story

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

I think you’ll enjoy this submission from Becky L., who tells us about her annual purge—something I also love to do each January!

Becky writes:

I married a minimalist, and he had a curious past-time in January of each year, of going through everything he owned. A consummate hiker and backpacker, he’d go through all his gear and fix, mend, and discard. He’d toss any book on the shelf that he hadn’t read that year, mend or toss clothes that were getting worn, and took a look at hobby paraphernalia that no longer suited him – an ice axe for technical climbing, jig saw puzzles, books on birding in New Zealand – and sent them out the door.… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

This week, we hear from Lydia, who tells us how minimalism is helping her embrace a fabulous opportunity to study abroad!

Lydia writes:

I’ve always considered myself something of a minimalist. Even when I was a kid, I felt overwhelmed by “too much stuff”, and was happiest with just a few favorite toys and outfits. As an adult, I love sharing an apartment with a bunch of roommates, and I’ve never had more stuff than could fit in my bedroom (not counting my car, of course!).… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

This week, Ritu shares her story with us. She began her minimalist journey several years ago, and tells us how the experience has positively impacted her life.

Ritu writes:

I was born and raised in India. In my early twenties, I moved to the USA for graduate school, and have recently started working as a scientist in a research lab. I was introduced to minimalism about three years ago when I accidentally came across Julie Morgenstern’s book “SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life.” I enjoyed this book a lot and got instantly connected to the minimalism philosophy.… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.

Today, we have a story from Andy. He’s an aspiring minimalist, who’s using his overseas work assignment to re-evaluate the excess stuff in his life.

Andy writes:

I’ve really enjoyed reading your website, so thought I would share my own story – well the story so far!

I’m calling it: Preparing to take the plunge. By “gonna be a” minimalist.

My name is Andy and I am a hoarder. I want to say it out loud and confess to the world.… {Read more}

Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words (click here for details).

This week, Jake writes from Australia. He tells us about his decluttering progress, and how it’s had a positive impact on both his own mindset and his family life.

Jake writes:

Dear Miss Minimalist,

Thank you for being an ongoing inspiration to help me remove so much clutter and junk around my house. Just today I donated a whole boot load of stuff from the back of my car; the things had been collecting gradually just in the last two weeks alone.… {Read more}