Throwing items into the dumpster and committing to my minimalist lifestyle!

My minimalist lifestyle beginnings – Sorting and throwing away my stuff

Filed under: Life / minimalist / Thoughts / Trip Planning By:

I happened to meet fellow blogger and future around the world backpacker Jaime on twitter a few weeks ago. For several weeks we met in Barnes and Noble to talk about travel, give each other tips, and work on planning our backpacking trips. With the decision to go on extended trips Jaime and I have both made the commitment to minimalist living.  Jaime still has 10-months before he departs on his around the world backpacking journey, but I have less than 4. He has already started selling items while I’ve procrastinated the inevitable. I feel really overwhelmed by the process.

Jaime decided to give me a swift kick in the butt on our weekly Sunday meetings by coming over to my place and helping me sort through my belongings instead. I was instantly relieved to have such help because it just isn’t possible for me to do it myself. With my recent break-up Curtis (my ex-boyfriend) has moved out and taken only what he has needed immediately which has left me to deal with everything else; A task that is no easy feat alone. Jaime to the rescue.

The bookcase mid cleaning

The bookcase when we were done for the day, but not yet finished! Some major progress was made!

Jaime and I spent 5 hours going through one of my closets and part of my bedroom. The closet contained children’s toys (for when my young relatives visit), board games (used to host a weekly game night), a plethora of paper samples (for my graphic design business), school and office supplies, shoes, and various electronics.  My bedroom contained an old computer, scrapbooking supplies, tons of books, and various knick-knacks.

Sorting my stuff into various piles - Living Minimally.

We sorted these items into 5 categories: Keep, Sell, Donate, Trash, and Curtis. Jaime was proud at how much I was throwing away or sorting into every category except ‘keep.’ My parents have told me that I can have a few boxes of items to keep at their place until I get a place again (if I ever get one). With the exception of those few boxes, everything else I own will fit into a backpack to carry with me on my indefinite trip around the world.

The items I’ve decided to keep are:

  1. My sharp Chicago Cutlery Knife Set (gift from grandma)
  2. My powerful Kitchenaide Mixer (gift from parents)
  3. Kitchenaide Pots/Pans (gift from parents)
  4. Portfolio Items (client print jobs)
  5. A few clothes (so when I return I can wear something different)
  6. Favorite Design Books (They are expensive and I *heart* books)
  7. Various semimetal items (Because I just can’t let go!)
  8. Anything I’m going to take with me on my backpacking trip.

I know that I should be selling the kitchen items and books, but they are things that I will not get enough money for and I enjoy having. In addition, I don’t have to pay for storage so there really is no harm in keeping them around. Since my plans are indefinite and I don’t know what the future holds I feel a sense of security keeping a few items. I could feel differently about that in the future, but for now I want to keep them.

7 bags of trash!

Jaime throwing items into the dumpster!

Jaime and I came up with 7 trash bags of stuff to throw away. It felt so liberating to be getting rid of all this extra stuff that has been cluttering my place and mind. You couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face as we were going through the items in my apartment. It was this moment that the entire process started to feel very real for me. Holy Shit!?! This is really happening. I am really doing this. In just a few short months I’m only going to have a few items to my name as I begin my travel journey! It’s a scary thought!

Jaime gave me some ‘homework’ to do which was going through the scrapbooking items (saved to make a memoir of my travels) and finishing sorting the books. Over the next few weeks we’ll continue to sort through my apartment every Sunday and possibly have a garage sale. For now I’m working on selling some of the items on Craigslist, Half Price Books, and to friends.

The aftermath of the closet! It was more than packed full when we started (Sorry forgot to get a photo beforehand!) You can see it's pretty much empty minus my stuff for work and postcards.

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Tags: / / September 23, 2010

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  • http://radicalify.com Jack

    Wow Jenny! I’m impressed that you’re minimizing as much as you are already! I’m down to just a computer, couch, bed, and some dishes. I’m quitting my day job on Oct. 19th to live off Internet income and travel the world. Always awesome to connect with locals (I’m in Houston).

  • http://www.breakawaybackpacker.com Jaime

    I am so glad we took those pictures, you need to put in the caption that the closet was COMPLETELY FULL when we started!!! We have got a lot done but still have A LOT more to get through. Trust me this Sunday we are going to go HARDCORE and attack your apartment. I am not playing around you have almost less than 3 months now!!!

    Thanks for linking me in the post!

  • Anonymous

    Wow, this reminds me of all the stuff I need to get rid of. I’ve already started but still have a ways to go. I have that same black bookshelf filled with books, some will be tough to part with.

    Good luck with the cleansing.

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    Jack! So glad you somehow found me! Jaime and I have been looking for other Around the World backpackers to join forces with. It’s good to find friends that can relate to this venture since people in the corporate world just don’t understand! Would be even more stoked to talk to a local digital nomad! When do you depart? What’s your story?

    I hope to be down to a few boxes (to keep at my parents), my laptop, and backpack. I’ll drive my truck around the United States and then sell it. I’m not sure what I’m gonna do with my desktop and bed just yet…

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    I know! So Scary! I need to get the ball seriously rolling. We need to attack it hardcore this Sunday and again (partially) on Wednesday. Always happy to link to you! ;)

    Next week (after the filming) we need to hit the garage! I need to start putting that stuff up for sale.

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    I actually planned on keeping all of my books, but once I started going through them I realized which ones were important to me and which ones weren’t. I was able to start parting with more than I thought I was going to be able to. Good luck with your minimizing!

  • http://twitter.com/DangerousBiz Amanda Williams

    Wow, impressive! I would have such a hard time doing this. Then again, with an indefinite future ahead, I realize that it makes complete sense. Congrats on getting off to a great start!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001435976949 Shawn Brandow

    Wow! I did the same thing! My parents let me keep a few boxes in their storage for my upcoming trip. Getting rid of stuff and junk was actually loads of fun!

  • http://suspendedsoul.wordpress.com Kern

    Having recently taken my own journey, across country not around the world, I went through the joy and pain of evaluating everything I own. I can relate to your process. How wonderful to have a friend to help you who understands. Enjoy your journey.

  • http://www.caseyfriday.com Casey Friday

    That’s awesome that you’re downsizing. It can be a scary process at first, for multiple reasons. However, once you really get it going, it becomes rather liberating! Having less stuff weighing you down gives you more room in your brain to concentrate on what matters most to you. Congrats, and good luck on your RTW!

  • http://www.strayandsnap.blogspot.com Snap

    Jenny we’re at the end of sorting, repairing, building and packing up 25 years worth of crap. Only 26 days to go! OK…we intend on coming back, so we can’t throw it all away or donate it. But, it’s a really liberating experience and hey…less to unpack when we get back :)

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    If I didn’t get rid of everything I’d have to pay for a storage unit… with what I’d pay in storage long-term I could just re-buy it all later. Only keeping the stuff that matters. I thought it would be a hard thing to do, but once I got started, I felt liberated. Nothing to tie me down.

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    So happy to have Jaime help me. I couldn’t have done any of it without him! He gives me a swift kick in the butt reminding me how much time I have left. Thanks for stopping by!

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    Thanks Casey! I’m really excited but the process does have it’s ups and downs. I can’t wait until January… It’s approaching fast!

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    I don’t know if I could deal with 25 years of stuff. Thankfully I only have about 8 and I didn’t go too crazy over those years. 26 days to go! OMG I would be freaking out right about now!

  • Aly

    Sounds like you’re on your way! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to go through that same process (nomadic family). Keeping important sentimental items is really important, you will want it back later. On a practical matter we have been patting ourselves on the back for keeping at least one box of “good” kitchen stuff now that we find ourselves back. It’s amazing how EXPENSIVE it is to replace some stuff…Though what bugs me is having to replace future “throw-away” categories : ) I am just now realizing a broom costs $10! What? L*

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    Yup. I’m stoked they are giving me some space. It’ll save some money in the long run. I wouldn’t say the process is particularly fun, but it is liberating.

  • http://twitter.com/swgraphic Sarah Wu

    Hi Jenny, Best of Luck on your RTW trip. It’s not easy to throw away and sort stuff out., but it’s a new beginning new start a new chapter of your life. I’m really excited for you and can’t wait to hear about your RTW coming trip. I’m a designer also so I love to meet other designers/travelers too. Anyways, let’s connect on Twitter and I’ll talk to you soon. Best of Luck again.

  • http://twitter.com/OrdinaryTravelr Ordinary Traveler

    That’s so awesome! I love the feeling of getting rid of unnecessary items in my life. I went from a 3 bedroom house and downsized to a bedroom full of things. It just feels nicer not having so many material items. Great job for making it happen and pursuing your dreams! I look forward to reading about your adventures!

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    There are quite a few sentimental items that I have and want to keep. I mean, that’s my personal history so I definitely want to keep it around. I’m thinking that keeping the kitchen stuff will help me in the long-run when I decide to settle down. Would get pennies to sell (and it’s good quality stuff) and to rebuy would be wasting money. Since I have the space to keep it and it’s not going out of style, it’s worth it.

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    I would love to connect with you Sarah… we have so much in common! I’m super excited for my upcoming trip, it’s going to be epic. Maybe our paths will cross someday.

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    Wow congrats on downsizing your house. It does feel great to get rid of the unnecessary… makes me really appreciate what I buy more. I think a lot about the places I’ve been where they make toys out of trash. And here I am throwing a bunch of stuff away. Gives me a lot of perspective. Anyways, doing some more tomorrow and will post the progress soon.

  • http://www.baconismagic.ca Ayngelina

    I also sold everything. The hardest thing for me to sell were my books but then I started to ask my self why I felt the need to keep a bookshelf of items that I did not need. Once I sold my books everything else was extremely easy.

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com/2010/09/sell-everything-what-should-i-do-with-my-awesome-bed-and-computer-minimalist-living/ Do I really sell everything? What should I do with my awesome bed and computer? » Where Is Jenny

    [...] My minimalist lifestyle beginnings – Sorting and throwing away my stuff [...]

  • Snap

    I think I am moving out of the freaking out stage and into the numb stage…which is a good thing :)

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com/2010/10/warning-selling-everything-sometimes-sucks-rtw-travel-minimalist/ Warning: Selling Everything Sometimes Sucks

    [...] much stuff I have. You don’t really think of it as a lot of stuff until you start going through every box, every closet, and every storage bin. I’m so happy that I only have an 800 square foot apartment and that only half of the stuff here [...]

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com/2010/10/thrilling-adventure-of-selling-everything-travel-around-world/ The thrilling adventure of selling everything

    [...] out I don’t. Over the past few weeks I’ve been writing about the process I’m going through to sell everything to travel the world. I still have two posts to write in that series before I talk about today. The [...]

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com/2010/10/youre-preparing-around-the-world-trip-when/ You know you’re preparing for an around the world trip when…

    [...] You can actually count your possessions [...]

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com/2010/11/why-never-have-job/ Why I’ll never have a job!

    [...] Why did society want me to give it up?  Why do I have to let go of my dreams? Why do I need all this stuff? That’s when it hit me. I don’t have to and I don’t need it. [...]

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com/2010/12/becoming-minimalist-process/ Becoming a Minimalist is a Process

    [...] In the beginning, when I first started minimizing my belongings it was easy to part with items. ‘Haven’t used this in months’, ‘Didn’t know I still had this’, ‘doesn’t work’, and ‘trash’ are all items easy to get rid of. Once you start moving into minimizing items that you actually care about, still use, and like very much is where it starts to get difficult. [...]

  • http://twitter.com/Focusawareness Jackie Paulson

    Outstanding ideas, photos and a way to motivate others. I did this last year!

  • http://www.weddingfavourskingdom.co.uk/ Annegwells

    Congratulations for the job well done. It seems that everything now organized…

  • http://www.dinnerwarecenter.com/ Martincspencer

    Good Job!

  • http://twitter.com/AnnieAndreHacks Annie Andre

    Wow. Good luck to you. Hardest part was our books too. we opted to keep a small storage for basic things that are irreplaceable. It’s really painful but gets easier.

  • http://twitter.com/jaya1026 Jaya Rao

    i’m doing the process you’re doing, but on the road to throwing a lot of my beauty products/clothes out, i am stopping and realizing how much money i threw away on all of this stuff. I never really spent much on books because I usually got audio torrents for free, so i felt nothing to delete them as soon as the story went by, but for the few books i do have, i felt bad that i paid my hard earned money for these things, and only a few books were keep-forevers like the original grimm fairy tales n stuff.  i can’t believe i used to float from blog to blog waiting for the next MAC collection to come out so that I could get the next matte lipstick…the differences between the shades are noticeable mostly only to me, and I don’t have a jetset life enough to wear each of these over and over outside.  At work I don’t think they’d care what I look like really. 

    did you ever stand back and think about what this money would have done for you if you invested it then used it on some great experience instead of having bought all that stuff?  I guess that’s where I am now, so I’m a little torn as to whether I should throw away the stuff…if I do that, I really have nothing to show for my spent money, do I?  Not even wonderful memories to remind me that it was money well spent. 

    Watuthink?

  • http://www.whereisjenny.com Jenny

    Yeah it sucks to realize how much money you wasted on useless stuff, but take it as a life lesson. I’ve definitely curbed my spending habits since all that hard work of going through EVERYTHING!!! Be happy that you are learning the lesson and don’t think about the past. That will only depress you. Instead think of all the money you are saving NOW and what kind of DREAMS you can BUILD now and in the future with this lifestyle change. I’ve found that moving forward was most conductive to my future. The money was well spent teaching you a lesson that you couldn’t have learned any other way. In regards to throwing things out… I’d try selling things on craigslist or a garage sale first, then donations, and only as a last resort throw things away. Many things can be reused or recycled and I believe that is a far better option than filling landfills with usable goods.