This article is about a guy who made millions, up-sized to a larger home, then bought yet another apartment in another city, furnished it all, had to sell one home, sell the furniture, relocate to second city, buy more stuff to stay “on top of the latest gadget, thingie, item.”, learn how to use the latest stuff, get roommates because it was lonely in his large apartment, manage roommates, etc. etc. etc. ad infinitum. He finally realized what a burden and how very socially paralyzing it all was.
He then fell in love, moved with girlfriend to a small flat in another country. Leaving it all behind, he never looked back.
His experiences have increased through travel, his life is enriched by the people he meets, and he has even continued as an entrepreneur with a portable office in his backpack. Alas, his relationship ended and he’s back in the US. However, he is now living happily and comfortably in a 420 sq ft apartment in New York.
His story really struck a nerve with me. I mean how much space and stuff does a person really need? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately as my hubby and I are planning to remodel our home. I thought I wanted a bigger home. Then I got wind of the Tiny House movement, Small space living & design ideas, and others. It seems we should have enough (more than enough) room for two people and two smallish dogs – right? Why then does it seem like the walls in our 1645 Sq ft home are closing in on me, not to mention our two car garage (which does NOT house our cars)? Why am I always wading though “stuff” looking for that one thing that I really need and want, and yet, I can never seem to find it until it’s too late. It’s maddening.
We have two computers, two monitors, multiple iPods (4 or 5, I lost count), two kindles, multiple TVs, multiple linens, blankets, towels, sheets. Three bikes. I have two sewing machines. Jewelry I never wear but can’t bear to part with stuck in boxes. Clothes that have seen better days. More clothes that I’ve never worn (tags still, on I embarrassed to say). Shoes I’ve forgotten about. Let’s not talk about my handbag collection (cringe). I don’t want to go on. It’s obnoxious.
I am taking this man’s cue and downsizing my stuff so that I can live peacefully in my own home. My goal is to own my things and not have my things own me. I think when we remodel our house, it won’t get bigger. Just better. And cleaner.
Meantime. . . where’s the garbage can?
Janet J.
P.S.
You may want to check out these articles if you are thinking of doing the same.
An Idea a Week to Organize your Home
How to Organize your Home
Organizing your Home
