I like to believe that my husband and I buy less than the average American. I’d like to believe we are below that average, but let’s be honest—probably not.
I think my husband and I are below the average but having recently moved multiple times I'm pretty sure we're not. And that's after getting rid of a bunch of stuff (which I occasionally miss)! Good news, I don't think I'm a hoarder, may have tendency toward though.
I do think spending a short time alone in an empty apartment sounds heavenly.
Moving is a sure way to be reminded how much stuff we have! One of the minimalist experts suggested packing as if you are moving and then waiting 3 weeks to see what you actually unpack. If you didn't get it out after 3 weeks, toss it. I might not be ready to try this yet!
Robyn, this so hits home. We have boxes in our garage that are marked "MTV" for "Move to Virginia" - which happened 39 years ago this month and we haven't unpacked them! I've strongly resisted a storage unit, and my wife and I have been talking about this for some time. Your post was very timely! DJB
Robyn, I really enjoyed reading your take on minimalism. The success of storage unit businesses in this country is, rather sickening really!!!
I’m a “mover!”
NOT a “mover & a shaker.” I like to change residences. Having moved countless times, I have moved & downsized my belongings many times. That said, I have lived in this house for 20 years, the longest Ever!
Therefore, I have accumulated more “stuff.”
Last fall, I considered selling this house and moving to an apartment at the “OldElks!” I went nuclear on “stuff.” Asking my boys if they wanted “stuff” from their closets got a reply that included a “meme” of a robot torching their “stuff!” Our kids do not want our, nor, do they want their, old stuff.
Ridding myself and continuing to do so brings me joy.
Even though I decided not to move to an apartment, I continue to rid myself of “stuff!!”
Thankful for your reminders of what IS and what Is NOT important.
Yes, once I get going, throwing away stuff is so liberating! One of my go-to activities when I'm feeling stuck or in a slump. I love the robot torching stuff!
A few years ago I downsized from a 3000 square-foot house to a 10x10 bedroom and a small storage unit. It had to really be worth it to pay for that storage unit even though it was only six months. Then I moved into an 800 square-foot rental with no basement and a tiny garage just to be sure that that’s what I really wanted, to live small. No storage unit. Now I live in 1000 square-foot townhouse and my goal is to keep as much empty space as possible. I just feel better when my rooms are open and airy and not crowded with stuff. Every time I go to my parents house it’s just packed with stuff. It’s all my mom’s stuff but my dad can’t let go of it at least not yet (mom died last year). Plus there’s a storage unit with all kinds of other stuff that my mom kept from her various relatives. It can be really hard to let go of the stuff especially if that feels like your only way of holding on. For me, the empty space is great. I have a tiny closet now so that means never having too many extra clothes. That makes it so much easier to get dressed - not so many choices. But. I think this is an individual kind of thing. I wouldn’t judge someone that had a lot of stuff. It really just depends on what makes you feel comforted and at home. 
PS in fairness I moved to the 3000 square-foot house from an 800 square-foot condo. I swore I’d never fill it up but I live there 13 years. It’s amazing how much stuff you can acquire. The only thing I really miss is I had 50 house plants at the time and some of them were huge. Now I have one little tiny plant. So I missed the plants.
Oh, I absolutely have waaaaay too much stuff! Once in a while I take time to purge things, but the problem is finding the time. One of these days . . . . . BTW, know anyone who may want to purchase a stack of Vanity Fair magazines from the 80s? Many still wrapped in mailing plastic!! See what I mean? Too much stuff!!
I think my husband and I are below the average but having recently moved multiple times I'm pretty sure we're not. And that's after getting rid of a bunch of stuff (which I occasionally miss)! Good news, I don't think I'm a hoarder, may have tendency toward though.
I do think spending a short time alone in an empty apartment sounds heavenly.
Moving is a sure way to be reminded how much stuff we have! One of the minimalist experts suggested packing as if you are moving and then waiting 3 weeks to see what you actually unpack. If you didn't get it out after 3 weeks, toss it. I might not be ready to try this yet!
I know I'm not ready. I still have an unemptied box from a 17 years ago move.
Robyn, this so hits home. We have boxes in our garage that are marked "MTV" for "Move to Virginia" - which happened 39 years ago this month and we haven't unpacked them! I've strongly resisted a storage unit, and my wife and I have been talking about this for some time. Your post was very timely! DJB
Oh, good luck with the boxes! I started my cleanse today. One closet at a time!
Robyn, I really enjoyed reading your take on minimalism. The success of storage unit businesses in this country is, rather sickening really!!!
I’m a “mover!”
NOT a “mover & a shaker.” I like to change residences. Having moved countless times, I have moved & downsized my belongings many times. That said, I have lived in this house for 20 years, the longest Ever!
Therefore, I have accumulated more “stuff.”
Last fall, I considered selling this house and moving to an apartment at the “OldElks!” I went nuclear on “stuff.” Asking my boys if they wanted “stuff” from their closets got a reply that included a “meme” of a robot torching their “stuff!” Our kids do not want our, nor, do they want their, old stuff.
Ridding myself and continuing to do so brings me joy.
Even though I decided not to move to an apartment, I continue to rid myself of “stuff!!”
Thankful for your reminders of what IS and what Is NOT important.
Yes, once I get going, throwing away stuff is so liberating! One of my go-to activities when I'm feeling stuck or in a slump. I love the robot torching stuff!
A few years ago I downsized from a 3000 square-foot house to a 10x10 bedroom and a small storage unit. It had to really be worth it to pay for that storage unit even though it was only six months. Then I moved into an 800 square-foot rental with no basement and a tiny garage just to be sure that that’s what I really wanted, to live small. No storage unit. Now I live in 1000 square-foot townhouse and my goal is to keep as much empty space as possible. I just feel better when my rooms are open and airy and not crowded with stuff. Every time I go to my parents house it’s just packed with stuff. It’s all my mom’s stuff but my dad can’t let go of it at least not yet (mom died last year). Plus there’s a storage unit with all kinds of other stuff that my mom kept from her various relatives. It can be really hard to let go of the stuff especially if that feels like your only way of holding on. For me, the empty space is great. I have a tiny closet now so that means never having too many extra clothes. That makes it so much easier to get dressed - not so many choices. But. I think this is an individual kind of thing. I wouldn’t judge someone that had a lot of stuff. It really just depends on what makes you feel comforted and at home. 
PS in fairness I moved to the 3000 square-foot house from an 800 square-foot condo. I swore I’d never fill it up but I live there 13 years. It’s amazing how much stuff you can acquire. The only thing I really miss is I had 50 house plants at the time and some of them were huge. Now I have one little tiny plant. So I missed the plants.
Oh, it would be hard to let go of all that beautiful green.
Definitely lots of reasons people hold on to things, especially in the face of grief.
Oh, I absolutely have waaaaay too much stuff! Once in a while I take time to purge things, but the problem is finding the time. One of these days . . . . . BTW, know anyone who may want to purchase a stack of Vanity Fair magazines from the 80s? Many still wrapped in mailing plastic!! See what I mean? Too much stuff!!
Someone who does collage might want the Vanity Fair's?
Or Madison BST!