Negative Stuff

I am not a minimalist. I own a lot of stuff.

Some stuff is actually helpful. I've been poor and had the great fortune of experiencing life when you have less than needed. And you learn that you're still doing just fine.

But I remember when I finally ditched my sleeping bag to cover myself with real bed sheets. I was 23.

Those sheets were nice. And they weren't a sleeping bag. Big upgrade.

Do I need five sets of bed sheets? No, I don't. And actually I think pairs three plus will stress you out more than they'll do you good. Two are enough. Wash one. Use the other. Have guests? Use both. Big deal. It's the equivalent of a sold-out concert.

Three, you have to really start thinking about where to store them. You might even rewash your clean sheets before using them because you haven't used them for a long time.

Eventually storing them will stress you out. You're worried about where to put them? They're constantly getting in the way. Your house feels cluttered. Stuff that used to get into drawers now sits on the counters, as most of your drawers are filled with third, fourth and fifth editions of things you'll never use.

Should you buy a bigger house with a bigger mortgage and maybe delay your retirement a few years?

No, no, terrible idea.

Just own two pairs of bed sheets. Get quality ones. When one breaks, get new ones.

Do you ever feel relieved getting rid of stuff? Are you happier getting rid of something rather than having it?

You've gone too far. Look around and see what you have. Do you get little enjoyment out of stuff that others could use?

Get rid of it. You'll feel better. Someone who needs it, gets it. Everyone wins.

This doesn't apply to bicycles.