[nicolasd]

I tried to follow the concept of minimalism a few years ago. For everyone else who is struggling with it: don't stress out because you can't live with one backpack. Yes, you can get rid of a lot of stuff and you should do it, but don't do it too extreme. I don't want to live without my music instruments or my sports (which requires a lot of gear) - don't fall into the trap as I did and feel bad for owning it.

Start small and collect all the stuff you didn't touch for more than 1 year - don't throw it away, just put it in the cellar and after a few months realising you don't need/want it give it away.

[twobyfour]

There are also probably a few things you want to keep even if you use them less than once a year, just because either a) when you suddenly do need them you really want them on hand, or b) they're really expensive to replace every couple years, and a PITA to borrow or rent. There are also (c) some things with fuzzy definitions around the term "use" and (d) items with sentimental value.

For me, category A includes things like the toilet plunger, flashlight, certain OTC medicines and first aid supplies, and the like. A few flattened cardboard boxes. A couple faded old towels. That step stool in the back of the closet. An extension cord.

Category B includes a minimum quantity of formalwear (tuxes may be easy to rent; heels that don't cause bleeding are another story), snow gear or an emergency generator in certain climates, perhaps certain types of cookware, etc.

As for category C... you don't use houseplants, but having a couple around can work wonders for your quality of life. The same goes for a poster/painting or two to liven your environment, or a few framed snapshots of family and friends. These aren't things that complicate your life - once you have them they don't cost money or significant time to maintain; there's no real pressure to keep accumulating more - and they're good for the soul.

Which is also why category D is important. Yes, you need to let go of things, and no, you shouldn't keep that takeout carton just because your ex touched it. But there are some things - that art project your kid made, or the cufflinks your grandfather left you, or the scarf your mom knit you the year before she died - that have value far beyond their utility. The challenge there is to decide which ones are really important.

But there is stuff most of us should be much more ruthless about getting rid of (living in a small apartment can help develop the ruthlessness habit; so can moving frequently). Top of the list for many of us is clothing. Stuff for hobbies we wanted to take up or just never get around to. Small kitchen appliances. Electronics and gadgets. Knick-knacks and collectibles. All the stuff you keep accumulating more of but that don't actually add anything to your life.