What are your thoughts on being a 'Minimalist'?

[momof5boys]

I'm in the continuing process of decluttering.......less stuff makes me feel much more peaceful. Today I tackled my plants...threw out a rubber plant that was growing too tall and looking weary. I also had a cactus that has been in our home for as long as I can remember - my hubby was horrified that I was getting rid of it so he took it to work I also rearranged stuff on shelves and have yet another bag ready for the second hand store.

So, what is your idea of being a minimalist? I just want to be able to use everything that is in my cupboards and get rid of stuff I haven't used for at least a year or two.

[vesper]

I'm in agreement! I only use half my house, so I started storing things in rooms I do not use. It's such a waste! Except for items of sentimental value, things should not be stored and items should not be bought for future use unless you will in fact use it.

[Darth Penguin]

I go through pkhases when I throw huge amount of stuff out...and then the family just bring more stuff in for me to deal with.

[DianneS]

I'm a bit of a pack-rat....working on becoming moving toward minimalist. I agree, less stuff equals a more calm, peaceful home.

[lecale]

.

[momof5boys]

I try to throw out an item whenever I come home with one. So, if I buy a new T shirt, one has to go....

[lecale]

.

[DianneS]

Good post, Lecale. And you are definitely right about buying quality. I have kitchen tools I bought 25 years ago. I paid for quality at the time and I am still using those items today.

[Shwa Girl]

OP it is a good goal.
It is a good resolution (mine).
At work, when I take time to clear my tiny desk, I breathe better (less stress).
At home, when we clear things out, the home feels larger. We did the garage last summer -- like we gained real estate.
Refreshing.

[momof5boys]

[QUOTE=lecale;5212009]I think you have to buy quality and hang on to it, otherwise you are just part of the disposable consumer culture...it's not just about how little you have around you, but also how much you consume (use up and throw out)

Totally agree here...an example in our home would be those vinyl table cloths that I use on our kitchen table. We would go through two of these a year, until I finally got smart and decided to spend good money at Fabric Land and have some quality vinyl cut off their roll (the stuff people use in their boats). This has lasted us now for two years with no sign of wear.

[lecale]

.

[Kelly5]

I agree with the minimalist idea, but it's really hard to initiate. It's hard to throw stuff out, especially if it's sentimental. I try to buy the best that I can afford when I make purchases.

[Shwa Girl]

I agree with the minimalist idea, but it's really hard to initiate. It's hard to throw stuff out, especially if it's sentimental. I try to buy the best that I can afford when I make purchases.

Just deleted a ton of work e-mails that were old.

At home, we are going room by room - small to large. We do the three "bins/hampers" deal: donate, keep, garbage.
We are taking 15 minutes per day on weekdays and an hour on weekends.
Started in November and seems to be working.

[Shwa Girl]

I'm a bit of a pack-rat....working on becoming moving toward minimalist. I agree, less stuff equals a more calm, peaceful home.

Even if it is one room or one section of a room that is "minimalist", that's a start. Seeing this on a daily basis changes your mind set and is very freeing, IMHO.

[lecale]

minimalism = less dusting