My favorite things are not things. They are people, places, and experiences. As a minimalist, I’m often accused of throwing everything away. But I do have a few really useful items that I plan to keep, as long as they serve my needs.
Here are some of my favorite things and why they work for me because minimalism is different for everyone.
My favorite items do one of the following:
- improve function in my home
- add value to my life
- make me smile 🙂
I pick the best of the best because it is far easier to identify what I love versus weeding through a pile of stuff I don’t.
If you struggle to downsize, write down your favorite things and then look around. You probably see a lot of things not on the list.
Still overwhelmed? Try tackling one room at a time with the keep-approach. Experience the freedom of empty space, and fewer things to care for. Maybe just your very favorite things…
My Favorite Things
Function:
- Paper Filer – This designated boundary houses all the loose paper in my house. We exchanged filing cabinets for electronic filing.
- Copper Bottom Pot – I can make any crockpot or Instapot recipe in this medium-sized saucepan faster, easier and with more flavor. Thanks to my husband for patiently teaching me to cook.
- Leaf Blower – Not just for leaves, but for cleaning the garage, deck, and driveway. An added bonus, less dirt tracked inside.
- Grab and Go Wallet – A clutch style wallet with my debit card, drivers license and a zipper pocket for my phone. I keep the wallet in my landing spot. It can be thrown in any bag or carried on my wrist.
- Journal – My journal contains business and personal notes. I love paperless options but a journal keeps notes in one place. It also gives my eyes a needed break from the screen. I’ve used this Moleskine Gridlined Journal for over 20 years.
- Carabiner Key Ring – Easy to keep track of my keys by attaching them to my wallet or sling bag.
- Sling Bag – I love Patagonia’s mission, message, and products. I use this sling bag in place of a purse every day. It holds my journal, wallet, sunglasses, earbuds and more. The easy to reach pockets and cross-body style allow me to be hands-free. I can even clip my water bottle and keys with carabiners.
Value:
- Bible App – My daily devotional plan comes from my Bible App. It sends reminders and keeps me connected to my bible study even when we’re not meeting.
- Kindle and Kindle App – I borrow electronic books from the library to my Kindle which means they are free and add no clutter. With the app, my book is always available for waiting rooms, car rides or unexpected free time.
Make Me Smile:
This can be a slippery slope in terms of how many decorations to keep. Much like the question “Does it spark joy?” This is particularly dangerous with sentimental items. As a family, we continue to pare down as our tastes changed. It requires compromise and conversation. Our goal, strike a balance between fewer decorations to take care of and a clinical environment.
Here are things that make me smile and I could let the rest go.
- Grandma’s Plate – A sentimental item reminding me of Grandma Alice
- Paris Photographs – I own many pictures of my favorite city (and some mini Eiffel Towers too).
- Family Photos – The very best framed and changed periodically.
Are you inspired to tackle a room and keep only items that improve function, add value or make you smile? Which room? I’d love to hear how it goes!
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