How much is the 'just right' amount of stuff?
Is there a set 'just right' amount?
When you are tidying up, you inevitably have to face your belongings, deciding whether to 'discard,' 'keep,' or 'buy more.' That is when the amount of stuff becomes a concern.
'How much do people usually have?'
'I wonder how much other households keep on hand.'
Don't you ever wonder about things like that?
I used to wonder, 'What is it like in other homes?' I would think about towels, dishes, or detergent stocks, wondering, 'Do other homes have more... is this too little?' or 'I have no idea what is normal.'
But you know, there is actually no clear right answer. Because everyone's life is different. Since values differ from person to person, the 'just right' amount is different for everyone.
The 'just right' amount varies by person
The 'just right' amount is different for everyone.
For example, some people feel a sense of security living with minimal items like a minimalist, while others feel secure by keeping extra stock, believing that 'it is better to be safe than sorry.' In addition to that, the amount of necessary items changes depending on family structure, living environment, and lifestyle.
Therefore, it is not about what is right or wrong; if the person can live comfortably, that is the 'just right' amount.
If you feel like you are enduring something or feeling stressed by owning things or letting them go, perhaps now is not the right time?
Rather than forcing yourself to reduce or increase things, first try facing how you own your belongings. It is important to find a form that you can be satisfied with.
However, even if you think, 'I want to be clutter-free!', your family might not share the same idea. This is the difficult part of tidying up as a family.
Respect each family member's values and try reviewing how you own things together so that everyone can be satisfied. By doing so, you can create an opportunity to face your belongings without force.
The amount of stuff changes
Also, you don't have to think that once you decide on a 'just right' amount, it must stay the same forever.
For example, as children grow, the things they need change. While toys decrease, school supplies, club activity equipment, and hobby items increase.
Also, necessary items can change due to moving or lifestyle changes. If you move from a large house to a compact home, you have to carefully select your belongings, and conversely, if your space increases, you will have more room for storage.
Furthermore, after experiencing disasters, your way of thinking about 'preparedness' might change. You might have thought a minimum stock was fine, but then start increasing your stockpile just in case.
The same goes for when your own values change. Someone who used to feel secure having many clothes might start to feel that just a few carefully selected favorite items are enough.
It is natural for the 'just right' amount to change along with changes in your life. It is important to review it flexibly from time to time.
Tips for finding your 'just right' amount
If you want to find your 'just right' amount, try being conscious of the following.
・If it doesn't get in the way, it's okay to keep it for now
(If there is no burden on space or management, there is no need to force a reduction)
・Think about 'Why do I have this?'
(Do you really use it? Is it for peace of mind? Just because? Was it expensive?)
・Review periodically
(Does it really fit your current life? Is there anything you no longer need? Is the space to keep it necessary?)
Try to focus on 'creating a state that is comfortable for you right now' rather than reducing or increasing things.
The 'just right' amount for you
Everyone's way of living and thinking is different. That is precisely why it is natural for the 'just right amount of stuff' to differ from person to person.
Do not force yourself to reduce, or conversely, feel guilty for having too much. It is important to find the 'just right amount' that is comfortable for you.
By reviewing periodically, you should be able to find the 'just right amount' for yourself and your family!
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