In a capitalistic society where consumerism is the driving economic force, owning lots and lots of stuff is par for the course. American women for example own on average 20 pairs of shoes while a man could own up to 50 different tee-shirts.
But society as a whole is moving away from frivolous buying and excessive shopping. Economics has been playing a big part in curtailing of American shopping habits, yet consciousness & empathy have also been a recent influence on the consumer culture of the states. Movements that focus on minimalism and simplistic living have found themselves at the forefront of media attention with television shows and news articles focusing on the Small Homes Movement. The Small Homes and apartment movement encourages people to downsize their real-estate to homes of a mere 400 square feet in size. Some true-believers of minimalist living have regulated their lives and material possessions to but 100 essential items.
Perhaps you are not quite ready to take the leap of limiting yourself to but 100 things, but here are some hacks to help minimize your stuff in the meanwhile.
- PURGE! Throw it away, give it away, sell it. If you have not used an item in over a year, why keep it? There have been reality shows devoted to hoarders who keep everything “just in case” they may need it in the future. Well it turns out that most people will not need that saved item, so get rid of it now.
- STOP BUYING knick-knacks, brick-a-brack and chotchki souvenier-stuff specifically. Memorabilia and collectibles are some of the possessions that people acrue and result in needless, extra cluster. Ask yourself if you really need that item you are about to drop your hard earned dollars on. Why are you buying it? Immediate gratification? Don’t do it. It will probably end-up in a drawer or a box somewhere.
- KILL THE CLUTTER! Needless superflous possessions will take-over your life if you let them. Clutter and mess are proven causes of stress, inactivity and non-productivity. Pick a corner and clean-it up. Start with your work-desk or night-stand and move through your house each day cleaning a corner.
- DO IT DIFFERENT! Minimalist living while focused on reducing possessions is really a philosophy on living. Minimalist living could mean making drastic changes on your mode of transportation. Many followers of the life-style have traded their automobiles for a bicycle or public transportation. Minimalists may find themselves washing clothing by hand rather than using an energy-draining machine. Turn-off the electronics, take that walk, read that book. You’ll thank yourself for doing so.
