I have recorded a series of videos about minimalism to post on my YouTube channel.
The best place to begin is by sharing my story of how I found minimalism. Here is how I tell it:
To watch more videos in the series, subscribe on YouTube.
Own less. Live more.
Written by joshua becker · 9 Comments
I have recorded a series of videos about minimalism to post on my YouTube channel.
The best place to begin is by sharing my story of how I found minimalism. Here is how I tell it:
To watch more videos in the series, subscribe on YouTube.
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Hi Joshua,
I have a large collection of cassette tapes and CD’s that I would like to get rid of, but I cannot let them go. I no longer listen to them, but the thought of not having them anymore makes me sad for some reason. What advice can you offer?
One thing that may work for you is to not get rid of these items straightaway. You could pack them into boxes and put somewhere like a spare room, or a cupboard, or the garage. Mark a time period on the boxes that you feel you could stick to, like six months, or a year or whatever suits. If, after that period of time, you have not missed the items then you can just donate them without looking into the boxes. However, if you find you really miss the tapes or CD’s then you still have them and can reinstate them in your home. One thing I would say though is that you should give yourself at least two weeks or so before you delve into the boxes. This is so you can get used to the empty space, or you may like to put other items like books or photographs in their place. This can be a temptation but given time, it passes and you often find you enjoy the space you have. Give it a try, it may work for you!
Joshua, I’ve always wondered whether you met your former neighbor’s daughter and found out how and why she became a minimalist (and seemed to be encouraging her mother to go in that direction as well). Have you ever wondered if or how you would have found minimalism if your neighbor hadn’t mentioned her? Call me curious, but I think it would make an interesting blog post or video.
I’ve never met the daughter, but remain in contact with my neighbor (at least around exciting events, like a new book coming out). Would I have ever discovered minimalism without her? I don’t know.
We have been reading clutter free with kids and have purged SO much stuff in the last few weeks. It’s been amazing! One area we are struggling with that didn’t really seem to be addressed in your book was old notes from college and church sermons, etc.
We have been hanging onto it because we want to remember the information in it or go back and reference it occasionally. But it takes up so much space! HELP!
Renae,
Are these notes something you have gone back to in the past to remember the information? Or, is it just something “you’ve always thought you would do,” but in reality, probably won’t? That might help answer the question for you.
And if, after that, you STILL have some notes, take photos of them and then get rid of them. You can always read the photos (zoom as necessary).
I hate old notes… most of the time I don’t even remember what I even commented on! Pitch it!!
SO freeing!!!
Yuup! incl some old sermons that can be got online. Books too, read several times, donated.