Are You Ready to Say Goodbye to Your Things?

Responses

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Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	What useful decluttering or organizing strategies or methods did you take away from the book?	What parts or aspects of the book did you find difficult to grasp or challenging to apply to your home or situation?	Please share your favorite quotations or key takeaways from this book.	When you hear the word “minimalism” used to describe a lifestyle, what do you think of?	“The things you own end up owning you.” To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Peggy	I read it a long time ago, so nothing specific I can remember but I remember thinking it was interesting	I remember him being careful about each item and its place in his life... When there are seasons of overwhelm for each of us, it is difficult to be that intentional.		There are types and degrees of minimalism. Some people are more careful about the appearance of their home, others are more concerned about functionality. Some people like decor on every wall and surface, others like minimal decor. Same applies to color, some people want color and others like neutral shades. It can all mean minimalism, since it's a way of saying "just enough for me/us".	I think it's true that our stuff owns us, since everything we keep around needs some kind of care: cleaning, storage, payment (think internet or TV or insurance policies), maintenance
Ginger	So much of what Sasaki discusses are strategies and methods I’ve already learned from others or stumbled upon as a natural next step. Strategies such as: minimize multiples, get rid of it if you haven’t used it in a year, don’t stock up, stop taking free stuff, discard things saved for your fantasy self and many others including one of my favorites - take a picture of items you find tough to part with. The last one I take to another level by putting items on a “Sentimental Things List”. I refer to them as being on a goodbye tour in my mind. I should rename that list: “Sentimental Journey - The Goodbye Tour List”. I actually thought of that myself thinking about how bands go on goodbye tours. I take a picture, write a story about the item and post it to my album of Bygone Things. Several items have lost their appeal over time and got donated. It’s funny how that happens.	I don’t think any were difficult to grasp or would be challenging to apply - except maybe because n6 husband might not share the same feelings about it. Example: We have 4 spatulas/turners. I would be fine with one. My husband uses them each for different tasks or different pans, He says he needs all 4.	Be quick to admit mistakes. They help you grow. When we experience shopping mistakes like this, it’s better to get rid of the item sooner rather than later. It isn’t healthy to spend any more time with an item that signals “failure” to you. Instead, let’s try to recognize and learn from our mistakes as soon as we can, so we can make a smarter choice the next time around. This slightly different perspective - can help me with an area I’ve struggled with: Items I bought that are still good - but I don’t like them. I can name them as “mistakes” and pitch them. I did this recently. I didn’t really think of them as mistakes - and it was difficult to toss them. I finally did it quickly. Next time I’ll say “well, that was a mistake…” or “that didn’t work out…” and pitch it easily. It’ll feel more like a lesson learned.	Through lots of reading the past few years I’ve learned minimalist is really on a spectrum. Everything from having only what you want & need - and that may be a lot of things - to extreme minimalism where you have very few possessions, very limited wardrobe, sleep on a mat on the floor and no decor. I can’t say the book changed my ideas about minimalism. It supports my current path - my continued efforts .	I agree to a large extent. The things you own have to be cared for and stored. If I have a big house with a lot of furniture - someone has to clean and dust. It’s either me or someone I pay. This better be something I’m okay with doing - or I’ll feel the WEIGHT of the responsibility with less pleasure to balance that weight.
Suzanne	I liked that the author emphasized how his life was prior to minimizing and, what he gained in his wellbeing after releasing all his items that he thought would impress others OR which would magically bring him happiness solely by possessing them.	Having the absolute minimum as Fumio Sasaki would not bring me joy but I like that it’s possible for others. He is not telling me to apply it. I’m a homeowner with a large yard (maintenance and repairs), my enjoyment comes from having family and friends over where we cook, eat, play, and we use actual books, puzzles, games, sewing, gardening, have pets, go through four seasons ranging from +40 Celsius down to -40s Celsius. We enjoy a different lifestyle and our environment, ages, financial, and family situation from the author. I easily grasped everything the author shared and understood his message to me the reader. I understood his message as, This is what I had and how I lived and this is what I changed, how I now live, and how I make it work for me - written from a single man living in a small urban apartment who seeks community and entertainment outside of his residence, relying heavily on the digital world.	- possess only what YOU desire - items do not have magical powers just by existing - don’t try to live a life or lifestyle that is above your financial means - be content with, find and make joy in, and see the beauty - all in your actual life	I think of minimalism as lack of excess, lack of superfluous, and occasionally or depending on the circumstances- the bare minimum. A hotel room is minimalist. The book informed of the author’s journey into minimalism as a home environment.	When you still owe money on the stuff you own, when the maintenance, or storage, or consequences of owning items, or when you are a prisoner in your employment or relationships because of all that you own - you are owned, you are trapped, you are not free.
Anonymous user	Mostly familiar stuff, but sometimes said a bit differently - don't get creative when you are trying to discard things - organizing is not minimizing - don't consider whether you got your money's worth from something - consider if the item is right for the person you are today (not past you or future you) - thinking of stores as your warehouses (covid confused this a bit what if I can't get it??!!) - information minimalism - not exactly what he said, but how to stay informed enough without being overly immersed in the news and/or wasting time on trivial distractions	I found his no limit l admiration for Apple and Steve Jobs a bit much (please minimize that). Also I find it hard to believe that no minimalists are overweight (maybe grocery shopping is minimalist too?) I never felt I acquired things to impress other people, so I didn't relate to that. I'd say that to me the shopping/hunting was fun and gave a sense of accomplishment. It was a precursor to the wearing or using of the purchase, but it's own separate activity. Similarly, he said he bought cameras to be there as part of the decor and to impress people. With me it would have been that I meant to become a competent photographer and bought the tools, but it hasn't happened yet. His story about the cross he got in Croatia really made me feel his minimalism isn't what I'd want for myself. He had a "deep affection" for that item, and loved all aspect of it - the color, the feel of it, that he acquired it on the street -it "made his heart dance". By getting rid of it he said he could travel and not buy souvenirs. I don't understand why he had to find the "courage" (weird word) to let it go. As Janis/Kris K would say "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose". That story really troubled me - you can't keep a single item that brings you pleasure?	Our things are like roommates, except we pay their rent. Organizing is not minimizing. Let go of someday Say goodbye to who you used to be Don’t get creative when you are trying to discard things I was intrigued by the idea that things are exciting, then you get used to them and they become the norm. Don't agree with it 100%, some things I continue to love or love more as time goes by. But it got me thinking. Especially when talking about the job or situation that you strongly dislike now but must have wanted enough at one point to seek it out. I liked the idea of the "uniform". I realized I have a bit of a consistent clothing style and maybe it would be good to embrace that and clear out items that don't support it.	I don't have any other knowledge about it aside from this book. The book brought to mind a Family Guy episode where Lois (the mother) starts to de-clutter until the house is completely empty. She pulls the daughter's eyeglasses off because they are "cluttering up her face". For me, I'd want it to mean that I have the "right" amount of stuff for the life I want to be leading right now (or likely near future). Basically all the things we talk about on the Clutter Fairy.	When I started to answer this I would have said if it put you in debt, then it owned you. But as I tried to answer, I realized it also can interfere with your day to day life, how much you socialize, how you interact with people you care about, how you feel about spending time in your home, how you feel about yourself, how much you can accomplish each day. So I wouldn't have chosen the words "it owns you", but it's not far off.
Em	The reasons the author gave for having too much stuff were a fascinating peek into his life, but I could not find much I could relate to even though I listened to the book twice in its entirety and the lists of suggestions an additional three times. One suggestion that might apply to me was "Don't take it because it's free," even though I have now learned to send 95% of the stuff people give me to charities.	My life situation taught me early on that wealth and status do not indicate the quality of a person. The concept of striving for status or self image with stuff is foreign to my home and situation. I could not relate to that concept at all, but the author's experience with it gave me the opportunity to analyze why I am content with old clothing, keep beat up belongings, and find satisfaction in making do with what I have.	The key takeaway for me was that the author's life revolves around being a minimalist. Minimalism has allowed him to live a satisfying and happy life. He did comment that there are different degrees of minimalism and that being a minimalist does not necessarily mean living like he does. I gathered that minimalism is a mindset and lifestyle rather than a measurement of stuff owned. Still, I was disappointed that he did not consider what happens to a minimalist who is too old or too ill to use the town for a floor plan. He also assumed that a person can rent whatever is needed, which is not practical and even possible for people who live far from a city. I learned from the book that I already embrace most of his interpretation of the minimalist mindset, having I never shopped for pleasure or self-image, etc.; but my problem of having too much stuff still remains.	Emptiness and boredom qre the first things that I think of when I hear the word "minimalism." When people tell me that they are minimalists, I wonder how they spend their time in their empty houses. I spent roughly 2 decades living in spaces less than 4 x 6 feet, many of which were smaller, and some of which were too low stand in or to short to stretch in. As he suggested in his book, I used public space or other people's property (with permission!) as my floor plan. Yes, there is freedom in this lifestyle, and it does serve to help one find oneself, but it was frustrating for me because it also prevented me from doing what I loved, which was creating fine art and clothing for others. Even in my non-art endeavors, living like this prevented me from accomplishing much of what I wanted to do. However, I was never ashamed, I found ways to make my life useful, and even had pets the entire time.	I agree. If you have a lot of stuff and take good care of it, you spend much of your life caring for things rather than living. If you have a lot of stuff and you "save time" by not taking care of it, then the stuff becomes junk that can cause irritation or accidents, or at least preventing you from using it--which is another way clutter steals life. As a person whose occupation was creating beautiful things on request, I recognize that disorganized or hard to reach tools and supplies are a liability, preventing accomplishments. I also recognize now that what I create could easily become someone else's clutter. What a dilemma!
CHRISTINE				I do not think minimalism actually exists in reality. It only exists, online, or in print, as a popular gimmick . The only real life people, I know, who might call themselves minimalists, truthfully are not. Even they will admit , that while they have one space where they live minimally, they also have off site storage units, their storage in other people's homes (relatives, friends, neighbors ). And some "minimalists" have 2 or 3 residences,, (vacation homes) so they can live minimally in one home, and store their excess stuff in other residences. And my "minimalist" friends are always shopping to replace the things they got rid of. They do not "store" holiday decor, but they just keep buying new decor every year, to replace the stuff they gave away. My friend moved into a tiny house, to live more minimally. it is now packed with needed things, , she rents storage units for things she also needs, she is storing things at relatives houses, and has bought a second residence where she mainly lives. I think a better goal in to live more simply... with less stuff. But that does pretend to mean with almost no stuff. I do not see how a minimalists can own and keep up a home. It takes a lot of supplies to keep a house in repair. A lot of supplies to maintain cars, raise children., and even some supplies to enjoy life with crafts, hobbies like gardening, sewing. And as we all get older... a lot of medical supplies and equipments for new medical conditions. That is why I listen to Gayle, as a professional in this area. She helps us, in the real world....not an idealistic world... to lighten the load... where it makes common sense.	Another popular minimalist slogan is ....."the thing is not ...the person." . I completely disagree with that. My beloved father was cremated, and the ashes were scattered, so there is not even a cemetery to go to"visit" him. But he gave me an antique school bell (the kind that you ring by hand". the day I graduated from college with a degree in education. I have photos of my father on the wall, but I can "touch" the hand bell. And it is something physical I can pass on the my grandchildren,, who never knew him. Photos are only 2 dimensions, and work in a different part of the brain, than an object.
C	Keep what you can use, keep what enhances your sense of beauty and well-being. Donate where you can, get rid of the rest. Trust that you will be able to obtain what you need in the future.	The trusting in the future part is so difficult, given my background.	Key take away: just keep what you are using right now. Travel light.	An image of bare rooms, many or mostly empty spaces. A hotel room like place. What changed: Minimalism does include art and things that signify well-being.	Perhaps if those things are valuable in re-sale or emotional senses. Then one has a feeling one needs to protect them from being lost or taken. It becomes a burden.
Summer	You don't need as much as you think	He was too minimalist		What immediately comes to mind are bare, sparse rooms that (oddly) look very chic.	I agree with this. As a baby-boomer American, I acquired many, many things, and I spent many, many hours, cleaning and caring for these things. At one point I realized less is less and it revolutionized my thinking around things. My only regret is not realizing this sooner. I know better now so now I do better now.
Melissa	I like the question “if you lost it, would you buy it again?” And of course, the one in, one out rule. (Or two or more out if you are minimizing). I really like his take on the psychological and emotional side of clutter, especially the idea that when you clear the space of unnecessary things, your thoughts become clearer. I even sleep better!	The idea that you’ll never regret letting go of something. We can all make mistakes. Also, The extreme lengths he goes to. I like the idea of minimizing my stuff but not to the extreme of having one plate and a spork (spoon/fork in one).	“You cannot create space for new things (or people or experiences, for that matter) to enter your life if you are clinging onto the old ones.” “When you have fewer things, you can appreciate and take care of them better.” “Decluttering is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of meaningful consumption.”	I think of clean surfaces, neutral colours, and space to breathe and move. A display room. A yoga studio. An instagram photo. Oh lifestyle? Then I think of “use things, love people “ quote by the Minimalists. And the question: “ is this a need or a want?”	I somewhat agree with this statement. If you spend most of your time looking for items or managing them so that you don’t have time for the people or other experiences in your life, then the stuff is in control. I sometimes obsess about my stuff- about how to manage it! It’s the overwhelming task of deciding what stays and then where it goes ! In the middle of the process, the what-ifs and the buts creep in regarding the stuff that is past its ‘best used by’ date.
Cynthia	The part that impacted me the most was just seeing the final result of extreme minimalism.	I have lived for months with just essentials. After a time I felt like I wasn’t living in a home but merely staying alive. I can’t really relax unless I’m in a private place. Therefore I wouldn’t feel happy always hanging out at a coffee shop. Also, I enjoy having new things to look at in my home. These may be new things or rotating older items out.	I have saved some books that I enjoyed in the past. I realize now that they are not as impactful as they were at the time. A part of me thought that they would impact others the same way and I could share them with others. However I realize now that others are not on the same path.	I think of just having one bowl per person and having to wash everything right after you use it. I think that America’s idea of minimalism is more of a style aesthetic than true bare bones Japanese minimalism.	I think that things can own you if they are not useful/enjoyable to you in your life. My bed is valuable to me. I do not mind washing my sheets and making my bed with a cotton quilt in a design that I love.
Anonymous user	Sasaki	Kitchen things in my house are the chef’s not mine			Very true. Each thing has a sunk cost to house, maintain and remove
rowan
Katharine	Items sit there looking at you, expecting you to take care of them.	Storing all pics in the cloud	Free the space of items meant he was free of having to clean them. He didn’t care to clean either. Something like this- it was a long time ago that I read his book.	Just be more intentional about bringing anything into the home & question why I have what I still have since the items talk to me Not really, but you know what I’m saying	My time, energy & finances get pulled into maintaining items. Is that how I really want to spend my life?
Cee	Reduce multiples, remove things not used in year or more. Disquard trash and items covered in heavy dust.	Disquard anything not used in year	Your things are not you. The less things the less cluttered thoughts. You can enjoy life more if not focusing on things sitting around in sight or in the way of every day life	Sounds like you need very little belongings to be minimalist. Empty spaces. I believe you don't have to get rid of everything just have enough of what you love and enjoy while being able to maintain without sacrificeing happiness and freedom	Too many things in your space smother you out. Your mind is cluttered and can't focus on what really matters. Agree with the statement if always trying to get things cleared instead of spending time on self, with friends and family
Celina	as far as I understand it, one of the key tips is to do things gradually. That's what I did with my dolls e.g. I used to have 7, then sold one even though I thought I wanted to sell two. Once the one was sold, I then listed the other one. I was more mentally prepared. No regrets, looking back. U think the same applies to other things like decor or furniture - sometimes you need to see what some space looks like without a given item, etc. to decide on the other ones.	n/a	n/a	I think of all the single guys with just a few, blank-looking pieces of clothing and a high-end laptop in a blank ikea room on an uncomfortable chair, working remotely, telling people with families and/or with crafty hobbies and/or with limited income how to live their life. No, thanks!	I think it's an exaggeration. There is another super-wellknown quite: experiences make us happier than things. Well... as someone who gre up poor and can appreciate material things, I'm super grateful every day for having the comfort of life I have, also in the form of material possessions
Jessie	None that Clutter Fairy has already suggested.	White walls. Happiness through austerity		It is so extreme. I wonder if this just isn't an OCD expression, like hoarding.	The above statement is very black and white. I use many things, like silver and china often, even though those things require more care. I derive joy from making my frequent family gatherings special and lovely. Clutter, disorder, vast amounts of things we have no space for, or never use do indeed impact our lives negatively. But total divestment seems awful too. I wonder if people who have lost everything in a disaster feel liberated.
Allison	I want to say from the start that I really, really, really hated this book. Absolutely hated it. There was nothing useful at all for me. That said, Sasaki's observation that you can let go of something may lead to a chain effect -- such as his letting go of the TV led to decluttering game consoles, DVR, etc. -- might be handy for someone else.	Sasaki continually extrapolated his personal experience to everyone else. "We're desperate to convey our own worth, our own value to others. We use objects to tell people just how valuable we are." (page 69) "I was desperate to convey my worth through my books." (page 75) Ookayyy. Just because he was deeply insecure doesn't mean the rest of us are. I have (few) books because I like them not to impress anyone.	The emphasis on gratitude at the end of the book.	A lot of people, including family members, are minimalists and have relatively few items in their households. They don't write books about not owning things. They simply go about their lives. People like Sasaki who do write books about minimalism are extremists. I am not an extremist and don't want to be one.	Only if you are absolutely unwilling to get rid of things. I am unwilling to toss my toothbrush so I guess it owns me. I'm okay with that.
Sandra	Validation that I was doing the right thing in minimizing the volume of things I keep.	The challenge is to keep the book in its proper perspective: the author is single with no kids, he rents a small apartment, and he lives in a large city where everything is available. This is much different from living in a rural area in a large house where I raised my children (and many pets).	"I have more time", which opens the chapter "12 ways I've changed since I said goodbye to my things"	To me minimalism equals freedom. It is also a certain aesthetic in home decor that I have come to appreciate. I used to think rooms full of knicknacks, pictures, etc. expressed a lot of history and personnality but... they are hard to keep clean! Now I display all my favourite things, those that give me joy, and I've let go of gifts I didn't like and objects from my past that no longer reflect who I am today.	Fully agree! One example: we do not own a snow blower because not only is it an expensive of equipment, but it would mean lots of our time to clear to driveway whenever it snows, seasonal maintenance, repairs, and storage space. We pay someone who does that job so that's something we don't have to worry about for a fraction of the cost of owning a snow blower.
Lynn̈	When you buy anything, the cost to you is your time not your money. If you earn $100 a day and purchase something for $300, it cost you 3 days of your life. Not only does it cost your time for the original purchase, it also includes the cost of your time for cleaning, maintenance, storage, decluttering and disposal. Those residual costs are often much more than the original price of your time.	Didn't experience that	Increased flexibility with less things. You can get up and go at anytime. People who live the nomad/van life experience this and it is very attractive to me. I purchased a minivan and have outfitted it with the bare necessities for sleep and cooking.. It has allowed me more opportunity for travel and enjoyment of the outdoors for a fraction of the costs for hotels, flights and restaurant food.	It is a buzz word for the concept of simple living in the present and not collecting things from the past or dragging around things out of fear of future what ifs. It increases my desire for the freedom, flexibility and mobility of a more simplified lifestyle.	This is true. I run into this with all my houseplants and gardens. I can't take off for long periods of time without losing plants due to lack of water. I have been reducing the number of my houseplants and installed drip irrigation in my garden to regain more of my independence from those plants. Now I just wait for my 18 year old dog to find his way across the rainbow bridge. Meanwhile, I stick close to home to love him and make him as comfortable as possible in his old age. I don't mind being owned by him. He is so worth it.
Gabriella	I am intrigued by the question "What if you started from scratch?" Since I've metabolized so much information about minimalism / decluttering etc. during the past years, the book has not really revealed that many new things about minimalism to me personally. I generally agree with its view on minimalism though. As for the list of tips, I appreciate them and believe that most of them can be extremely useful to different people. A number of them would not work for me personally though. I've developed my special concoction of decluttering methods that suits my idiosyncrasies :o)	"Say goodbye to who you used to be." Even though I've changed over the years, there are aspects of me that have remained the same and which I want to keep (as well as sparse number of items representing this part of my identity). An example is my playfulness, which I enjoy and cherish. Of course, in other aspects of my life, I've let go of things, ways of living and attitudes - but I choose which ones to let go of or which to keep. I am aware, however, that on another level, the past and the future are mere representations in our mind and only the presence exists.	"What if you started from scratch?" provides food for thought and an invitation to a gedankenexperiment. "Minimalism is a method and a beginning." (Although I believe that minimalism is only one among a multitude of other methods and ways to begin.)	To me minimalism (i. e. the material side of it) means intentionally surrounding oneself with the objects that create value in one's life. What this actually looks like depends on the individual who is living minimally. Since I love Japanese aesthetics and feel drawn to zen, I feel very "comfortable" with Sasaki's perspective.	I think that it's in our power to determine the extent to which we allow these things to own us.
Lela	I should declutter in order to tailor my space to serve my current lifestyle, not to help other people form certain opinions of me. Moving to a new house is only as difficult as I choose to make it based on the amount of stuff I want to haul with me. (I've always hated moving, but I do think it would be easier now that I've decluttered for years. Yet, I think I would still do a huge purge of items before my next move!) Cleaning house is only as difficult as I choose to make it based on the amount of items I choose to keep and maintain. Buy quality over quantity, then take good care of the quality items and I'll develop greater thankfulness for them. Minimalism is not just about the number of items -- owning less physical items can change your perspective on your values, time management, and relationships.	I can't apply the idea of extreme minimalism because I have to respect the needs and possessions of certain friends and family. I can't grasp the idea of desiring to vacuum the floor daily. Seems like that would only wear out the carpet and waste my time. Lol I think more balance is needed in that cleaning routine.	Takeaway: Physical items can greatly affect your emotions, lifestyle, and relationships.	Minimalism sounds freeing to me because I'm the one who repairs and maintains 90% of the items our family owns. The book make minimalism sound more appealing to me. I wish I could pack up everything for a few weeks and try it.	100% agree! If you don't have the income to afford repair and maintenance workers, you are forced to spend time learning many different trades/skills to maintain and repair things like your plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roof, vehicles, yard, etc. And after 20+ years of that, I've had more than enough of it! I'd like a break from fixing stuff.
Denise	I being a saver it really hit me that when you discard, you gain more than you lose. You gain time (I spend a lot of time managing clutter), space, energy… what you gain is really limitless. Removing what is not currently needed is the best thing you can do for yourself. Removing stuff isn’t wasteful at all, keeping it is.	One of the things recommended was removing items not used in some years and renting or borrowing when needed. I would tend to keep if I have storage space for the item.	Reduce your possessions and you’ll have more brain power for the important things. 5 years ago I was rear ended on the freeway and suffered a brain injury. Life hasn’t been the same since. But I keep trying to improve and reducing my possessions are key.	Previously I viewed minimalism has just having less stuff to do and easier systems. So focus was on doing. After reading this book it bring a more focus on the savings I’ll have and an inner peace from not doing, not saving.	Agree. It dings your brain if you are not satisfied how things are. It speaks to you, sometimes says bad things.
rowan	- (aside from literally all of them) the overall strategy of looking at every object and every assumption (e.g. "well of course everyone needs to have a (fill in the blank)") about necessities. - Evaluating objects by how much work they require to keep clean (the owl sculpture example). - Overall not just askign "should I keep this?" but "WHY should I keep this?"	- I did not relate to Sasaki's emphasis on holding on to collections as evidence of personal attributes (being an intellectual, creative, etc)	- "The things you own end up owning you" from Fight Club movie - At a certain point in your decluttering your should question "why am I getting rid of this item?" in the same way that at first you should as yourself "why am I keeping this item?" - some people develop " 'get rid of everything' disease' " - "Minimalism is a method, and a beginning."	I think I first thought of it as an aesthetic, or living out of a backpack. But I think the important thing is that I don't feel Sasaki is advocating that everyone live as he lives, or even that everyone should be a minimalist, more that everyone should examine their stuff (while saying that probably most of our stuff hinders, rather than supports, our current life).	I totally agree. Even though I have always had far less stuff than anyone else I knew, in the past the volume was still a burden (especially to the friends and acquaintances I got to help me move - I feel particularly bad about that. I had not thought to examine my assumption that everyone loves to help people (as I do)). But (for anyone who is reading this) please do not think I am living with any material deprivation (I have plenty of clothes and bedding to keep me warm, wonderful books to read, computers to watch tv/movies and useful videos, lectures, audiobooks, etc).
Ria	Haven’t read it. Looking forward to your coverage of it.	N/A	N/A	A spare lifestyle. I will never be a minimalist but am moving to owning much less.	That statement is so true. I heard it in the mid ‘90s from an interior decorator friend. We don’t often think about that statement as we acquire things. I try to be more mindful of it currently.
CHRISTINE	I did not get a chance to read the book. but I have thought about which books I own that I am having trouble letting go of.			I think minimalism is a concept that only the wealthy can afford, so I dislike the word. (I think The NY Times did a whole article on this). Having had a career (and therefore needing different clothing), having raised children (and handled all their stuff), and having owned a house (one half of the stuff in my house, is just to keep the house functional, and not personal to me. Not having a large income, I cannot afford to replace most items. So it takes a lot more supplies and time and storage just to keep things in good repair.	I think the house you own (compared to renting), definitely ends up owning you..... ;your time, your money, your worries. I own a house, but I hate owning it. I think I own the Wrong house. But in the long run...it is cheaper than renting.
Kathy	Less is more, Freeing up space so your mind can open up for more.	Actually stepping up and starting.	It isn't easy start in a corner a small space and enjoy change.	Appreciate that in thoughts of aging steps already taken to be easier to change of living space.	Spending a day cleanning 1 curio and I own 5. Things go to the basement to die... not dead a visual reminder no more space to enjoy any open space.
Name (click to view full survey response and comments)	What useful decluttering or organizing strategies or methods did you take away from the book?	What parts or aspects of the book did you find difficult to grasp or challenging to apply to your home or situation?	Please share your favorite quotations or key takeaways from this book.	When you hear the word “minimalism” used to describe a lifestyle, what do you think of?	“The things you own end up owning you.” To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?