Over the past five years or so, I’ve become what might be verging on minimalist. I don’t know what qualifies someone as an actual “minimalist”, nor do I care, but this is a topic that I’ve had on the mind quite a bit lately. I’m almost constantly analyzing my space and wondering what I need and what I can do without. Are my minifying habits unhealthy? Ungrateful? Irresponsible?
As newlyweds, my husband and I had a lot of stuff. Clothes, shoes, kitchen gadgets, clothes, books, shoes, more clothes… you get it. After several moves I started to feel silly about the large boxes dedicated entirely to things like winter accessories, and picture frames. Things that we didn’t NEED. I started to get rid of things. A lot of things.
At first, Rauland thought it was a little silly. So while I purged my un-necessaries, he hung on to his trinkets. Soon he started to see that maybe less really is more, and together, we made a lifestyle choice. If we didn’t need it or use it, we didn’t really keep it. Boy Scouts everywhere would grimace at how ill-prepared this mentality is. (That said, we do have basic camping gear, 72 hour kits, and a decent food storage).
The photos above show our clothes rack. What you see is both mine and Rauland’s entire wardrobes. That’s not entirely true, our jackets are in the coat closet, and we have a few items in the laundry, but basically, yes, that is what we wear. My personal wardrobe breakdown is as follows:
Shirts: 10
Sweaters/cardigans: 5
Dresses: 5
Skirts: 5
Pants/shorts: 4
Pajama pants: 3
Pajama shirts: 5
Shoes: 6 pair (running, loafers, sandals, rain boots, 2 dress flats)
Sweatshirts/coats: 4
You think I’m crazy, don’t you? The truth is, I love having a simple closet. Getting ready is easy. I love the things I own. Laundry is never a real hassle.
But this trend extends farther than my wardrobe. For instance, we only have 4 dinner plates. We decided if we were ever going to be feeding more than four people we’d just assume use paper plates, because we’re lazy like that. I don’t want to wash more dishes than I have to. With the exception of a few wall hangings we got for our wedding, we don’t have decorations. We “decorate” with the things we use. I think it’s part of what drove me to open my shop. I see beauty in functional art. And to me, quilts and pillows are absolutely functional.
See, the way we see it we’re simplifying our lives by only keeping the important stuff. But I don’t think outsiders always see it that way. I worry that our friends and family find us difficult to shop for, because they know we’re particular about the things we keep around the house. This. THIS is the entire reason I ever question our lifestyle choice. I hate feeling like we’re ungrateful recipients.
So here’s my question: does downsizing make someone a big fat heartless jerk? Or is it understandable that we all choose to live our own ways?
And I’d love to know: are you a hoarder or a purger? What’s your story?
It does not make you heartless. Society has taught us that things bring happiness. Until that concept is rethought it will take people some time to accept your way of living. Moderation in all things.
I agree completely. It’s finding that moderate balance that’s the trick. I don’t think we should hang on to every little thing that has ever been a part of our lives, or there won’t be room for growth. That said, getting rid of too much can lead to a cold and lonely way of living, too.
Oh, I just love you for this, you know I do. Seriously. I think about you every single time I open my closet and think to myself, I really should get rid of more of these clothes. And lately, since we’ve moved into a smallish space, I have been thinking a LOT about purging even more than I already have. The simple and beautiful life, am I right? I may get started on it this week. Hold me accountable.
Also, I have the same worry as you. I often feel like an ungrateful recipient of stuff because I am SOOOOO picky about the stuff I let into or keep in my house. I’m not quite sure about the solution to that one. Perhaps gratitude doesn’t equate to keeping the stuff people give you…? Stuff is just stuff. I don’t know. It’s still tricky. Why is it so tricky?
loves.
And what makes it worse is that it makes other people feel apprehensive about giving you something. The people that give us gifts know us well, and do a great job, but they doubt their thoughtful gifts because they know how I keep my home. For instance, my mom is afraid to buy me clothes (and after seeing this post, can you blame her?) but for Christmas she got me the most gorgeous sweater, and I literally wear it everyday. Every. Single. Day. Her gift has become a simple staple in my life, and she might have been afraid to give it to me. You’re right. It’s tricky.