I love your article. We've been through it in a drastic way and are happier for it. We've chased the American Dream and caught it. Once we got there, we were both struck by the feeling that this is too much. We found that we were working to have stuff. We started down sizing. It took years or rummage sales. We had two homes, that's a lot of stuff. For me it was 45 years of tool accumulation, and screws, and bolts, you name it. It's good for us that those things sell well. It took us at least eight or nine large rummage sales to get to where we are now. One more and we're done. If it doesn't sell it's trash or donate. We're much happier. We spent five years on the road in a 38' fifth wheel and a few others part time. We now spend our time between an 1,000 square foot home in Wisconsin and our RV in Arizona.
Your article is really right on. In the accumulation stage you acquiring stuff just to fill space. We both love Christmas, man you can aquire a lot Christmas stuff.
Now we think about everything we aquire. Do we need it or just want it. Activities have become more important.
The interesting thing about RV life is there don't seem to be any strangers. Oh sure, there are people you don't want associate with but those are rare. We've gained real friends in the process.
I've spent some time thinking about it, and I'm going to sound like a conspiracy theorist but, the system is rigged to keep you working. If you're working, you are required to pay taxes. The system depends on it. Income, property, and sales tax. The government is not into self sufficient people and barter and cash. I could go on and on. But alas, I don't want to be you.
Good for you. It took us a long time to figure it out. I'm recommending your stack.
I think you are absolutely right Jim, the system is definitely designed to keep you paying out for this, paying for that. It's a vicious circle.
I agree, the government does not like self-sufficiency. There is a story circulating that our powers that be are trying to ban wood burning fires, claiming they are bad for the environment. I think it's more the point that they want you paying for regular fuel so you are paying tax.
I love that you've come out the other side of decluttering your life. It's such an inspiring story.
I'm glad you are enjoying van life, you cannot beat it 😊
at the end of last year I came across topics on Tik Tok like “luxury minimalism” and the “pan project” and it has changed my mindset so much! It’s even slowly started trickling into other areas of my life as well (simpler, cleaner diet & products, finding “signature” things, etc.). love. it.
Hi. I’d not heard about the “pan project” before but I’ve just read about it now. It makes total sense doesn’t it. Not only can it be applied to beauty products, but just about every area of our lives. Food, cleaning products, clothing to name but a few.
Thank you for this! I especially appreciate your perspective on minimalism. This is actually something I typically feel ambivalent towards when it comes to the discussion on decluttering. You put it exactly how I think it, stark white walls and all. Somehow it feels freeing to read you say that this is not always the case and that minimalism is what you make it... Repurposing the concept into "only owning something if it has value to you." I've been thinking about doing a massive upheaval of my closet and spaces, getting rid of items that just don't resonate with me. Perhaps your article was the final push I needed!
Hi Gabrielle. I'm so pleased you found this helpful. Yes, minimalism is entirely subjective. Using the "value" question is a great way of thinking about our possessions. It helps you to look at objects in an entirely different way and can sway the decision on whether to keep or discard.
Thanks for inspiring me to get back to my slow pace at decluttering our home. It's helpful to hear others took their time to accomplish it and are now enjoying the lifestyle!
Hi Mary, you are very welcome, I'm pleased you found it useful. I love Joshua's take on decluttering, no nonsense, no frills, just straightforward questioning.
Thank you Debbie. Really interesting and sounds very similar to what my wife and I did a few years before you.
As you are familiar with Josh Becker, there are a few others you might have heard of as well that can be useful to listen or watch. The Minimalists documentary on Netflix is good, they also have some books and a podcast. Matt D'Avella also does some minimalism things on Youtube as well.
I love Marie Kondo....her process helps us so much and we are trying to instil the principles of sparking joy with our children so they can be more intentional in their purchase decisions.
Hi Paul, thank you for reading and for your recommendations.
The Minimalists have done great work haven't they. I loved their documentary on Netflix, quite an eye opener isn't it. I'll check out Matt D'Avella, I think my husband follows his channel.
I love what you are doing with your children. We see so many families with an abundance of toys and possessions, it can only be harming them in their future life. It's great that you are teaching them good values now. It will set them up well for their adult lives.
100 % fully agree Debbie. In this consumeristic society where money drives everyone’s wants and needs, teaching these simple values are even more essential for future happiness.
This is so inspiring! I have been trying to declutter and slowly making progress but sometimes it seems like there is still so far to go. It’s so encouraging to hear how declutterring has been so beneficial over time and is worth the overwhelming moments!
Decluttering can be challenging and overwhelming for sure. Progress however slow is still progress so well done coming this far. Perhaps you could join us in my new series. We are going through the process gently but thoroughly so hopefully this will suit you. I published the first one this week where we talk about finding our why and motivation, and setting some intentions. I'll be putting a new one out each month, where we will focus on one area so we move through this process gently and hopefully avoid the overwhelm that sometimes comes with this process.
I love this Debbie! I also wrote about decluttering, even creating a workbook! It made such a difference to my home and stress levels, so much better to let things go. ✨
Hi Kate, thank you. Ooh I'll check out your work, thank you for mentioning it. I've been wanting to write about decluttering for a long time now. As you know from experience, it really does make the biggest difference to home life doesn't it.
I love this, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m enrolled in Joshua Becker’s Uncluttered course (apparently the last ever), and this is our final week. Although I’ve made more progress than I ever thought possible, I’m still way behind and am planning to start back at the beginning to do a more thorough job of it. I would love to join you! Also, I’m going to look for Sort Your Life Out. It sounds lovely!
Hi Bree. I nearly joined Joshua's Uncluttered course too. Yes it's the last one sadly.
Any progress is still progress, so well done with what you've accomplished so far.
I'm so pleased you are going to join me. I published the first one this week. We're going in gently so this week we're focussing on finding our motivation and setting intentions. I deliberately wanted to take this series slow, so that anyone who joins in can have plenty of time to focus on each area, essentially one area per month. I hope this works for you 😊
Hi Louise. This is a tough one I'll admit. My hubby was exactly the same when I first started to de-clutter. I worked on my own things first and some the things we jointly owned where it was clear we had way too much (i.e. mugs and glasses). OH eventually realised that there was a benefit to owning less and joined in. It wasn't an overnight success so patience was definitely needed. The best advice I can offer is to try the same. Focus on your own belongings first. And perhaps sit down with him and watch an episode or two of a decluttering programme. He may find one inspiring.
I love decluttering - I can be a little ruthless when clearing out - my Husband is the opposite and is a little hoarder with a LEGO habit ! We also live in a small city house so it is a constant push, pull. I feel as I get older, I am feeling less and less attached to 'things' and 'stuff', and I get so much from decluttering. I am looking forward to your room by room series, my Husband better start hiding his LEGO now (hehe!)
I'm totally the same Emily, the older I get, the less attached to possessions I feel as well. I think we're learning what feels truly valuable to us as we go further and further into our simple and slow living journeys aren't we.
Haha, I can't comment on the lego. I still have a set from my childhood, it was my favourite toy growing up. I can't bear to part with it. 😂
I hope you enjoy the declutter series. Planning to go live the week after next 🤞
Decluttering is very much a work-in-progress here. It’s incredibly cathartic, but it’s a journey of growth for us as much as it is a letting go of physical possessions 🌿✨
I love your article. We've been through it in a drastic way and are happier for it. We've chased the American Dream and caught it. Once we got there, we were both struck by the feeling that this is too much. We found that we were working to have stuff. We started down sizing. It took years or rummage sales. We had two homes, that's a lot of stuff. For me it was 45 years of tool accumulation, and screws, and bolts, you name it. It's good for us that those things sell well. It took us at least eight or nine large rummage sales to get to where we are now. One more and we're done. If it doesn't sell it's trash or donate. We're much happier. We spent five years on the road in a 38' fifth wheel and a few others part time. We now spend our time between an 1,000 square foot home in Wisconsin and our RV in Arizona.
Your article is really right on. In the accumulation stage you acquiring stuff just to fill space. We both love Christmas, man you can aquire a lot Christmas stuff.
Now we think about everything we aquire. Do we need it or just want it. Activities have become more important.
The interesting thing about RV life is there don't seem to be any strangers. Oh sure, there are people you don't want associate with but those are rare. We've gained real friends in the process.
I've spent some time thinking about it, and I'm going to sound like a conspiracy theorist but, the system is rigged to keep you working. If you're working, you are required to pay taxes. The system depends on it. Income, property, and sales tax. The government is not into self sufficient people and barter and cash. I could go on and on. But alas, I don't want to be you.
Good for you. It took us a long time to figure it out. I'm recommending your stack.
I think you are absolutely right Jim, the system is definitely designed to keep you paying out for this, paying for that. It's a vicious circle.
I agree, the government does not like self-sufficiency. There is a story circulating that our powers that be are trying to ban wood burning fires, claiming they are bad for the environment. I think it's more the point that they want you paying for regular fuel so you are paying tax.
I love that you've come out the other side of decluttering your life. It's such an inspiring story.
I'm glad you are enjoying van life, you cannot beat it 😊
Thank you for the recommendation.
at the end of last year I came across topics on Tik Tok like “luxury minimalism” and the “pan project” and it has changed my mindset so much! It’s even slowly started trickling into other areas of my life as well (simpler, cleaner diet & products, finding “signature” things, etc.). love. it.
Hi. I’d not heard about the “pan project” before but I’ve just read about it now. It makes total sense doesn’t it. Not only can it be applied to beauty products, but just about every area of our lives. Food, cleaning products, clothing to name but a few.
Thank you for mentioning it.
Mine too!
Yay, It really does make a difference doesn’t it!
Thank you for this! I especially appreciate your perspective on minimalism. This is actually something I typically feel ambivalent towards when it comes to the discussion on decluttering. You put it exactly how I think it, stark white walls and all. Somehow it feels freeing to read you say that this is not always the case and that minimalism is what you make it... Repurposing the concept into "only owning something if it has value to you." I've been thinking about doing a massive upheaval of my closet and spaces, getting rid of items that just don't resonate with me. Perhaps your article was the final push I needed!
Hi Gabrielle. I'm so pleased you found this helpful. Yes, minimalism is entirely subjective. Using the "value" question is a great way of thinking about our possessions. It helps you to look at objects in an entirely different way and can sway the decision on whether to keep or discard.
I wish you all the best on your declutter 😊
Thanks for inspiring me to get back to my slow pace at decluttering our home. It's helpful to hear others took their time to accomplish it and are now enjoying the lifestyle!
Hi Emily, I'm so happy this has inspired you. I always say there is no rush, enjoy the journey and the final result will be all the sweeter.
Hi Debbie
Thanks for this article. It's good to hear your perspective. I too, like Becker's questions, and have noted them for future reference:
“does this add value, is it useful, do I own anything else that will do the same job, does it distract one from the things that do add value”.
Hi Mary, you are very welcome, I'm pleased you found it useful. I love Joshua's take on decluttering, no nonsense, no frills, just straightforward questioning.
Thank you Debbie. Really interesting and sounds very similar to what my wife and I did a few years before you.
As you are familiar with Josh Becker, there are a few others you might have heard of as well that can be useful to listen or watch. The Minimalists documentary on Netflix is good, they also have some books and a podcast. Matt D'Avella also does some minimalism things on Youtube as well.
I love Marie Kondo....her process helps us so much and we are trying to instil the principles of sparking joy with our children so they can be more intentional in their purchase decisions.
Best of Luck.
Hi Paul, thank you for reading and for your recommendations.
The Minimalists have done great work haven't they. I loved their documentary on Netflix, quite an eye opener isn't it. I'll check out Matt D'Avella, I think my husband follows his channel.
I love what you are doing with your children. We see so many families with an abundance of toys and possessions, it can only be harming them in their future life. It's great that you are teaching them good values now. It will set them up well for their adult lives.
100 % fully agree Debbie. In this consumeristic society where money drives everyone’s wants and needs, teaching these simple values are even more essential for future happiness.
Hope you find value in the recommendations.
Interesting and scary to me.
This is so inspiring! I have been trying to declutter and slowly making progress but sometimes it seems like there is still so far to go. It’s so encouraging to hear how declutterring has been so beneficial over time and is worth the overwhelming moments!
Hi Rachel, thank you.
Decluttering can be challenging and overwhelming for sure. Progress however slow is still progress so well done coming this far. Perhaps you could join us in my new series. We are going through the process gently but thoroughly so hopefully this will suit you. I published the first one this week where we talk about finding our why and motivation, and setting some intentions. I'll be putting a new one out each month, where we will focus on one area so we move through this process gently and hopefully avoid the overwhelm that sometimes comes with this process.
This sounds great! I will definitely check it out! ☺️
I love this Debbie! I also wrote about decluttering, even creating a workbook! It made such a difference to my home and stress levels, so much better to let things go. ✨
Hi Kate, thank you. Ooh I'll check out your work, thank you for mentioning it. I've been wanting to write about decluttering for a long time now. As you know from experience, it really does make the biggest difference to home life doesn't it.
I love this, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m enrolled in Joshua Becker’s Uncluttered course (apparently the last ever), and this is our final week. Although I’ve made more progress than I ever thought possible, I’m still way behind and am planning to start back at the beginning to do a more thorough job of it. I would love to join you! Also, I’m going to look for Sort Your Life Out. It sounds lovely!
Hi Bree. I nearly joined Joshua's Uncluttered course too. Yes it's the last one sadly.
Any progress is still progress, so well done with what you've accomplished so far.
I'm so pleased you are going to join me. I published the first one this week. We're going in gently so this week we're focussing on finding our motivation and setting intentions. I deliberately wanted to take this series slow, so that anyone who joins in can have plenty of time to focus on each area, essentially one area per month. I hope this works for you 😊
I have no problems with decluttering. I desperately want to do it but my OH doesn’t. It’s harder on your own and much of the stuff is his.
Hi Louise. This is a tough one I'll admit. My hubby was exactly the same when I first started to de-clutter. I worked on my own things first and some the things we jointly owned where it was clear we had way too much (i.e. mugs and glasses). OH eventually realised that there was a benefit to owning less and joined in. It wasn't an overnight success so patience was definitely needed. The best advice I can offer is to try the same. Focus on your own belongings first. And perhaps sit down with him and watch an episode or two of a decluttering programme. He may find one inspiring.
Always up for decluttering inspo! I tend to do room by room also, often just one wardrobe at a time, one set of drawers etc.
From experience I think room by room is best and if there's a lot to go through then definitely one drawer or cupboard at a time.
I love decluttering - I can be a little ruthless when clearing out - my Husband is the opposite and is a little hoarder with a LEGO habit ! We also live in a small city house so it is a constant push, pull. I feel as I get older, I am feeling less and less attached to 'things' and 'stuff', and I get so much from decluttering. I am looking forward to your room by room series, my Husband better start hiding his LEGO now (hehe!)
I'm totally the same Emily, the older I get, the less attached to possessions I feel as well. I think we're learning what feels truly valuable to us as we go further and further into our simple and slow living journeys aren't we.
Haha, I can't comment on the lego. I still have a set from my childhood, it was my favourite toy growing up. I can't bear to part with it. 😂
I hope you enjoy the declutter series. Planning to go live the week after next 🤞
We have made a start in decluttering. We have a list of everything that is in the loft & needs the do we want to keep it? approach.
It's great that you have a list, that is super organised. I'm sure that will help it you decide to do a declutter in the loft.
Decluttering is very much a work-in-progress here. It’s incredibly cathartic, but it’s a journey of growth for us as much as it is a letting go of physical possessions 🌿✨
100% agree David, it certainly is a journey of growth.