How Much . . . is Enough?

As I've already mentioned this month, I am in interested in creating space and simplifying my life.  

Last year, when I was exploring possibility, I came to realize that I needed to create space for myself first.  I started with my closet.  I whittled my wardrobe down to just those items that I really love (plus a few just-in-cases).  It feels so good to look in my closet now.  And, in nearly a year, I haven't missed a thing that I discarded!  (Not one item.)

I am a fairly neat and organized person.  I am not a packrat or hoarder.  I don't have trouble tossing things out.  For most of my adult life, though, I've been constantly organizing closets, drawers, my desk, the countertops.  I purchase organizational bins and baskets and tools all the time.  Yet I still feel cluttered and unorganized . . . and always in need of more organizing!

What is up with that???

What I've realized is that . . . I just have too much stuff.

I don't need to organize.  I need to minimize.

So this year, I'm taking simplification to a a whole new level.  I'm going to really explore . . . how much do I need?  How much . . . is enough?

This weekend, I KonMari'd my office space and began my purging in earnest.  It was shocking to see that, in my top desk drawer alone, I had . . .

• enough binder clips to last me longer than forever;
• all of the index cards I will ever need; 
• standard staples to last any future generations of my family through their lifetimes;
• and a clear understanding that most of my favorite basic Bic pens will dry up before I ever need to use them.

(Really.  It's shocking how many post-it notes I had in my desk.)

I've been spending quite a bit of time on Josh Becker's Becoming Minimalist website -- a great place to begin if you're interested in minimizing.  One of his suggestions for finding out how little you actually need . . . is to remove items -- and see if you miss them.

So I took a challenge, and quickly removed over 30 items in my kitchen utensil drawer.

I'm pretty sure I won't even miss these items. . . because I either don't use them, or I have duplicates or triplicates . . . or even more-plicates.

(And you should see my utensil drawers now!  Neat.  Orderly.  And I didn't even need to organize it.  I just put the things I DO need back.  Less = neater.)

That gave me the strength to go through one little under-cupboard. . . where I got rid of these items. . .

 And so it begins.

What I learned this weekend is that I'm pretty certain I can live with a LOT less than I have!  And 2015 is going to be the year I explore . . . just how much . . . is enough!

Comments

[margene]

Less stuff means more room for living! It's the space between items in my closet and my drawers that brings calm, peace, and joy. You're going to love space.

[Bonny]

In all my previous attempts to declutter, it has never really sunk in that I just have too much stuff. I'm going right now to clean out a few spaces in my kitchen and see if I miss the things. Thanks!

[sharon]

ooh Pyrex does not enter my removal pile, plastic does though, and corning....

[Patty]

I just did my desk drawer and I'm doing my kitchen utensil crap as soon as I get home! Thank-you for kick starting this Monday!

[Vicki]

Oh, me too. I haven't been as methodical in my paring down and purging, but it is getting done -- a little each day. I am amazed. And inspired. There's a "space" in my living room that started it all, I see it everyday and it makes me so happy. I want more!!

[Kathy]

I am on the same journey. Are you going to donate or have a yard sale? I've donated a ton of stuff, but I still have a very scary basement to tackle.

[Sandy]

Oh you've now got me motivated to pare down big time. Thanks!!!

[Carole]

Can you please explain this theory to Dale?

[Mary]

I love what Margene said about finding peace & joy in the space between. It is calming! (but whoa, those ceramic bread pans make me want to bake!)

[Chloe]

Sometimes I think some of the big box stores are responsible for my accumulation of so many multiples of things. I still have a box of Sharpies that I bought in the 1990s. It just re-surfaced when I went looking for one of my many post-it pads I acquired from the same store. On the one hand I congratulate myself that I don't have to buy new Sharpies at current prices, but on the other hand, it is possible - I haven't checked yet - that the ink has already dried out.

[Cheryl S.]

Three.
Three is enough.