Embracing Minimalism
đź“Ť Written from: Wheeling, IL USA
After an amazing trip to Asheville, North Carolina, we returned home feeling refreshed and inspired to declutter our lives. Diving into the art of minimalism with The Minimalists podcast, truly motivated us especially during the tough decisions. AKA the wedding dress. It’s hard since it’ll be only 5 years old in the Fall.
We embarked on an extensive decluttering journey, donating over 10 carloads of items—more than 1,000 pieces—to Salvation Army and WINGS. With each trip, we felt an increasing sense of lightness and freedom. Our goal is to have a small storage unit for memory items and bigger items such as snowboards since we will be using those later (hint: we plan to hit some slopes next year!).
Another huge challenge: our clothes. We’ll be honest it’s not easy for Laura to pair down a closet since she hasn’t grown since 8th grade and enjoys having options when it comes to fashion. Yes, we’re talking over 25 pairs of shoes and too many color combinations of clothes in her walk in closet. You never know when you just might need that pair on teal heels for a wedding or going out with your partner on a date. And then there’s Dirk with his simple wardrobe and it cannot be minimized any more. Just when you thought Dirk had it easiest, Boomer too had to select his preferred bandanas and sweaters. How many bandanas does one pup need?
We did remind Boomer that he needs to do his part in embracing minimalism when it comes to toys so he selected his most favorite toys out of his three baskets (yes, three baskets because his grandpawrents spoil him). He selected one toy to take on the road and a few to stay at the grandpawrents home’s and that is it. The rest he donated to at our local animal shelter, Heartland Animal Shelter.
We all agree that there’s a nice feeling of satisfaction in truly using the things we own, cherishing them while they serve us, and then passing them on to the next family, young couple starting out, or friend who just got a new apartment. It's a reminder that joy doesn’t come from the items themselves but from the connections and experiences we share with the people around us. In letting go of excess, we make space for what truly matters—relationships, experiences, and the simplicity of living with intention.
