An Accidental Minimalist

My husband and I moved cities this year so he could be closer to the university he is studying at.  We did the maths and decided to buy a little house instead of rent.  As this home was both an investment and a short-term home, we made a conscious decision to move just enough possessions into it so that we may live and study. We left behind all our ‘stuff’ in the large family home on acreage, intending to return on weekends. 

I had not considered the concept of minimalism until I set about purchasing a new fridge.  When I chose the small and cheap fridge I realised that I did not have the space to purchase bulk groceries, as I was used to.  I made a choice that day that we would live day to day with just essentials.  Did I just become an accidental minimalist? 

What I found sobering was how much we did not miss the stuff we left behind in cupboards in our family home. We also took items from the family home to furnish the new home without a ripple in the decor.  Essential personal items were chosen for their portability and were carried with us when we returned home for the weekend. 

What started out to be a practical decision became a liberating experience. I was awakened to the benefits of minimalism. The dilemma now is what am I going to do with all the ‘stuff’ in the family home? I have not missed it nor have I needed it.  Do I have sufficient momentum or energy to purge, declutter and become a genuine minimalist? 

I see two obstacles. One is detaching from the memories of past roles and interests and the other is the hard work of disposing of it without just dumping it.  We have a games and puzzle cupboard leftover from the years we raised our family.  I have a sewing and craft cupboard that is full of projects and materials.  There is a kitchen and pantry full of catering and cooking equipment.  And a cupboard full of spare linen.  And that is without starting in the library or the shed. 

Seventeen years ago, we sold up or gave away almost everything we owned before moving overseas.  I was much younger then and very focused; perhaps even ruthless.  Our children were eight and ten at the time.  They were left with one suitcase of clothes, one briefcase of school work and one box of special items, including toys.  As a family, we were never so free to go wherever we were called.    

We came back, we settled into a house and we started to accumulate ‘stuff’ very quickly.  Before long the suitcase grew larger, as did the box and the books. New hobbies and new adventures mean more stuff and more storage. The children grew up, left home and left their ‘stuff’. And here I am owning more than I ever have in my life.   

Whether accidental or intentional, I think minimalism is a fantastic goal.  However, my overwhelming task and question is “how do I dispose of the ‘stuff’ well’?  My kids sure don’t want it!

photo by Florian Klauer