A few nice things
Posted on January 26, 2012
A few nice things: Given the choice, which would you prefer—a few nice things that you really, really like, or a bunch of possessions that don’t have any special meaning?
My home was never cluttered but over the last couple of months as I was preparing to move, I couldn’t believe how much stuff I had inherited or accumulated. Purging has not been an easy process, even for me, though when you have to pack everything, it does make the decision process simpler.
Take a tour of your home and try to visualize what you would take with you if you were downsizing. What would you be willing to let go of? What would you keep? Make a list of what’s really important to you. This will vary from person to person. Once you have the list in hand, take small steps towards lightening the load. You could donate some books or maybe you know someone who could actually use that chair in the spare room? I know you’re thinking “But some of my furniture is really nice”—so was mine. And the friends who own it now are really going to enjoy it.
Consider adopting a “minimalist” philosophy. You don’t have to get rid of all your possessions but wouldn’t it be nice to really like everything in your home? That’s how I feel about my new home; I’m surrounded by things that are really special to me. (Having less also makes it easier to keep clean.)
Decide today on quality vs. quantity.