The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things. -Elise Boulding
What a wonderful quote, and so true! We’re constantly bombarded with the message to buy, buy, and buy some more—it’s hardly ever suggested that we might find greater satisfaction in not owning something. Yes, you read it here, week in and week out; but I’m just one tiny voice questioning the status quo—hardly a match for the marketers and advertisers that command so much of our visual and auditory attention.
So after three years of blogging, I’ve been inspired to look back and celebrate the things I’ve learned I’d rather not have. I’ve included links, and hope you enjoy my walk down memory lane. Better yet, I’d love it if each of you would share one post (or more!) with someone else via email, Twitter, or Facebook.
My website stats say I had 93,971 unique visitors last month (!)—imagine if all 93K+ of you passed on the minimalist message to someone else? We might actually create a ripple effect to drown out some of the more-is-more rhetoric, and introduce a greater audience to “the happiness of not having things.”
So here they are: 15 Things I’m Happier Without (and you might be, too!)
1. Television. In Life Without a TV, I wrote about how my husband and I gave up our television when we moved overseas in 2009. See my No TV Update: Three Years and Counting to learn how we feel about pulling the plug.
2. Couch. During our time in England, we lived without a couch—for seating, we used two Ikea Poang chairs instead. Although we’ve now been reunited with our sofa-in-storage (and need the seating for frequent guests), I’d still prefer to do without.
3. Desk. Last year, I shared a photo of My Minimalist Workspace: a windowsill and floor cushion. From the time I was a child, I’ve never really been comfortable at a desk. I wrote my book, The Joy of Less, on the floor. :)
4. Bed frame. In My Tiny Apartment Tour, I gave readers a sneak peek into My Minimalist Bedroom. A mattress on the floor is my idea of a serene oasis!
5. Other furniture. While I thought we lived with The Bare Essentials in England, we downsized to just a coffee table and mattress in our Empty, White, and Beautiful summer sublet. If you want some instant decluttering gratification, I recommend ditching a piece or two of furniture—here are 15 Pieces of Furniture You May Not Really Need.
6. Curtains. Ah, how I love Naked Windows! Our current house has translucent fabric shades on the street side, but the back-facing windows are bare as can be.
7. Collectibles. In my post On Not Collecting, I wrote about dissolving a cocktail shaker collection, piece by piece, on eBay—and how I never again wanted to own 10, 20, or 30 of something. This holds particularly true for any kind of valuables; I’d much rather have Nothing to Steal.
8. Books. Physical books, that is. When I moved abroad and became separated from my favorite tomes (which were too heavy and expensive to ship), I became a huge fan of ebooks. I dream of someday having a completely digital library.
9. Hobby supplies. I’d rather not have a closetful of craft supplies, or garageful of hobby and/or sports equipment. Therefore, I try to focus on Minimalist Hobbies—leisure and creative pursuits that don’t involve the acquisition or storage of a lot of stuff.
10. Specialty kitchenware. I’ve pared my kitchen essentials down to a few versatile pieces (What’s in a Minimalist Kitchen?)—just enough to cook and eat our favorite foods, without relying on restaurants or takeout.
11. Heirlooms. I suspect I’m not the only one who could do without a relative’s “treasures.” See The Top Ten Ways to Declutter Heirlooms to learn how you can gracefully part ways with grandma’s china.
12. Large wardrobe. I began my minimalist journey with two closets full of clothing, and eventually pared down to a suitcase. Last year, I shared with you my 10-Item Wardrobe—the pieces that get me through the majority of my daily activities, in every season.
13. Mail. Stopping the postal deluge gives me far less paperwork to deal with; here’s my advice on creating a Minimalist Mailbox.
14. Perfume. When I learned about the health risks of perfume (and the environmental impacts of its production and distribution), I went fragrance-free. Perfume is One Less Thing I need in my life.
15. Gifts. I’m blessed with everything I need, and prefer my friends’ and family’s presence over presents. If you feel the same—and dread accumulating more stuff over the holidays—you may enjoy my Gift Avoidance Guide.
Again, I’d be delighted if you’d share a post or two with friends and family. I think the idea of minimalist living is just beginning to gain momentum, and would love to introduce some more people to the lifestyle.
So tell us in the Comments–what are you happier without? Or here’s an interesting question: what was the first thing you realized you were happier without, that started you down a minimalist path?
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}
I LOVE naked windows, always have even before I was minimalist. Didn’t know about the dangers of perfume, but I have never used any (although I gave up shampoo for similar reasons)
I wish I loved naked windows as cleaning blinds and washing curtains is not really my thing, however, I like it really dark when I sleep so we do have curtains in the bedroom. I gave up perfume when my daughter was born as I didn’t like the idea of her breathing it while I was feeding her. She is 14 now and I have never bothered to go back to perfume. It actually makes me feel a bit sick.
Not owning a car is what got me thinking about and discovering the minimalist path. When I moved to the small town I currently live in, I realized a car was just not a necessity and In the process I became much healthier too.
I love living without makeup, jewellery and hair products. It makes packing so easy, and since my baseline look is so simple, I never have to touch it up, and I can spend the time on more interesting pursuits.
I’m happier without a large garden. We now have a small back garden which is low maintenance and no front garden. I love plants and being outside but gardening at our previous house became just another ‘to do’ rather than an enjoyment. I now enjoy nature through other people’s gardens and by going on more walks.
The thing that got me going on my minimalist path was discovering your blog and book back in 2010. Major decluttering followed and I am still committed to this way of life now.
I would recommend reading all those posts you’ve listed and I will re-read them too :)
I am happier feeling that I can used the word ‘No’ more effectively – this frees up time to do the things that really matter to us, such as country or beach walks with our little Pug. So, basically, I am happier without a full agenda (often of ‘unnecessary’ activities).
The first thing I realized I was happier without was a car payment. This set me down the road of minimalism. We have automobiles because we don’t live in an area with mass transit, but have well maintained older vehicles that we payed cash for.
I am also much happier since I gave up television. More time to read, to think, to work in the garden, etc…Your book, “The Joy of Less”, has inspired my wife and I even further down the road of minimalism. I will happily share several of your post on http://Zenpresence.com and have already shared your blog with family.
Thanks,
Dan @ ZenPresence.com
Francine,
I had to look at your lists to realize what I didn’t own (and obviously wasn’t missing). When I moved into my home, I didn’t know what I was supposed to own-I grew up in a minimal home-so I let my home/my to life tell me what was necessary for me(if that makes sense). That is the philosophy that guided my choices as a new wife (once upon a time) mother (when I was a new one), homeowner and my lifestyle. I think this philosophy became more apparent as a backlash to each new stage of my life as each new phase brought well-meaning friends with well-meaning gifts. I would feel claustrophobic under the sheer weight of the gifts and become unhappy. When I would purposefully declutter, I got my equilibrium back.
I had a lot of family size kitchen stuff that I was saving in case…I don’t know what for! I have a small kitchen and no kids. I don’t need a cast iron egg poacher for six or a giant wok too heavy to hold in one hand. I just need small stuff that’s easy to hold, use and store. It was a relief to get rid of the land of the giants kitchen stuff out of the garage. It was also liberating to let go of the imaginary life I was saving it for.
The first thing I realized I was happier without…..clothing. Don’t panic. I still wear clothes. I just do not need 150 outfits. After purging closets, my spirit felt so light and free. Then came jewelry, cosmetics and it continued from there. Today, I am joyous when I realize all over again that I just do not need stuff. The freedom is amazing and I have never regretted getting rid of anything. Never missed it, glad someone else can use it. Nowadays, I continue to reduce the things I always thought I needed. It is a blessing to live with less which ultimately brings me so very much more.
I enjoyed your comment. You made me laugh when you wrote, “The first thing I realized I was happier without…clothing. Don’t panic. I still wear clothes.” Too funny.
I, too, have never been happy having a lot of clothes. I am in the process of getting rid of most of my wardrobe, which most women would say is already minimal. Now if I could only convince my teenager to do the same!
I am happier without a dishwasher. I have not had one for the last seven years, since my husband and I got married. I prefer not to have one. When we stay with friends or family that have dishwashers, I often find myself filling up the sink with soapy water, laying out a towel and washing to my heart’s content!
Our dishes piled up a lot more when we had a dishwasher! We save a lot of time by handwashing AND owning just one dish per person.
Wonderful post! I am happier without processed foods, spices, bulky exercise equipments, coffee table, books, magnets on refrigerator, cosmetics, makeup, etc. Above all, I am happiest without a TV and the loads of accessories and gaming devices that come along.
I’m definitely happier without lots of dishes. I hate doing dishes, and always end up redoing them even if washed in a dishwasher, and thus, I paired down to the bare essentials and now it takes me 5 minutes maximum to do each night!
I’m happier without a smartphone (and especially the bill), iPad/tablet, nightstands (I don’t really have a choice on that one in my little bedroom, but I don’t really miss them), recreational shopping, china, fabric softener, and shaving cream (my conditioner pulls double duty) to name a few.
I got rid of my television a few years ago and it’s probably one of the best changes I’ve ever made. I’ve since said bye to my giant desk and desktop computer in favor of a more portable laptop. And I have pared down a 1,000 book library to 25 books, slowly being downloaded on my Kindle (best thing since the Internet!).
And still there are things that I think I can do without.
I am so much happier without a TV! I haven’t had one since I went off to college almost 10 years ago and I don’t miss it a bit. Whenever I visit relatives and end up watching TV, it makes me feel so dull and lethargic. I’d much rather spend my time reading books, knitting, being outside…plus there’s no cable bill to worry about!
I love having less of so many things! We recently sold our huge wooden bed frame. Our bedroom feel so much bigger. We love it! We also sold a huge coffee table that seemed like a big danger to my bouncy toddler son. Selling those two pieces of furniture made me so happy! I love that we cancelled cable a few years ago. We still watch TV, but never mindlessly. I love having fewer items of clothing. I’ve started buying all of my clothing from one online shop. No more walking around the mall feeling stressed out by the thousands of pairs of jeans to choose from! Every time I sell something I can feel the weight of it being lifted off me. It’s amazing and something I’ll keep up with the rest of my life!
I would not say that there is one thing in particular I am happier without. However, I am happier with less to clean up after. When we move soon, I’m sure I’ll be happier that we are in a rental so there is less pressure/need to fix up a house.
The first thing I let go of on my minimalist journey was clothes. I’ve been able to reduce my wardrobe to only those items that I actually wear. Crazy concept. But the thing that has made the biggest difference was getting rid of cable. I’ve been reminded of this since temporarily moving in with my sister. Cable has a trance like effect on me. I’m moving out soon and I’ll be back to enjoying the silence. :)
I can’t say that I have ever missed our television, and we got rid of it 6 years ago (I think–I don’t remember exactly when, but it was more than a year before our 5-year-old was born). I especially appreciate its absence during election time–I don’t think we’ve seen more than 5 political ads this year!
I loved the walk through your ‘greatest hits’! I can’t pick just one, so I will relate that I basically have your bedroom, almost your kitchen, and we are down to netflix/internet only.
I recently had two mothers and five kids over for dinner in addition to me and my son. We cooked a big dinner from scratch and the kids, all under five, including three boys potty-training, got out every toy and book my son owned. Cleanup included hand washing all of the dishes many times, because I don’t have many, and don’t use a dishwasher- it took about 15 minutes all told, to get my house completely cleaned up- toys, kitchen and all!! Really, no lie- most people don’t believe me!!
The biggest change has been in my wardrobe. I have adopted a uniform. I had tried it before, but the old uniforms relied too heavily on accessories. I love accessories, and, if I can, I will buy and buy. I wanted to stop. I went back to the time in my life that I felt happiest, and most minimalist, and pondered if I could still wear this look. I decided that, yes I could, and a final purge has begun. I’m back in black, stripped down and minimalist in appearance. I also went back to my fave hair ever, which is completely minimalist….. shaven bald. It’s my Life Hair, and it complements my Life Look perfectly. This translates into minimalist in closet, because the one outfit I wear, I can wear anywhere.
Looking forward next to having Nothing to Steal. I didn’t lie when I said your greatest hits- these articles have had the most influence in getting me to where I am today for which I am endlessly grateful- but Nothing to Steal has to be hands down favorite. For all of the inspiration, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
Minimalism began for me (by accident) when I was pursuing health and fitness goals a couple of years ago. I realized that people have been able to thrive physically for thousands of years without any exercise equipment or complicated food plans. It was a major breakthrough after two years of searching for ‘the fitness secret’. So the first things I minimized were lots of (fitness) books and the time it took to research fitness and do long work outs. ;-) Then, I finally lost the last ten pounds I wanted to by fasting weekly and doing a few simple body weight movements. Minimalism has seeped into every room in our (Husband, Baby, and me) home and hearts now – we feel like we are on the home stretch. Thanks much to Miss Minimalist!
I was wondering about CD’s…I’m sure you must have all your music in digital format. I have many albums in digital format and CD’s…In my car, somehow, it’s more familiar and safe while I’m driving to “mess” with CD’s than with my iPod…so I can’t quite bring myself to get rid of my CD’s. The thing that I really can’t conquer and that I am overwhelmed by, is pictures in digital format. I have probably 30 albums and it just overwhelms me to think about getting them all digital, and I haven’t found a program to use that I really feel is user-friendly…do you have suggestions for that? Thanks!
Photos!! Yes yes. That is my problem too. It is overwhelming to scanned all my pictures. I have purged and purged but there are still lots and lots. Miss. M. – Please help us. I did get a external hard drive and have thousands of pictures on that but there are thousnads more to scan. Help!!
If you have the negatives, you can take them to a photo center to be put o CD. It does cost a little bit though.
AOOOO much Happier without my TV, Microwave and clothes I am still de-cluttering ! It’s a Journey and I am downsizing slowly. . . . but surely . And each small step brings me closer to my Dream of someday being: A REAL MINIMALIST !!!
Thank you Dearly !!! I known I didn’t find you by accident ! ;-)
Blessings!
Debt! I am happier withour debt! We cleared our credit card debts finally in June and it is the BEST feeling ever (well, almost ;) )
Took out the television and phone from my bedroom ;the room is so much calmer now!
**Would love to see current pictures of your minimal house!**
I second that–we need pics!
I agree!!! I would love to see photos of your new minimalist space now that you own a home again & have a child. Do you really still sleep on the floor & have so few kitchen items now that you are a family & have frequent visitors?
Me four!!!
I’ve gotten rid of a lot of stuff since following your site and reading your book, but I have to say the major things I’m happier without are collections. I’ve stopped collecting coins, books, jewelry, kitchen gadgets, records, cds, magazines, letters, blank notebooks, trendy clothing, dvds, candy, bags, shoes, computer equipment, scrapbooks, furniture, and knick-knacks.
I still collect buddhas, stamps, and wine labels, but all three of these collections fit in a shoe-box, and bring me more happiness. As for everything else in my life, I’m content now with only the things I use regularly, and I find that less stuff lets me be more creative, versatile, and happy, even when I’m just pulling weeds or doing dishes.
I am happier replacing rather than accumulating and collecting. I am truly happy without a large wardrobe. I would give up television completely if my spouse was not such a sports fanatic, but that is really all we use it for.
I am so much happier without my highflying, 60 hours per week job. I work only part-time now, have so much more time for the good things in life. And money is still sufficient, because on my minimalist path I don’t need much stuff. Life is so much better now :-)
Thanks for this post and list. Along the “gift avoidance” lines, I’d love for you to write about how you avoided gifts, baby showers, etc. when you had your daughter. Or what you plan to do to avoid gifts as she grows (as birthday gifts seem more of a given for kids than for adults). Thanks for considering!
Love this post we are fortunate to have built in wardrobes/closets in our bedrooms but even so we have minimal furniture in our home. We do have have a big table with 6 chairs in the kitchen which we spend a lot of time at my children do there homweork there and we eat at it too. Also a small glass computer worksation with the PC on that gets a lot of use from me and the children. The bedrooms contain only beds we have cheap plastic drawer units in the built in wardrobes for tshirts underwear etc and a brilliant hanging fabric shelf for shoes about £3 in IKEA! The lounge/family room does contain a large TV and sofa, footstool and 2 tub chairs that the husband and children use! We only have blinds in the childrens bedrooms and no other window coverings. We love our minimalist life without having to worry and stress over possesions. Life is busy enough with chidren etc without the hassle of owning stuff without a particlar use or purpose. If we dont use it it goes out the door to someone who can.
The first thing I got rid of for the third time (and last) was the TV and all the things that went with it. Once the stand left the house I had this huge gaping hole, which I filled with a free chair. Then I got tired of dusting my books and bookshelf. Once they were gone and the book shelf left the house I realized I didn’t know what to do with half the empty room. It looked like I hadn’t finished moving in/out. That was the start, within 6 months I had pared down several times finding more stuff I didn’t need and was able to move to my perfect location in a studio apartment. I save money, have more time, and love it.
I am happier without monthly bills (except our mortgage), fancy china, crystal and stuffed closets.
I’m not a minimalist yet but I’m working toward it. Less is definitely more.
I’m happier not feeling the pressure to keep everything I might need someday. I used to feel obligated to keep cards and gifts from people and things I spent money on and didn’t really want anymore. I look at things more carefully before I purchase something now. I don’t like wasting money on something I won’t need for long or might not want next month. I’m much happier without all the extra stuff I use to have. I like that my possessions are well edited to what I actually use and need. I think the first thing I started decluttering was my closet.
I’m living abroad now, which has allowed me to realize more things that I’m happier without: dishwasher, dryer, car, large wardrobe (especially shoes!). I’ll be moving to a new place back in the states soon, and I’m excited to do what “A” said, let my home and life tell me what’s necessary for me. Miss Minimalist will certainly continue to be my source of great advice and philosophy on minimalism. Thanks!
I’m much happier since I stopped coloring my hair. No worries about roots needing touch-up or color fading or purchasing shampoo for color-treated hair. I’m fine with grey strands and it was actually a previous post on your website that got me thinking.
I’m also happier without shampoo. I have discovered some wonderful all natural soaps on this website http://healing-scents.com/ that work great. Never thought I’d get so many compliments using a bar of soap and I can also use it on my body. I love the Goat Milk.
My husband and I have also switched to the solid all-natural deodorant sold on that website and we love it. This is a first for both of us because we had tried several natural deodorants and we were never satisfied before trying this one.
I’m also healthier since I stopped wearing perfume.
Hope all these suggestions help.
Me too! I am so much happier now that I don’t color my hair or go to the salon for a haircut or anything. I cut my own hair when needed and I will enjoy my natural color – saves so much time and scheduling hassle!
Forgot to mention that like Francine I’m happier without all the items/categories that she mentioned.
I’m happier and healthier without sugar and without processed foods.
I’m happier without spa treatments including manicures/pedicures.
Happier without nail polish and without artificial lotions and creams that we put on our body.
I’m happier without extra space to clean – we moved from a 2 bed/eat in kitchen/livingroom house to a modern (work subsidised) 3 bed/2 bath/formal lounge/large kitchen/family/livingroom house and it took 3 months to get used to the trek down the hall to the front door, let alone the extra cleaning of the empty rooms. We’re back into a smaller house of our own now and I love it.
We have a tv but it sees more use as a large computer screen or xbox screen than actual programs. We didn’t have one for a while when we first married but that only lasted till footy finals – tv use does seem to stop at the end of September when the season ends!
I love the naked windows, we’ll be adding curtains to a few to block the 5.30 sunrise but honeycomb blinds are my favourite for the rest, simple and useful in winter.
And on the heirlooms, I prefer to just use them. My grandmothers tea set is used in the bathroom (teacups) for razors/tweezers etc, kitchen for everyday sandwich plates and the guinea pig box for pellets. I’d rather they break through use than sit around. I’m the only person I know who is happy when someone breaks a plate or glass, though I’d guess there’s a few reading this blog who feel the same.
We are much the same!
We do have a bed frame for warmth reasons — it’s too cold on the floor without insulation. We tried for 3 months before going with a bed frame. Instantly, the bed was warmer.
And, we just ‘went through’ our boxes still in the US. We shifted from 25 boxes down to 3 small boxes: one books (DS, DH, and myself) and two for the kitchen. I probably have the fewest books: my harry potter collection. I mostly use the library these days anyway. It’s my preference. Dh wanted a few more, and DS has a lot! I’m in the process of culling those back as well (for lots of reasons). Our kitchen supplies are our handmade dishes and cutlery — which we used daily before moving — plus some other high-design, usually hand made items that we also used daily. I miss them!
All else is the same. We keep it minimal! :)
Meat! Becoming vegan was so liberating, both cost-wise and health-wise.
Television – why didn’t we dump it years ago?!
I am happier without TV, makeup, and hair products! I’m still holding onto my curlers, flat-iron, and hair-dryer, but I haven’t used them in over four months and I think they will be leaving soon. I’m also happier without collectibles, fashion trends, or a dresser. I will be going microwave-free for a month just to try it out too, and I bet I’ll be happy without it too!
Make-up! So true! I haven’t worn any in about. . . 15 years? I love having a clean face!
Yup – we ditched the microwave years ago – saves so much kitchen space! Food tastes better under the broiler or heated on the stove top. We forget that people actually use microwaves and we wonder why. ;-)
I think I would be a lot happier without all the time wasting involved with the internet. I suspect I was a lot happier prior to the internet or at least when internet was more expensive and I basically paid for it by the minute, thereby only doing the essential stuff.
Personally I don’t see a problem with having curtains. It is much more ecological to have curtains – if you have heating, curtains keep some of the heat in so less energy is wasted heating the glass in your windows. If you live in a cold area it is certainly cosier having curtains, never mind protecting your privacy a little more. And here in NZ without curtains everything fades – all my books are now very pale indeed. I suppose that wouldn’t happen to ebooks, but I don’t like ebooks in the first place, I would rather use the library.
Like the bed, I think this is due to the environment itself.
In the US, I had curtainless windows because they were double pained and the heat loss was minimal through them. Our house was something like eco-gold certified or whatever because of it’s insulation and windows (energy efficiency).
Here in NZ, we live in a tiny 1910 workmans cottage that only has ceiling insulation and single-paned glass. Having curtains makes a BIG difference at night and in winter, because it does hold the heat in.
Just like having the bed off the (non-insulated) floor makes the bed warmer.
Doing a minimalist Christmas with a kid is so much fun! It took us awhile to get our families on board, but now the holidays are all about the partying and craziness, rather than the mountain of presents. My Jelly Bean absolutely loves it. It’s not about deprivation or missing out, in fact it’s the opposite. It’s about having lots of fun and enjoying each other, rather than things.
I’m looking forward to reading about Plumblossom’s holidays…
I am constantly posting you’re blog on my facebook page! I am so incredibly passionate about minimalism! I just wish I could get my family (husband and two daughters ages 8 and 6) to get on board. It’s been a real struggle for me having them constantly bring things into our home. I see myself more on the extreme side of minimalism but find it impossible to accomplish given my family. Keep up the great work! I absolutely LOVE reading you’re blog!
What I get confused about is the digital issue: why are digital books/photos/photos of things “better” than the book/photo/thing itself? It is, especially with books and photos, still the stockpiling mentality! why fill up laptops, ereaders etc with stuff: read and delete???
We just downsized from a four bedroom home on a acre of land to a small 2 bed apartment. What I thought I would miss the most, my gardens and plants, surprisingly, I miss the least. The apartments are beautifully landscaped so I can enjoy the plants but I don’t have to do all the work.
While not a minimalist at heart I do live a simple life on an organic farm in a land far away. We cherish the thought of being able to borrow many things that we own, we have yet to find the people to share such items with. However, the most important aspect of living a simple life that really strikes me over the last 7 years is how few material objects you truly need to be happy…and the ability to say no! – even to a ball point pen comes so naturally with practice. I mean, we have 1 at home already, why would we need 2?
Personally I’m the happiest about learning to live without too much unnecessary drama in my life, that’s for sure. I agree with a lot of the material things on the list, like the TV and such, but drama is one of the big ones for me. I savor some of it, just a tiny bit, since it’s kind of in my nature to get overly dramatic about life (just ask my husband and friends) but as a whole, it’s better to have the toned-down version :)
The one thing that has been the most liberating is getting ride of mementos. I had boxes of them! My time was spent trying to hold on to reminders of the people and places I cared about. Now I do not collect and box up lots of items…I take digital pictures when I am spending time with people, write them cards and call them on the phone. I have less weighing on my heart (people that are no longer in my life) and mind (trying to remember what I have, where to store it, and moving it from place to place). My memories are inside of me and I now spend time on what really matters! It was a long and painful road to get rid of it, but I feel so liberated to not be constantly reminded of the past and instead focus on the present moment!
I just read thru all the comments and only one hinted at my suggestion. To me, even though I am not a minimalist, it is very liberating to NOT decorate for any holidays. Storage space saved, time saved, etc.
I also don’t keep indoor or outdoor plants; I savor silence so don’t collect any cd’s and such; would give anything if hubby would get rid of the tv, and if my skin were good enough to do without makeup.
Any little thing can be progress on the path to a simpler life!
I had grand plans to get rid of cable as part of our Simple Year project. I have two young children, so I dutifully researched some other “show” options for the occasional “fix” for my kids and developed an implementation plan (sort of, really it was just a bullet list of things I was going to tell them). When I finally called the cable company, it appears I had signed a contract and can’t break up with them for another 18 months….that hadn’t occurred to me.