More Stuff = More Stress

As a minimalist I try to keep my belongings to a minimum.  I have only what I need, and a few things that I want.  I know of a few things that I should get rid of, but I don’t just yet. 

Let me give you an idea of what I own.  My bedroom consists of a mattress and box spring, along with a lamp and a make-shift night stand.  My bedroom closets have all the shelving that I need for folded and hanging clothes.  My living room has my easy chair, a TV on a stand that somebody gave to me, and a futon.  The only reason for the futon is for a buddy that came to town, and I didn’t have the heart for him to sleep on a camping roll.  I also have a couple of make-shift end tables and a lamp.  I have two patio chairs and a smoker on my patio.

My dining area is where I keep my bicycle, my golf clubs (a friend needed some cash, and I have never used them), and other sporting type items.  Even with just these few things I feel that my place is cluttered, and it is.  I have a stack of junk mail that I need to sort through, and a bunch of boxes that all the little items that my drone came in.  I know, you’re probably saying “poor baby” in that sarcastic voice.  You’re thinking that with so few things, if my place was cluttered, how hard would it be to declutter.  Since I am a minimalist you would be absolutely correct, but my procrastination keeps me from decluttering as often as I should. 

Before I was a minimalist I had more stuff, which meant more stress.  Stuff just kept piling up.  I had a larger home with a garage, so I had more room for more stuff.  I have done my best to minimize the stuff in my life.  Now, less stuff means less stress.  When I finish writing this I am going to do some decluttering.  I am going to get rid of those packaging boxes that my drone came in.  When I am done, I will have accomplished one small task that has been bothering for some time.

Here’s a task for you.  Go find something that has been cluttering your home that you keep ignoring.  Now go tend to it.  When you are done, come back and tell me about it by writing a comment below.  Help me inspire others by telling your story.