While living minimal applies to all aspects of life, the idea of purging your “stuff” is often the denominator in how people describe themselves as minimalists. This type of thinking leads to relentless, constant purging and placing artificial limits on ownership to a certain number of items. But what amount of purging equates to a minimalist life? The truth is it’s different for everyone.

There are good reasons to purge. If something breaks and is not repairable, if circumstances or tastes change, or when something sits unused, it is easy to get rid of it. However, if you are looking for the secret to an organized life and home, purging alone is not the answer. The secret to controlling stuff is knowing what is “enough” for you.

The easiest purge of all is to not bring things you don’t really need into your life. Think seriously about every item before you bring it home. If it is not something necessary, providing true value and enjoyment, or valued for some other reason, then it is likely to be a drain on your time, energy, and resources without giving anything back.

It goes without saying that our relationship with God and with family is far more important than the “stuff” that consumes our life when we let it. By all means, keep anything that is important to you and continue to enjoy the warmth and character it brings to your home and to your newly minimalist life.