Minimalization. Is that even a word???? I looked it up and it popped up with a definition "the act of pursuing minimalism". If Google says it's right, I won't argue.... Minimalism has made a huge, positive, amazing difference in our lives. We've been at it for over a year now and my only regret is that we didn't figure it out sooner. The upkeep is actually easier than my life of "organizing" prior, but it does take upkeep. Having less but keeping the things that bring you joy and have purpose allows for more time to do the things you love. The days of clutter and Rubbermaid containers is over. Our lives are more clean, more open, less stressful and feel more free.
Those before pictures. Geez. Some of the most looked at on my blog. I hope it lets people know they aren't alone. That I understand. That someone else has been overwhelmed, stressed, angry, frustrated and DID something about it. We had ten kids at home when all this happened and they handled it great. No one had to get rid of the favorite teddy bear, the memorable items, the special things. My kids aren't only allowed to own 5 outfits per season. We just pared down everything (a lot!) - they watched our example and it organically happened for all of us.
Now that we've paired down so much, the conversations have changed between D and myself. How do you hit that sweet spot where you have just the right amount? Do you count your clothing items and limit it? Do you each have a box and only keep what fits? Being a minimalist does not in any way mean deprivation. If some folks like to live off the grid in a 10X10' cabin, great. If they want to travel and own only what fits in a duffle bag, fantastic. 750 sq ft apartment? Wonderful. Stay in your home, work your same job and live with less? Perfect. The "after" pictures look much less stressful (and they are!) and we aren't going without anything.
Minimalism is about you and what fits your lifestyle and comfort zone. We don't know yet what will work for us. In two years we're down to 3 kiddos in the house and life will change dramatically between today and then. We can take the time to make decisions and figure out where our comfort zone is. Will it be a tiny home on wheels? Maybe. Maybe not. It isn't that we can't do it, it's the uncertainty of knowing if we want to and that's OK with us. Half the fun is the adventure!!!