10 Things These Minimalists Thought They'd Miss (But Don't)

Minimalists weighed in on the minimalism subreddit about items they thought they would regret decluttering, but now they’re happier than ever. Here are ten popular items that were not missed.

What's something you decluttered that you thought you'd miss but don't at all?

1. “To reads”

Books can make a home feel warm and cozy, but too many completely useless copies aren’t good for anything. These minimalists didn’t miss their decluttered books at all.

Piles of "to read" books. Now that they're outta here, my space feels better and I feel less pressure to read them.

For me the one of the biggest things I let go was my book collection. I know people may not consider them sentimental, but to me they were. I felt like they were my personality, and I collected them and displayed them for over a decade.

After reading ‘Goodbye, Things’ by Fumio Sasaki (my first step into the world of minimalism) I realised that they were weighing me down. I donated all of my books to the library at my local high school and bought myself a kindle. I still have access to the books and do enjoy going through them from time to time. Some still have the old train tickets and receipts I used as bookmarks.

2. Collections

Some collections are a joy to find, display, and care for. But…those are few and far between.

All collections. Artwork, jewelry, teaware, clothing, CDs, books, etc. I thought I was making a big mistake as I got rid of almost all of it, but I haven't missed any of it.

3. Sentimental clothes

Sentimental clothing can make nice display items (if you really, really love a piece), a quilt, a teddy bear, or some other up-cycled memorabilia item. But this minimalist found it easier to ditch it all and keep the memories in their heart instead.

Clothing that had “sentimental” appeal (school jerseys, summer camp shirts)… the memories are in my head and heart, not in the clothes

4. Holiday items

Holiday decor can be a fun activity and tradition, but if you’re doing it out of obligation, it’s a real fun sucker.

Holiday decorations. It's been 3 years now, no Christmas tree, couldn't care less

5. Fantasy self art supplies

The fantasy self really rears its head when it comes to crafting supplies!

6. Sentimental items

Sentimental things are some of the most complicated things to declutter, but this Reddit user found massive relief from letting some of that go.

Sentimental stuff for sure. Turns out it was my heaviest weight on my shoulders. I like my memories better now than when I had the hardcopies. I still have some, just much more meaningful & condensed to what it was.

7. College textbooks

I’m guilty of hanging on to old textbooks. I’ve even thrifted more of them! And I do enjoy reading through once, but I don’t need to keep a stack for “future reference”. When are you doing Trig as an adult, babe? Pass it on.

8. Susan

I bet Susan is happy to be rid of jpig98, too.

9. Home decor

Professional stylists will tell you that empty space is just as–if not more–important than filled space! Let your favorite items breathe by culling out the not-favs.