Becoming Minimalist

Own less. Live more. Finding minimalism in a world of consumerism.

101 Physical Things That Can Be Reduced In Your Home

Written by ·

If removing things completely is too difficult a first step, begin by simply reducing the excess things in your home. That step completely removes all risk.

“One can furnish a home very luxuriously by taking out furniture rather than putting it in.” —Francis Jourdain

Many people will miss the joys of minimalism because they are afraid to begin. Often, they fear if they remove an item from their home, they will regret it in the future if they need it again. While that rarely happens (you need so much less than you think), if this fear is preventing you from getting started, try this alternative method instead.

Begin by simply reducing the excess things in your home. For example, your family needs towels so you will never remove them completely—but you could simplify your life by reducing the number of towels you own. This approach removes all risk.

Once you take that first step, you will start to experience the benefits of owning less. You will enjoy the refreshing feeling of a less-cluttered linen closet or bathroom drawer. Soon, you will notice countless other things that can be reduced in your home. Before you know it, you will have made significant progress in your journey towards a more simplified life.

To better understand the potential of this simple, risk-free step, I compiled a list of 101 Things That Can Easily Be Reduced In Your Home.

This list is not meant to overwhelm or frustrate you, it’s simply meant to give you an idea of how significant a step this can be–just choosing 10 things on this list to start with would result in a noticeable difference in your home.

  1. Kitchen Glassware
  2. Cookbooks
  3. Kitchen gadgets
  4. Kitchen appliances
  5. Pots / pans
  6. Mixing bowls
  7. Tupperware
  8. Water pitchers
  9. Coffee mugs
  10. Glass jars
  11. Magazines / Newspapers
  12. Books
  13. Over-the-counter medicine
  14. Make up
  15. Hair accessories
  16. Personal beauty appliances
  17. Toiletries
  18. Photos
  19. Photography supplies
  20. Sewing supplies
  21. Scrap-booking supplies
  22. Other craft supplies
  23. CDs
  24. DVDs / VHS tapes
  25. Wall Decorations
  26. Candles
  27. Candle Holders
  28. Figurines
  29. Crystal / China
  30. Vases
  31. Audio/visual components
  32. Audio/visual cables
  33. Computers equipment
  34. Computer peripherals
  35. Old cellphones
  36. Furniture
  37. Video game systems
  38. Video game accessories
  39. Video games
  40. Shirts
  41. Pants / Shorts
  42. Dresses / Skirts
  43. Hats
  44. Clothes hangers
  45. Shoes
  46. Ties / belts / accessories
  47. Coats
  48. Winter gear
  49. Socks / Underwear
  50. Sleepwear
  51. Jewelry
  52. Purses
  53. Pillows
  54. Linen sets
  55. Duvets / Comforters
  56. Blankets
  57. Towels
  58. Televisions
  59. Items on your bulletin board
  60. Magnets
  61. Home office supplies
  62. Coins
  63. Pens / pencils
  64. Rubber bands / Twist ties
  65. Cleaning supplies
  66. Old batteries
  67. Tools
  68. Hardware
  69. Coolers
  70. Manuals
  71. Phone books
  72. Coupons
  73. Board games
  74. Puzzles
  75. Decks of cards
  76. Unused gifts
  77. Baby clothes
  78. Baby supplies
  79. Old schoolbooks/papers
  80. Toys
  81. Stuffed animals
  82. Kid’s artwork
  83. Suitcases
  84. Pantry food
  85. Paper goods
  86. Wrapping supplies
  87. Pet supplies
  88. Plastic bags
  89. Party supplies
  90. Seasonal decorations
  91. Sporting goods
  92. Sports memorabilia
  93. Automobiles
  94. Automotive supplies
  95. Scrap pieces of lumber
  96. Brooms
  97. Rakes
  98. Shovels
  99. Garden tools
  100. Plant containers / Pots
  101. Empty cardboard boxes

Go ahead. Give it a shot. You’ve got nothing to lose.

If you are just beginning your personal journey towards simplicity, I recommend our book: Simplify. 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life. In it, you will find principles of simplicity that are encouraging, uplifting, and entirely within your reach.

***

Joshua Becker

About Joshua Becker

Writer. Inspiring others to live more by owning less.
WSJ Bestselling author of The More of Less.

Follow on TwitterLike on Facebook

Comments

  1. I looked at the list. I have many books in a pile and one by one I am reading. But when I’m done they go in a box the the spring tag sale that takes place every year at my house. I have a real problem throwing things away when maybe someone can use them. The money I make goes toward a home improvement project that happens in the spring as well.

  2. I agree with almost all the items–except photos. After my parents passed away, and my brother died suddenly years after, I have found photos to be comforting. Immensely so. Ergo, the photos stay (along with my stash of comfort-drinking-cocoa.)

    Moving forward…

    To those who disagree strongly with the list–you came to this site to read. You were treated well, with relatively good writing and a friendly attitude (the author’s, and most of the commenters’). No one is forcing you to do everything on the list. They were meant to be suggestions. Reply, if you must–but remain relaxed, eager to learn and eager to share.

    Oh, and yes–one thing we can never have too much of is good will and a healthy sense of humor :-)

    God bless.

  3. I printed the list and will try to get rid of one thing in each category every day. That should be pretty painless.

  4. I have been slowly restarting decluttering since I had surgery a month ago. Got a couple areas downsized yesterday. Since xmas is near, getting rid of our way too many ornaments. There r some other great ideas here. Plus, yesterday, I found something I was looking for, imagine that!!!

  5. I am preparing to move out of state so my Stuff Purge is rapidly serious. I pictured the pioneer women reduced to such few items on the Conestoga wagons going west. Plus I have received so many blessings from other people when I give them Stuff!

  6. Ever been to a minimalist’s house? It’s bat crap boring and always looks the same. Empty.

    They look like a Scrooge because they don’t want to buy anything and are afraid to purchase a vase.

    Minimalism is boring and can be just as OCD as collecting too much junk. Why should I get rid of things I like?

  7. I’ve downsized to about half of what I owned. Still have a ways to go though! My life has been drastically easier even at half though. I find it easier to travel the world now because I have more time and money-who’d have thought!

  8. Hi, I have a request that has nothing to do with the articles’ contents. In fact, they’ve all been terrifically helpful and I’ve been quite in line with most of it most of my life. You’ve helped me by filling in my oversights and gaps. And for that I’m very grateful.
    I have a favor to ask. Would it be possible for you to change the color of your typeset? This pale grey is extremely difficult for me to read. I often can’t get through an article/post because my eyes will have tired long before I’m done. And I tried increasing the type size and that didn’t help. Unfortunately.
    Thanks for all your wonderful ideas.
    Luly

  9. In my minimalist try, when we moved in Jan of 2017, I no longer have a dishwasher or a microwave. Dont miss them. Trinkets are my big downfall but we have been going through everything and boxing up what we dont need for a yard sale in May!
    I dont have much plastic of any kind for food storage, I have glass bowls.

  10. This is very attention-grabbing, You are an overly skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and sit up for in the hunt for more of your excellent post.
    Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks

1 MILLION READERS CAN’T BE WRONG.

Own less, live more, and create space for the things you love. Get new posts delivered right to your inbox:

Copyright © 2019 Joshua Becker · Design by Brian Gardner · Archives · Search