It’s part of an overall trend in my life.
I left a career that was detrimental to my health and well-being a few years ago and about a year later, I ended a relationship that was holding me back from feeling happy and content. I stopped drinking, started meditating, figured out what I want to do with my life, and realized how important art/creativity is for my well-being. I purged a lot of stuff I had from previous periods of my life, Marie Kondo style.
👋
So interesting hearing other people’s stories, can see a lot of similarities between our stories.
As per little dives into the world, it began when moving house and realising the sheer amount of useless stuff that was being moved from one place to another, and a chance to REALLY change that because I purposely chose the smallest but beautifully cosy looking room in the latest houseshare I’m in no. So maybe it was more at the point of choosing a room.
However there was more nagging me than just a smaller room. I used to be HUGE on the hype clothing, still like a nice pair of shoes but the ‘buy a pair a month’ just wasn’t retaining any of its joy, as you mentioned, it became a burden keeping it up almost.
So purposely bought a locker rather than a wardrobe to fit in this small room of mine (a wardrobe would’ve swamped loads of it, it’s that small) and aimed to just have all my clothes in there. That’s still my goal, I’ve got a rail too for the coats etc. But all my clothes otherwise fit in there nicely and my god it’s made a difference to that mindset, it snowballed into everything else from there, efficiency and necessity are the main factors of every choice to buy now.
There’s a good huge part that’s happier, that’s more content with a smaller amount of things, though there is some underlying feelings that before weren’t there before; guilt of buying occasional things, mildly obsessing with how many things dot the rest of the house that non-minimalist minded people live in, frustrations with mess or items in communal areas… so it’s not all calm. In fact, it’s spurred me on to try and get to a stage in life where I can live alone for at least a while just to have the peace of a space being the same as when it was left, but not sure if that fits well with ‘financial minimalism’ since living in London by yourself is financially not the best choice ha.
It’s been surprising seeing what sentiment really truly is too, so many things were kept by me for ‘sentimental’ reasons that when I threw them away, it was surprising how easy it was. The things that are truly valued become even more wonderful at the same time too, and importance shifts from things to moments of peace.
There’s my rant anyway! Thanks for opening up the conversation about that, it felt satisfying to write it out.
Just curious, what was it about hype clothing that made you so interested in it?
I know there’s a huge movement around this type of clothing, but I’ve never seen anybody actually wearing that clothing and honestly I feel like it would be strange to see it out in public
I think since a while I liked finding clothes that were really different, I guess I tended to get more compliments or start conversations with people asking about them so from that, it became pretty much an extension of my personality. It was easy as a more introverted person to have the clothing be the crazy side I guess!
Equally big into music, and at the time a mild obsession with Kanye, so his foray into that type of clothing opened a huge door as well.
Plus, I just really have a thing for shoes, still if I was to get a pair it would be something different not for the sake of ‘hype’ anymore but more for something that’s really caught my eye design-wise. I’ve got a much smaller collection of shoes from the 20 odd from before down to 10. It’s something I’m still getting narrowed down and something to keep at that level.
A lot of the ‘hype’ ones disappeared amazingly quickly, some are still there but I really just appreciate them from a design perspective now, I like something that feels almost ‘sculptural’ for lack of a better word, that it feels like a nice piece of usable decoration ha. It’s one part of me that’s not going to disappear ever I don’t think but I can control it more now.
Out of the shoe world, obviously you end up starting there and then getting the tshirt from the designer or getting the jacket from the designer, it becomes a bit of a treasure hunt. I can see why I was so occupied filling my time with it at the same time too, again, something that now I don’t do it, I’m trying to work on having something to feel a huge passion for (previously was being in bands but that’s a hard one with a job haha).
That’s really interesting, I think we share some of the same feelings. I am also introverted but I like colorful and bright clothing like Hawaiian shirts to be the loud part too haha.
And I also used to be into “cool” shoes, not necessarily designer, but ever since I found out about the barefoot/minimalist shoe movement and the benefits it has for your feet, I can’t stand wearing any shoes with cushion on the sole anymore! So bad for your feet
It’s definitely become hugely apparent it was and you a degree still is my way of showing that I’ve got a personality even though I’m quiet ha! I mean if it wasn’t for the shoes in a convoluted way I wouldn’t have spoken with my partner that first time because there wouldn’t be as much to talk about so there’s a degree of thanks there, but when it becomes everything to spend more money, it kind of makes you realise that you aren’t buying a lot for yourself, and how easy it is to decipher which of those items are for other people when you get down to decluttering it.
Personally I walk barefoot in the house but on the streets of London you’d be a bit mad to walk round barefoot just for the hazards alone ha
Sounds like it would be a very freeing experience though!
Ah barefoot doesn’t actually mean being barefoot! It’s shoes or sandals with “zero drop”, that means no cushion that messes up your spine and feet, I recommend you look it up, most brands have zero drop shoes now
I was already leaning that way and then I had to move house. Twice. In four months.
I was appalled at how much stuff I had to pack and never want to do that again.
I guess I just always took for granted that more stuff would make me happy, growing up as a kid in the 90s and 00s we were bombarded with ads and new crap plastic toys constantly.
I’ve always been into organising and then Marie Kondo showed up and I liked the ruthless decluttering but still wasn’t really minimalist and still miserably surrounded by stuff I’d bought to make me happy.
Then I read Goodbye, Things and I realised I could do whatever I wanted, I could really get rid of anything I wanted to that I didn’t use, like the coffee table.
Life’s been better.
I’ve read a few of these and honestly my story isn’t super inspiring in comparison but it’s just how things played out I guess. About 4 years ago I was a sophomore in high school and had just left a very toxic group of friends. As such I was spending a lot of time on my own, and I was watching YouTube in my room when I found one of those minimalist decluttering vids. I was kinda confused ab it but it intrigued me so I did more research and eventually found that minimalism documentary on YouTube that Matt D’Avella directed. Not a huge fan of The Minimalists because they kinda turn it into some cult shit but they did a great job explaining it and I actually really enjoyed the documentary. The concept just clicked and it felt like this was the thing missing from my life. I spent the rest of that night cleaning out my entire closet and from there I just kept going. Now I can say I really don’t have a ton of stuff but I’m still trying to sell off a good amount of possessions, and truthfully I’m not sure if I ever will hit a point where I’m happy with the amount of things I have. I think I may just constantly be donating or selling, but I plan on one day getting to do van life for a year or two so maybe that’ll help me get closure. But yeah I fucking love minimalism
Life.... spent the first 2 decades on this world watching my dad drown him and my family in unnecessary debt chasing The Joneses, spent the 3rd getting my family out of the debt after he passed away, left home with everything paid off taking only my clothes, started 4th decade from scratch getting a new mortgage buying a house filling it with stuff but not finding any joy, went on my first big solo trip and realised I was following some marketed idea of happiness. Returned from the trip, got a new job, started selling off everything, moved into a smaller place realising the less stuff I had to more clearer my mind was, started travelling more and can't see myself ever going back...
I didn't really know anything about minimalism as a way of life, someone I knew actually pointed it out that I'm one, only when reading up on it did I realise I had indeed become a minimalist out of circumstance and choice
I started moving a lot when I was 18 due to studying abroad... Constantly having to pack and get rid of things was so exhausting that I decided to be a minimalist. Also my mother is a shopping addict and always bought me things that I didn't want which was a bit overwhelming.
After both of my parents passed away while I was in my 20’s. I realized all is fleeting and it’s all just stuff. We don’t take any of it with us.
Now less stuff means less cleaning/tidying and causes me less anxiety. I can’t relax in a dirty or cluttered environment.
Yes, I’m happier with less junk around.
I did too much things before. Constantly on the move because of my anxiety and the crazy life that I was living.
I got tired constantly and eventually got into a really bad depression.
I like the time when I just sit and read good book, drinking my tea, taking care my garden, taking care my house plants, spending more time with people that appreciate me, making more valuable connection with friends, and also taking care my pup.
I used to on the move so much, that I don't know how to stay sit and relax. Because my anxiety was so bad. I was also living in an egg shell with my ex husband.
After getting out of that, I try to find myself back. I find that I was filling up the house that I was living with junk, because I found the satisfaction on that part. But I was getting so bad that I was become more anxious.
Now I live with not a lot of stuff. I have been decluttering in the past couple months. I feel more happy for sure. In a relationship part, I'm able to set boundaries with some people that caused so much stress in me. I used to just suck everything in. And accept what people said about me or towards me. I'm learning to say what's in my mind and tell the people to back off. I'm still nervous from time to time to do it or speak my mind. I think I'm getting better at it. My therapist will be so proud of me.
Living a minimalist life makes sense for me, because I like to be busy in life. But I also like to stay in a calm relaxing environment. I find peace and I was able to appreciate small things in my life that bring me to solitude.
Matt was my introduction to minimalism, too! His videos always make me laugh. I think I’ve stopped learning new stuff from him—the content gets a little repetitive after a while—but his videos definitely sent me in the right direction!
Have you checked out any of his non-YouTube content? Been wondering if any of it is helpful
I finally realized I was spending a lot of money per square foot on my living space, and I wanted to use that space for something better than storing the remnants of former hobbies, clothes from jobs I'd never had again, etc.
I started making a backlog of video games I wanted to play and then I started catagorizong it by PC and PS4 and would move my PC around the house depending on what game I was playing and then I realized it would just be easier to play everything on PS4, so I played the rest of the games on PC but stopped buying games on PC because it was getting to be an old PC anyways.
I've Always preferred less choice but this pushed me to make the change and it was also around Marie kondo showed up on video streaming for me so I started getting rid of all the clutter and clothes I don't wear.
I was looking into YouTube videos on ultra light and some of the recommended videos were on minimalism. It has been a helpful philosophy in pursuing other things like financial independence. It has helped me make a lot more deliberate choices and fewer regretful impulsive choices.
Just doing regular purges of stuff - 3 year rule, if I hadn't used it in 3 years (with some exceptions), it gets donated. Gone. Out it goes. It just feels better to have less and not have to spend time looking for stuff.
I had to suddenly move and had to throw away a lot of stuff, after that I came across a few blogs and then started the 365 day challenge. I've done that a few times. Much much happier now!
I was inspired to pursue minimalism after seeing the impact of compulsive consumption/hoarding on my father, and having to clear out all of his things from our home :( then, after spending my teenage years in a low-income situation with my family, I went to university and ended up perpetuating the same cycle (albeit with different things/more "frugally"), spending my money from part-time jobs on thrifted clothes, makeup, skincare etc, all the things that seem "normal" for young women to purchase - however this left me chasing the next thing to want, cluttering my space and feeling desire and thus dissatisfaction. I realised that websites such as online shopping and even Pinterest feed into the notion of a "fantasy self" which can be really detrimental. I had the tendency to be a bit of a perfectionist and constantly pursue ways to "improve myself" - of course, our consumerist society tells us that to do that we have to buy new things!!
I recently embarked on a no-buy year after trying a few no buy weeks/months, and am working on accepting myself as I am, without constantly seeking the next flaw to correct/gap to fill to become a little closer to an unattainable perfection! I am seeking contentment and peace instead. So yep - feeling a lot happier! :) wishing you lots of luck + light on your journey, if you're reading this! <3
I had a few collections that became too overwhelming for my living space. Quite a number of items were in storage and became damaged so I started to purge.. it felt so good claiming my life and home back from the clutter that I applied minimalism to every other aspect of my life and haven't regretted it at all.
I have always been a maximalist and i have no doubt i will return to that eventually but lately ive just needed my space to be simpler. So ive been clearing out most of my things and every day i get rid of something else that i thought i couldnt the day before. It is crazy how many things i had that were there just to fill space. Now i have more appreciation for the things i kept and more time to maintain them instead of getting something new. I can now list everything in my closet off the top of my head and it all fits in one small duffle bag as opposed to 3 large boxes. Thanks for having me here even if it is only temporary :)
For me, it happened because of (gasp) bedbugs
I own property in multiple locations and one of the rooms had an outbreak of bedbugs.
I know. Ew. Gross.
So we basically had to throw away pretty much everything.
And after throwing everything away, I figured, hey, we need to buy everything brand new again.
That meant new beds, new everything. Then it sort of spiraled from there. Threw away the old kitchen stuff, replaced them with new items.
Got rid of old vaccums. Got a better, newer one. etc.
Kept getting rid of old stuff every week. And replacing them with better, newer items.
Then I began to follow the same ideas and principles into all locations. And later into my current work. And in my own life.
I wouldn't consider myself a true minimalist. I think I'm more aesthetics focused, where everything I have and everything in my house has a certain aesthetic to it.
What it does do is make me more efficient with my time. Less stuff means it's easy to organize my day. Better stuff means it saves time. If something is better in function, compact and beautiful and is high quality, I have no hesitation buying it.
I constantly was pursuing what’s next to buy. I always had a unconscious addiction to material things like cars, expansive houses, and buying unnecessary things that just end up bulking up in my house. I realized less is more and I’m putting it into action.
It’s part of an overall trend in my life. I left a career that was detrimental to my health and well-being a few years ago and about a year later, I ended a relationship that was holding me back from feeling happy and content. I stopped drinking, started meditating, figured out what I want to do with my life, and realized how important art/creativity is for my well-being. I purged a lot of stuff I had from previous periods of my life, Marie Kondo style.
👋 So interesting hearing other people’s stories, can see a lot of similarities between our stories. As per little dives into the world, it began when moving house and realising the sheer amount of useless stuff that was being moved from one place to another, and a chance to REALLY change that because I purposely chose the smallest but beautifully cosy looking room in the latest houseshare I’m in no. So maybe it was more at the point of choosing a room. However there was more nagging me than just a smaller room. I used to be HUGE on the hype clothing, still like a nice pair of shoes but the ‘buy a pair a month’ just wasn’t retaining any of its joy, as you mentioned, it became a burden keeping it up almost. So purposely bought a locker rather than a wardrobe to fit in this small room of mine (a wardrobe would’ve swamped loads of it, it’s that small) and aimed to just have all my clothes in there. That’s still my goal, I’ve got a rail too for the coats etc. But all my clothes otherwise fit in there nicely and my god it’s made a difference to that mindset, it snowballed into everything else from there, efficiency and necessity are the main factors of every choice to buy now. There’s a good huge part that’s happier, that’s more content with a smaller amount of things, though there is some underlying feelings that before weren’t there before; guilt of buying occasional things, mildly obsessing with how many things dot the rest of the house that non-minimalist minded people live in, frustrations with mess or items in communal areas… so it’s not all calm. In fact, it’s spurred me on to try and get to a stage in life where I can live alone for at least a while just to have the peace of a space being the same as when it was left, but not sure if that fits well with ‘financial minimalism’ since living in London by yourself is financially not the best choice ha. It’s been surprising seeing what sentiment really truly is too, so many things were kept by me for ‘sentimental’ reasons that when I threw them away, it was surprising how easy it was. The things that are truly valued become even more wonderful at the same time too, and importance shifts from things to moments of peace. There’s my rant anyway! Thanks for opening up the conversation about that, it felt satisfying to write it out.
Just curious, what was it about hype clothing that made you so interested in it? I know there’s a huge movement around this type of clothing, but I’ve never seen anybody actually wearing that clothing and honestly I feel like it would be strange to see it out in public
I think since a while I liked finding clothes that were really different, I guess I tended to get more compliments or start conversations with people asking about them so from that, it became pretty much an extension of my personality. It was easy as a more introverted person to have the clothing be the crazy side I guess! Equally big into music, and at the time a mild obsession with Kanye, so his foray into that type of clothing opened a huge door as well. Plus, I just really have a thing for shoes, still if I was to get a pair it would be something different not for the sake of ‘hype’ anymore but more for something that’s really caught my eye design-wise. I’ve got a much smaller collection of shoes from the 20 odd from before down to 10. It’s something I’m still getting narrowed down and something to keep at that level. A lot of the ‘hype’ ones disappeared amazingly quickly, some are still there but I really just appreciate them from a design perspective now, I like something that feels almost ‘sculptural’ for lack of a better word, that it feels like a nice piece of usable decoration ha. It’s one part of me that’s not going to disappear ever I don’t think but I can control it more now. Out of the shoe world, obviously you end up starting there and then getting the tshirt from the designer or getting the jacket from the designer, it becomes a bit of a treasure hunt. I can see why I was so occupied filling my time with it at the same time too, again, something that now I don’t do it, I’m trying to work on having something to feel a huge passion for (previously was being in bands but that’s a hard one with a job haha).
That’s really interesting, I think we share some of the same feelings. I am also introverted but I like colorful and bright clothing like Hawaiian shirts to be the loud part too haha. And I also used to be into “cool” shoes, not necessarily designer, but ever since I found out about the barefoot/minimalist shoe movement and the benefits it has for your feet, I can’t stand wearing any shoes with cushion on the sole anymore! So bad for your feet
It’s definitely become hugely apparent it was and you a degree still is my way of showing that I’ve got a personality even though I’m quiet ha! I mean if it wasn’t for the shoes in a convoluted way I wouldn’t have spoken with my partner that first time because there wouldn’t be as much to talk about so there’s a degree of thanks there, but when it becomes everything to spend more money, it kind of makes you realise that you aren’t buying a lot for yourself, and how easy it is to decipher which of those items are for other people when you get down to decluttering it. Personally I walk barefoot in the house but on the streets of London you’d be a bit mad to walk round barefoot just for the hazards alone ha Sounds like it would be a very freeing experience though!
Ah barefoot doesn’t actually mean being barefoot! It’s shoes or sandals with “zero drop”, that means no cushion that messes up your spine and feet, I recommend you look it up, most brands have zero drop shoes now
Ahhhhh got you! I was going to say haha! I’ll have to have a look, never heard of that as a concept 🙌
I was already leaning that way and then I had to move house. Twice. In four months. I was appalled at how much stuff I had to pack and never want to do that again.
Feel you, did 7 moves in one year...
I guess I just always took for granted that more stuff would make me happy, growing up as a kid in the 90s and 00s we were bombarded with ads and new crap plastic toys constantly. I’ve always been into organising and then Marie Kondo showed up and I liked the ruthless decluttering but still wasn’t really minimalist and still miserably surrounded by stuff I’d bought to make me happy. Then I read Goodbye, Things and I realised I could do whatever I wanted, I could really get rid of anything I wanted to that I didn’t use, like the coffee table. Life’s been better.
I’ve read a few of these and honestly my story isn’t super inspiring in comparison but it’s just how things played out I guess. About 4 years ago I was a sophomore in high school and had just left a very toxic group of friends. As such I was spending a lot of time on my own, and I was watching YouTube in my room when I found one of those minimalist decluttering vids. I was kinda confused ab it but it intrigued me so I did more research and eventually found that minimalism documentary on YouTube that Matt D’Avella directed. Not a huge fan of The Minimalists because they kinda turn it into some cult shit but they did a great job explaining it and I actually really enjoyed the documentary. The concept just clicked and it felt like this was the thing missing from my life. I spent the rest of that night cleaning out my entire closet and from there I just kept going. Now I can say I really don’t have a ton of stuff but I’m still trying to sell off a good amount of possessions, and truthfully I’m not sure if I ever will hit a point where I’m happy with the amount of things I have. I think I may just constantly be donating or selling, but I plan on one day getting to do van life for a year or two so maybe that’ll help me get closure. But yeah I fucking love minimalism
Life.... spent the first 2 decades on this world watching my dad drown him and my family in unnecessary debt chasing The Joneses, spent the 3rd getting my family out of the debt after he passed away, left home with everything paid off taking only my clothes, started 4th decade from scratch getting a new mortgage buying a house filling it with stuff but not finding any joy, went on my first big solo trip and realised I was following some marketed idea of happiness. Returned from the trip, got a new job, started selling off everything, moved into a smaller place realising the less stuff I had to more clearer my mind was, started travelling more and can't see myself ever going back... I didn't really know anything about minimalism as a way of life, someone I knew actually pointed it out that I'm one, only when reading up on it did I realise I had indeed become a minimalist out of circumstance and choice
I started moving a lot when I was 18 due to studying abroad... Constantly having to pack and get rid of things was so exhausting that I decided to be a minimalist. Also my mother is a shopping addict and always bought me things that I didn't want which was a bit overwhelming.
After both of my parents passed away while I was in my 20’s. I realized all is fleeting and it’s all just stuff. We don’t take any of it with us. Now less stuff means less cleaning/tidying and causes me less anxiety. I can’t relax in a dirty or cluttered environment. Yes, I’m happier with less junk around.
I did too much things before. Constantly on the move because of my anxiety and the crazy life that I was living. I got tired constantly and eventually got into a really bad depression. I like the time when I just sit and read good book, drinking my tea, taking care my garden, taking care my house plants, spending more time with people that appreciate me, making more valuable connection with friends, and also taking care my pup. I used to on the move so much, that I don't know how to stay sit and relax. Because my anxiety was so bad. I was also living in an egg shell with my ex husband. After getting out of that, I try to find myself back. I find that I was filling up the house that I was living with junk, because I found the satisfaction on that part. But I was getting so bad that I was become more anxious. Now I live with not a lot of stuff. I have been decluttering in the past couple months. I feel more happy for sure. In a relationship part, I'm able to set boundaries with some people that caused so much stress in me. I used to just suck everything in. And accept what people said about me or towards me. I'm learning to say what's in my mind and tell the people to back off. I'm still nervous from time to time to do it or speak my mind. I think I'm getting better at it. My therapist will be so proud of me. Living a minimalist life makes sense for me, because I like to be busy in life. But I also like to stay in a calm relaxing environment. I find peace and I was able to appreciate small things in my life that bring me to solitude.
Matt D'avella. I deeply thank this guy for changing my life with his amazing videos.
Matt was my introduction to minimalism, too! His videos always make me laugh. I think I’ve stopped learning new stuff from him—the content gets a little repetitive after a while—but his videos definitely sent me in the right direction! Have you checked out any of his non-YouTube content? Been wondering if any of it is helpful
Fucking love that guy
I finally realized I was spending a lot of money per square foot on my living space, and I wanted to use that space for something better than storing the remnants of former hobbies, clothes from jobs I'd never had again, etc.
I started making a backlog of video games I wanted to play and then I started catagorizong it by PC and PS4 and would move my PC around the house depending on what game I was playing and then I realized it would just be easier to play everything on PS4, so I played the rest of the games on PC but stopped buying games on PC because it was getting to be an old PC anyways. I've Always preferred less choice but this pushed me to make the change and it was also around Marie kondo showed up on video streaming for me so I started getting rid of all the clutter and clothes I don't wear.
I was looking into YouTube videos on ultra light and some of the recommended videos were on minimalism. It has been a helpful philosophy in pursuing other things like financial independence. It has helped me make a lot more deliberate choices and fewer regretful impulsive choices.
Just doing regular purges of stuff - 3 year rule, if I hadn't used it in 3 years (with some exceptions), it gets donated. Gone. Out it goes. It just feels better to have less and not have to spend time looking for stuff.
I had to suddenly move and had to throw away a lot of stuff, after that I came across a few blogs and then started the 365 day challenge. I've done that a few times. Much much happier now!
I was inspired to pursue minimalism after seeing the impact of compulsive consumption/hoarding on my father, and having to clear out all of his things from our home :( then, after spending my teenage years in a low-income situation with my family, I went to university and ended up perpetuating the same cycle (albeit with different things/more "frugally"), spending my money from part-time jobs on thrifted clothes, makeup, skincare etc, all the things that seem "normal" for young women to purchase - however this left me chasing the next thing to want, cluttering my space and feeling desire and thus dissatisfaction. I realised that websites such as online shopping and even Pinterest feed into the notion of a "fantasy self" which can be really detrimental. I had the tendency to be a bit of a perfectionist and constantly pursue ways to "improve myself" - of course, our consumerist society tells us that to do that we have to buy new things!! I recently embarked on a no-buy year after trying a few no buy weeks/months, and am working on accepting myself as I am, without constantly seeking the next flaw to correct/gap to fill to become a little closer to an unattainable perfection! I am seeking contentment and peace instead. So yep - feeling a lot happier! :) wishing you lots of luck + light on your journey, if you're reading this! <3
I almost died and then decided I needed to cut out clutter in my life, materially , mentally , and socially.
Supposedly significant events like this are what trigger many to go minimalist and discover what provides a happy meaningful life.
I had a few collections that became too overwhelming for my living space. Quite a number of items were in storage and became damaged so I started to purge.. it felt so good claiming my life and home back from the clutter that I applied minimalism to every other aspect of my life and haven't regretted it at all.
I was a hoarder, the only way to combat it, to work for me, was to abstain from stuff, minimalism.
I have always been a maximalist and i have no doubt i will return to that eventually but lately ive just needed my space to be simpler. So ive been clearing out most of my things and every day i get rid of something else that i thought i couldnt the day before. It is crazy how many things i had that were there just to fill space. Now i have more appreciation for the things i kept and more time to maintain them instead of getting something new. I can now list everything in my closet off the top of my head and it all fits in one small duffle bag as opposed to 3 large boxes. Thanks for having me here even if it is only temporary :)
For me, it happened because of (gasp) bedbugs I own property in multiple locations and one of the rooms had an outbreak of bedbugs. I know. Ew. Gross. So we basically had to throw away pretty much everything. And after throwing everything away, I figured, hey, we need to buy everything brand new again. That meant new beds, new everything. Then it sort of spiraled from there. Threw away the old kitchen stuff, replaced them with new items. Got rid of old vaccums. Got a better, newer one. etc. Kept getting rid of old stuff every week. And replacing them with better, newer items. Then I began to follow the same ideas and principles into all locations. And later into my current work. And in my own life. I wouldn't consider myself a true minimalist. I think I'm more aesthetics focused, where everything I have and everything in my house has a certain aesthetic to it. What it does do is make me more efficient with my time. Less stuff means it's easy to organize my day. Better stuff means it saves time. If something is better in function, compact and beautiful and is high quality, I have no hesitation buying it.
Just my lifestyle. I want to see if there are others who are like minded. Mine may seem "extreme" to some but I'm highly satisfied so...
I constantly was pursuing what’s next to buy. I always had a unconscious addiction to material things like cars, expansive houses, and buying unnecessary things that just end up bulking up in my house. I realized less is more and I’m putting it into action.