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Why did a packrat sign up to review The Minimalist Home? Is it possible to change a lifetime of habits? I wanted to know if it is truly attainable, and decided to document the process.
My journey began with a flood in our basement this summer. Our office, bedroom, utility room, laundry room and rec room all received the influx of water, measured in inches, not just by sloshing through it. Family pictures, scrapbooking supplies and mementoes from my parents’ home were pitched. Mold had to be addressed, carpeting torn out, and paint reapplied. It was time to rethink my hoarding tendencies.
Author, Joshua Becker defines minimalism as “the intentional promotion of things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from them.”
Joshua’s promise is to provide a comprehensive, practical and encouraging how-to guide to carry you through the process of decluttering the home. That was good enough for me, and I signed on.
Joshua Becker began his own journey the day he tackled his cluttered garage and noticed the loss of opportunity to spend time with his son. His stuff had commandeered his time. He has since minimized his home and lifestyle, and speaks and writes about the benefits of owning less and serving more. He founded The Hope Effect in response to the orphan epidemic around the world.
The Minimalist Home provides action steps at the end of each chapter for a jumpstart on specific rooms in the house, success stories of people who have accepted the challenge to live with less, and promotes the value of spending time with people rather than with possessions. Joshua asserts, “If this is still difficult for you, set a goal for yourself. Maybe you can at least halve this collection of emotion-soaked stuff. I think you will find that setting a physical limit helps you quickly separate the most important from the just-kind-of important.”
Here’s my progress report since beginning The Minimalist Home:
• Sorted items for our church’s annual garage sale.
• Hung pictures in our newly painted rec room.
• Threw out a box of cassette tapes.
• Set aside puzzles, books, plants and frames for our Scrapbooking Chinese Auction.
• Cleaned out the refrigerator (Really? Expired in 2017?!!)
• Gave items to my adult children for their homes.
One of the biggest blessings this week, was unpacking boxes at my daughter’s first home. As I washed dishes and glasses from my Gra’ma and Mom, it tickled me to see them finding use in their new home, where I can come and enjoy them where they are needed most.
I found I like the idea of being more intentional with what I own, and I’m looking forward to the benefits multiplying. I’m still a work in progress, but at least I am in progress. Get a copy of The Minimalist Home and see for yourself if the minimizing goals will help you take a stab at your more important bucket list goals!
Sally
What is hardest for you to declutter?
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This decluttering job is something that hangs over my head because I know I need to but I just can’t even get started as it seems too oppressive. I, too, have so much handed down to me from my parents and in-laws. I’m like LeAnn, things that bring memories back to me, I can’t part with. Yet, I know my kids don’t want to have to do it after I’m gone. I’m tired just thinking about it!
I can certainly relate to the dilemma, Elaine. Joshua gives permission to let go of things that are not needed with a new season of life. Whew. One step at a time.
The hardest things for me to let go of are the items, gifts, and hand me downs from family. I will toss a new item in order to keep the 65 year old mixer. Anything I’ve bought I’m not attached to. Over the last 2 1/2 years I’ve done a major decliutter and it’s so easy now to lay my hands in the things I really need.
Awesome, Leann! Joshua says our goal should be to keep only the best. We can smile with the sentiment, but we don’t have to keep everything.
I’m looking forward to being at your spot of finding what I need, easily!
It’s an amazing feeling I never expected to have.