Comment by Jennifer T:

Thank-you sooooo much for answering my question. I didn’t expect a post. Wow! I feel so much better now. I had a bag of stuff I didn’t want to throw away. I just took a few minutes and went through the bag asking myself your questions and I couldn’t believe how my answers clarified the question of keeping them or not. Some are staying some are going but I know why now and that is making me feel so much better, I can’t tell you. Thank-you thank-you thank-you.

Comment by Misty Lynn:

I have always lived simply. I really like your definition of purging for a reason. It makes a lot of sense to me and made me think of my momma and how she used to do things. I think everybody should trust their instincts not follow the crowd.

Comment by Mrs. Stanley B.:

I just wanted to say that I love your new background. It looks so bright and optimistic and hopeful if you know what I mean. Just like your blog. I thank you for both.

Comment by Betty:

Great post. It seems to me the younger (20 something) people are going for strict minimalism and it seems competitive. I love living simply and being organized, but having what I love and need whether I use it every 6 months or not makes sense to me. What’s the harm of stored sentimental items and keepsakes? Isn’t that what attics are for?
Betty

Comment by UnaVidaCambia:

I have another reason for endless months of purging (well..hopefully not –endless– but it sure seems like it) is clearing out the stuff left behind by a packrat spouse. I think the end is in sight, but it’ll still be at least another month, and I started, with help, in January after my husband passed away.

Since sometimes it feels like I’m going from one extreme (packrat clutter) to another (in comparison, the cleared out rooms look positively minimalistic even though they’re not), I’m working to land at ‘enough’ rather than the opposite extreme of 100items or less type minimalism – which won’t happen because I have more than 100 books alone that I want to keep :)

Comment by artybecca:

I agree heartily with your statement about thinking hard about an item before you let it into your home.
Many years ago after buying articles of clothing that I hardly ever wore, I decided to view every item in the dressing room mirror with the question, “Do I LOVE it?” in mind. Now, if the answer is no, I don’t buy it.

I work in an office where we get lots of free sample items. I started saying no thanks to them because it was just one more thing I didn’t really need and would just clutter my desk or home. I have enough trouble with things I actually WANT and USE turning into clutter in my space. It’s an ongoing struggle!

Comment by Ms. Practicality:

This is such a great way to look at this issue. I love the idea of finding my “enough.” It’s such a constructive way to look at this purging phenomenon and I couldn’t agree with your sentiments more. I recently found your blog and am truly enjoying it!

Comment by Dmarie:

my surest method for never being sorry about purging is to donate my unused items to charity. whenever I have a moment’s regret, I remind myself that someone else has made good use of the item ever since I’ve purged it. love this post!!

Comment by MS. Smith:

Thank you for a great website! I feel like I am surrounded by people who don’t understand the choices I have made to “live simply and simply live.” I have downsized my home and belongings, don’t shop for recreation, eat a simple (vegetarian and mostly vegan) diet, shop at second hand stores when I need something, etc. and I have never been happier. NO trips to the mall for this girl! I love the practical support your site provides and will be referring to it time and time again!

Comment by Robin:

I redistributed most of my stuff to friends, goodwill, and the great sea of Craigslisters about two years ago. A friend just sent me photos of some of my old things “at work” in their home. It made me feel really good; I bought those things because I liked them a lot, and it’s nice to know they still have some life.

For me, backpacking is always a really good tool for finding my “enough.” What do I take when all of my things must be carried on my back? And when I return home, what are the things that give me the most pleasure?

Comment by Dmarie:

well said. I am daily trying to find my “enough.” sometimes, *gulp,* paring down is difficult; sometimes easy. ALWAYS worth it!!

Comment by Linda:

Yesterday we had over 90 tornados in Ks, while in the basement waiting out the ones nearest us,I realized what I had brought- pictures, keepsakes and my mother and mother-in laws wedding rings! Obviously, most of my precious “stuff’ is expendable!

Comment by Dori:

I just discovered your blog and I find it interesting. We have been living pretty simply since we were married 40 years ago this June. We bought our land almost 30 years ago and have been building our house little by little over the years, meanwhile raising 4 children and running a small business doing historic restoration on old houses in our area. This is by way of introduction. We now own our house free and clear and are ready to put on the last additions to take us into our “golden years” in as simple and efficient way as possible. We want to age in place.
I have been looking for kitchen layout ideas but of course everything is granite counter tops and stainless steel. I’m looking for ideas from real people who work in their kitchens as I do, cooking from scratch, doing some canning, having a small garden, recycling…..
I would love to see how others have set up their kitchen (I love light) but I am not interested in spending whatever money I have to build a big show place. I want a space I love to be in- one that WORKS and welcomes. Sorry for the length of this, I have so little personal time on the internet (have to come in early before work) and I have been looking for other ideas from like minded people for a good while. NOW we are getting ready to do this work and I’m still looking for ideas and thoughts.
Thanks for an interesting site.

Comment by Maureen:

Simply know and understand why you have or are keeping something – where there is no knowing or understanding it should not be kept.