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Comment by sliverstorm | Hacker News Reader

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sliverstorm·

It's difficult to simplify past a certain point. I want to reduce more, but I'm at the point where I have:

1: Some clothes

2: Tools

3: Key things (laptop, vehicle, phone)

4: Books

5: Food and some dishes

I know tools and books are the next in line, but I value books highly and tools just as much. I haven't got a tool I don't absolutely require at least occasionally.

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I think the idea is to find a way to have access to those items (that you need only occasionally) when you need them. Something like zipcar (for those who need vehicular transport only for weekend groceries for example). IMO on-demand is the way to go for nearly everything.

Also, http://unclutterer.com/2010/05/11/evicting-justin-case/

Living in a cooperative - or at least taking inspiration from them - helps a lot with this problem in my experience. When you don't need, lend. When you need - borrow. Mobility also requires 'the cloud' - that cloud is a society you are well connected to. Hence cooperative living.

For books, get a Kindle. I did that 2 weeks ago. Since then I have sold or given away most of my books. It took 1 more thing away.

I'm just waiting for my Sony PRS-600 to arrive. I hope it allows me to get rid of a bunch of my fiction books too.

Actually, didn't mention that, but I have one :) Massively reduces my book collection, and it rocks. But, I also have a sizable collection of textbooks I'm keeping as reference books.

I'm roughly at the same point. Ultimately for me I need to decide if, on a deep level, having these things are worth more then maintaining these things.

I found that the answer was deciding what is the simplest version of my life that reflects goals, dreams, values and makes me happy, and then to live out those facets with a simple mindset.

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