One in, One out. Minimalizing the "stuff" in your life.

A few months ago I looked around my apartment and realized how much stuff I had. I was surrounded by it. Most of it wasn't stuff I needed, or even stuff I wanted. So I began what I like to call "The Great Purge", and I'm still working on it. Donating stuff, selling stuff, and throwing away stuff. Once I got started, I couldn't stop.

The problem with stuff is that you can get rid of it, but it isn't long before you find even more stuff to take its place. This is most evident when I look in my closet. So I have been forcing myself to follow the "one in, one out" rule. It works in bars, so why not my apartment?

In simple terms, any time I buy something, something of a comparable nature must leave. A new shirt in, an article of clothing out. A new set of sheets in, and old set of sheets out.

This rule works on two levels- my amount of stuff will never increase. And also, before I buy something I have to ask myself what I am willing to get rid of. If I can't think of anything, then I don't buy the item. Thus, sensible spending!