Less is more.
[A three minute read]
Nearly two months ago, I moved out of my lovely inner city apartment. I left comfort, security and routine behind to become a temporary nomad.
I had never been one to collect copious amounts of ‘stuff’ yet in the months leading up to the move, I felt the need to purge everything that no longer served me and only keep the good quality things that bought me joy.
I’m not sure why this overwhelming urge came over me. Possibly because after ten years working in events, my mind is so full with thoughts and to do lists, I no longer wish to waste energy on things that don’t make me happy.
Kind of like when my MacBook runs out of space and I have to delete 10,000 photos of expense receipts and event inspo so it can operate again.
I made an inventory of my possessions (in a spreadsheet of course) and items were divided into keep, discard or sell status. I ruthlessly sorted through everything, thinking about when I used it last, how much value it bought to my life, the emotional and physical space it took up and what its purpose was.
Because I like things to be clean and organised, many categories of things were allocated just one box.
> Books. 1 box.
> Toiletries. 1 shoebox. Including my hair dryer. (Yes it is possible)
> Home handy-woman supplies and tools. 1 shoebox.
> Photos, diaries and nostalgia. 1 small box.
> Stationary. 1 shoebox.
> Electrical plugs and cables. 1 small box.
> Important papers. 1 small portable filing folio.
> Etc etc.
Slowly I started regifting, donating, selling and throwing items that no longer served me. As the ‘stuff’ disappeared, my happiness increased. My physical space was decluttered and my mind became clearer. I spent less time recalling what was in the freezer, less time deciding what to wear and less time looking for my favourite pen.
My mind was clear and I had more energy. Free space had been restored on my hard drive.
Relationships and lifestyle choices were also assessed then allocated into keep or discard status. Friendships that were more stressful than joyful were set free.
Since then, whenever I think about buying something, I ask myself how it will enrich my life and how it was made. It takes longer to find an item that fits my criteria but this is a the perfect purchasing filter.
My first purchase was a pair of Etiko’s – a style of shoe I has been wanting for a while. They are just like white Converse, but ethically and sustainably made by an Australian company. I love the journey behind these shoes. I really value them and feel great to be supporting a positive supply chain.
Upon reflection, the whole exercise actually makes perfect sense. I have always believed a a fulfilling life is one filled with positive events and experiences and I now feel like my own life more authentically fulfils this belief.
The less stuff I have, the happier I become.
So less really is more.
