Calling all minimalists

[LisaJool]

I'm moving soon and have been clearing out bit by bit. It's struck me though that I have a LOT of stuff. Books, kitchen stuff, photographs, paperwork, candles, ornaments, plants etc. The only area I'm fairly good at is clothes.

How minimal are you? I don't want a cluttered home but equally don't want it looking spartan either. Any tips welcome.

Hi. There are some long-running threads on this on Housekeeping. Great for hints and ideas.

@CremeEggThief thanks,will have a look.

Books - a have a few inside and glass cabinet but most are taken to charity shop after they are read.

Kitchen stuff - all stored out of sight in cupboards.

Photographs - a few photo frames in the living room.
Otherwise photos are stored in a photo album.

Paperwork - we have a folder files where we keep insurance policies, etc. Bank statements we do online.

Candles - no candles. Got a wax melt thingamabob in the living room, kitchen and bathroom.

We have no ornaments.

Plants - a houseplant in the living room, kitchen and bathroom.

Toys - stored in his bedroom and utilising underbed storage boxes.

@RocketIceLollie yes I'm going to be the same now wrt books, mumsnetters visiting me would be very judgey for my lack if books! I just sent about 200 to the charity shop because they are sitting on the shelf gathering dust.
I'd like to know how much stuff people have, like how many duvet cover sets and towels per person? When I say minimalist I don't want to just have the stuff out of sight, I want to drastically pare back.

We have two sets of bedding for each bed and enough three sets of towels for the bathroom.

Fairly minimal here.

I highly recommend both the Minimal Mom on YouTube and Clutterbug podcast. They inspired me to get rid of a large percentage of my possessions and I feel so much better for it.

Not remotely minimal here!

I wouldn't feel at home without being surrounded by the treasures my DH and I have collected - favourite art, decorative objects and loads of books. It all means something to us and has been bought (often for pennies) because it sparks joy.

We downsized to a smaller house and had a cull then which felt quite cathartic at the time, although there were certain items (ie, my collection of Art pottery) that we'd never part with. However we've actually accumulated more lovely things since moving house and imho you can never have enough books.

Bedding/towels wise we have three sets for each bed and probably about thirty towels but that harks back to when we had more bathrooms.

I am trying to be minimal but have kept all my candles. Might be useful this winter 😉.

Also stocked up on matches 😀

@LibertyLily thats exactly how I was until I got notice to leave my (rented) house. We've been here for 10 years so it has very much been home, and I've plenty of cosy reminders that spark joy. Now that I'm trying to pack up I'm terrified at how much stuff I've acquired, and it suddenly doesn't mean much. The bag of towels DM gave me 5 years ago that I've been keeping 'just in case' suddenly don't seem worth keeping. The new house has zero storage so I need to be strict about what I take. The hardest part will be parting with the dc's toys they had as toddlers 😢

Sorry to hear you're having to move after ten years in your home @LisaJool 😪

Having little storage is difficult but at least it's given you the chance to sort the wheat from the chaff, so to speak 😊

Choosing some favourite art/photos, objects, throws etc work wonders at making a new place feel yours so make sure you keep a few things that are special to you all.

Good luck with the move and hope you settle into your new home quickly!