Becoming a minimalist?
Out of context: Reply #28
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- Presta0
Kind of timely that you bring this up.
I've always been a person that doesn't like clutter, having clean spaces, etc. But over the past month, I've taken it a step further and I've decided to go ultra-minimalist, for a few reasons:
- I want to be able to resume my travels easily (and lightly!)
- I don't want to have to think about my old belongings, sitting boxes, taking up space somewhere, most of which I never use or look at.
- I'd rather focus on health, experiences, and people rather than accumulating objects for temporary gratification.I have the privilege of being able to work from anywhere I want (I design for a company from my laptop), so I'm taking full advantage of this. I'll be in two European countries for nine months of the year, and back in the USA for the remaining three months to check up on my rental property, see family, and for the bike racing season. This cycle will repeat annually. I'll be selecting a new city(ies) in Europe each year.
Everything that I own will fit into this carry-on bag and bike bag.
I've already gotten rid many things (even "sentimental" objects like my college graduation gown and cap). I can actually fit everything I own in those two bags above right now. There's one small box in the corner of my bedroom of objects that I'll sell/donate. I feel freer and more focused with every object I've thrown out. It truly declutters your mind at the same time.
All paper documents are scanned and in the cloud using this phone app https://www.camscanner.com. I have a typed list of every object that I'll take with me when I go back to Europe next year. It's at about 60 things, including all of my cycling gear. The smallest items, such as Chapstick, are even listed.
Lots of good videos out there. Check out Colin Wright. The Minimalists are decent.
Joseph Rodrigues:
This guy has good videos:
This lifestyle isn't for everyone, and is obviously harder to travel and keep clutter down if you have a spouse and kids. But it's working for me so far.