Comments on: How Many Possessions Do you Own?

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:51:51 +0000

@sense -- three suitcases and a backpack that's amazing! I haven't lived like that since I was in college. Of course, back then I only owned one cup, one fork, one knife and one spoon :-)

@me in millions -- slow and steady is my motto too. I've been purging the items from our house over months and years. Sometimes I box things up and wait a month to see if I need them again. If I don't they go to the good will.

@followmedown30 -- I totally agree with the no clutter rule. I don't own any knick-knacks or other items that collect dust. I know a lot of people take pleasure in this, but to me it's just a waste of money and a lot of work to keep clean.

@elleandish -- Even after I purge everything from my closet I go out and buy more things. I don't know how many people can get by without a lot of clothes. If nothing else it helps me avoid the laundry.

@s.b. -- I tend to agree. I was super excited when I heard about the idea and majorly disappointed when I saw the list. Nevertheless I like the spirit of the minimizing my possessions. One day I'll take a crack at counting the items in at least one room.

By: S. B.

S. B. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:12:22 +0000

I like the concept that is expressed and enjoyed reading your slant on it. However, after reading the original article you referenced, I have to admit I was quite disappointed. It all seemed very contrived for a book contract, and more like an article on sophistry than simple living. The author goes into excruciating detail enumerating each piece of outerwear he owns, but then seems to dismiss most of the possessions in his life either by counting them in groups or claiming they fall into exceptions. The list of stuff he got rid of mainly just looks like a bunch of old clothes and nick-knacks - a good effort for a Saturday afternoon, but not really a game-changer.

Let's use the author's system, and take me as an example. I know I have too much stuff. My house is very cluttered, and our garage is full of junk. I've occasionally written about how I'm gradually trying to do better in this area. Yet by the author's standards, I've practically already arrived! First, I don't have to count anything in the house that is "shared". OK, that eliminates about 85% of things for me. Next, I don't have to count work related items and tools. Finally, I can group together a few things I really like and only count the groups. So I'll choose books (like the author did) and also music. There. Looks like I'm really down to only a few items, yet here I sit with all this junk.

By: elleandish

elleandish — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:02:40 +0000

I'm desperately trying to pare down my belongings but it seems like my 'number' never gets any smaller! I recently just sent 4 full shopping bags to Goodwill but now I'm at a standstill with closet purging. Sigh.

Seems like I'll never be able to live a truly minimalist life... I love having options. Haha. >__<

By: FollowMeDown30

FollowMeDown30 — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:00:37 +0000

We live very minimally, I just can't stand "stuff". Don't get me wrong-we have lots of things, but I try very hard to stay organized and not collect things I don't need. My mother is a compulsive Goodwill/garage sale shopper and constantly buys me stuff, the kids toys, etc. I have learned to be gracious and stick it in the donation box as soon as she leaves. (And she has never repurchased an item, but has said I saw one at goodwill just like the one I bought you! lol)

By: me in millions

me in millions — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:40:33 +0000

I'm trying to simplify and minimize too, but it's a challenge. I've already gotten rid of 70 items (I have a get rid of stuff Sunday goal) and I feel like I haven't made a dent! Slow and steady wins the race though, right?

By: Sense

Sense — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:59:02 +0000

i probably own a hundred pieces of clothing! and way over that many individual photos!

I am as close as i will (hopefully?) ever get to owning less than 100 things; i rent a COMPLETELY furnished (read: down to the linens and cleaning supplies) apartment in a foreign country so everything i own fits in 3 suitcases and a backpack. I also have 3 rubbermaid bins of valuable or sentimental 'stuff' from my childhood at my parents' house.

but that's it. It is scary and also freeing to not be tied down by possessions.

your cat sounds like a holy terror!! good for you for finding the silver lining.