it to help me remember that it isn’t stuff that makes me happy, but the people and experiences I choose to bring into my life. Thank you, Intern Julia, for reminding me of this valuable fact.

http://unclutterer.com/2008/06/10/a-simple-reminder/

[guccimamma]

i long for an uncluttered lifestyle, i have greatly reduced my closet to the basics.

it seems as much as i try, the kids keep bringing junk into the home.

luckily they are getting past the age of so many little plastic toys, i hate all the plastic stuff.

i felt like we were drowning in Cd's and Dvd's .....so i got rid of all of their plastic containers...and just put them into books. That has made such a difference for us.
i wish the dvd's didn't come in those plastic holders, it is so much waste.

[titania029]

It's amazing what one doesn't need when one has no money :) I also think moving around a lot helps to cut down on the clutter. For 7 years of undergrad and law school, I moved 6 times. The thought of having another item to pack up at the end of the year made me not buy a lot of things. And yet still there was so much stuff! When I started law school, I had two suitcases. When I left, I flew back home first with two suitcases. And then I had to return with my mom to drive my car back, and the car was filled to the brim!

[twiggers]

I am going back to this right now. Trying to declutter!!! Do I really need 10 blow up inflatable Christmas globes? Yea, not really. When DH & I first started out we had like 3 strings of lights. It's amazing the crap you accumulate over time.....and none of it is necessary!

When I moved in with my DH 8 years ago, I had about 4 Uhaul boxes....last time we almost filled up a 20' moving truck (and that was after we decluttered). Now we have to go from a 2800 square foot house, down to about 900 and I refuse to pay for storage. Doing that really puts into perspective what is important.

That stack of old concert tees from the 90s? GONE. All those CDs and DVDs? GONE (well, CDs I went digital). All those stupid postcards and keychains? GONE. All those useless Disneyland souvenirs? GONE.

When you find things that you thought were lost...that's when it is time to let go!

[Demosthenes]

I'm simplifying my life too! Purged about 4 bookcases, then clothing, next is my makeup collection, then my purses. It really makes me think about what I'm buying too. For example, I'll only buy a bra if I'm throwing one out. I'm buying things less frequently, and my purchases are more thoughtful, and I save more money as a result!

[Purses]

I've simplified my life a few years ago and with time, I found more ways to simplify it more.
I think at this point, it is too simple and I am stuck, because my finanaces can't change my simple life right now for the better.
I guess it will take some time and I am very lucky to have an amazing bf to help me out.

[juneping]

i am the type always declutter...still i manage to accumulate alot of stuff..maybe fill in the trunk of a car and back seat without the furniture. my furn are all disposable. i have been moving quite often my whole life..never stay at a place more than 7 years..and this apt i am living in...will be my 7th year....i am in my dcluttering mode again..selling my stuff on eBay also find out some outlets to sell other stuff in my city.

[Jahpson]

That is so true. i think I was much happier in my college days than I am now. It seems like lately, I just want more more more!!

[LeeMiller]

I think this is one of the reasons being on vacation in a hotel is so relaxing - everything is pared down to things you'll use and need and there is no clutter. I lived in a hotel for a couple of weeks for work and it was amazing the things I could do without. I am a bit of a book/clothing junkie so I have to watch it in those categories.

[TropicalGal]

I'm on a big cleanout right now. Last week, I did my clothing closet. One category a day: shoes, pants, skirts, etc. All went to charity. I find if you take your time when you are cleaning out junk, you do a better job. Otherwise you get weary and stop making good decisions. Yesterday I worked on my office. Next, the pantry. It is an ongoing job. I try, at minimum, to clean out, dejunk one shelf or drawer a week. Just to see that one bag or one large garbage bag goes out each week. Appalling how much stuff we accumulate -- and I'm a minimalist! So ladies, when it seems overwhelming, just do one drawer at a time.

[exotikittenx]

I spent very little money in college. I was quite happy, too. I want to go back to doing that. Thanks for the reminder!

[msbuttercup]

Thanks for the reminder: less really is more!

[hermes_lemming]

Purging always makes me happy. I've always lived simply growing up and acquired very little. It's only lately that I have a tad more stuff. Great thread. Just the inspiration I need to do some more summer cleaning.

[canadianstudies]

The less stuff you have, the less stuff you have to clean...

I discovered how true and wonderful this is after DH and I had a big party at our place- it took us maybe 20 minutes to straighten up the house afterwards- just vacuum, wipe down counters and ta-da! All finished!

[madamestuff]

I'm currently itching to move into our new house so I can do (yet more) decluttering. It's so refreshing! I haven't been in the one place for more than eight months in some years now, so goodness knows I'm getting good at it. The only place I lived for more than a few years was the house I grew up in!