Saving For A Rainy Day

This is the mantra for pack rat that justifies keeping an insane amount of stuff. The way people behave, you would think they were all part of the boy scouts: always prepared. No matter what the circumstance, one wants to be ready. Of course, as I found out, this is in direct opposition to the minimalist mindset.

As I was embarking upon my journey, I realized that I had a lot of stuff that fit into the 'in case' category. What I mean is that I had a ton of items I didnt need but hung onto on the off chance I might need them. Naturally, this led to a lot of space in my life being taken up.

An example was tonight when we were going through a basket. We uncovered a multitude of bottles of sample size shampoos and conditioners that the hotels give you free when you stay. When I asked, the response was, I keep them in case we go away. Well slap me twice and call me Suzie. This is insanity if I ever saw it.

Needless to say, I can tell you what shampoo is going to be used first in our house. The truth of the matter is that my life is focused upon creating freedom, thus some options were put on the back burner. In the next year, a trip to Europe is not on the agenda. Therefore, the need for travel size shampoo and conditioner (I am bald by the way) isnt going to be necessary. We will use them up and be done with that concept.

This is not uncommon. I am finding a bunch of stuff that falls into the same category. The sad part of this is that many items are replaced for a minor outlay of money. Honestly, if we were to travel tomorrow, how much would a bottle of shampoo cost? A couple of bucks. Besides, if we stay at a decent motel, there will be more of the sample size bottles there.

And that is the lesson. Why retain things that are easily replaced at a minimal cost. I understand that getting rid of things is wasteful. However, sitting unused in a closet is not the best use of something either. Get rid of it. I find that many of the items I am tossing, if the need for them should come up, I can run to the hardware store and buy the items needed. It isnt a big deal.

Of course, this concept is baffling to the pack rats. That is why most are held hostage by their stuff. They cannot envision life absent of a closet full of stuff. To a person of this ilk, no matter what happens, they will be prepared. As a minimalist, I would rather be free from the burden of all that stuff and buy it if the need should arise. Consider this when you come across something that you 'might' need. My philosophy is that might means get rid of it. Unless I am certain I am going to use it, it goes.

From this point forward, there are no rainy days to prepare for.