I have had that nagging feeling but never found the courage to downsize and declutter my home.
Some years ago, I wanted to do it, and I read a lot about the process of living a minimalist life. And then the crisis in Venezuela exploded, and my husband, who is much more attached to things than me, every time he saw me ready to give something away, told me not to throw it away or give it away because with the crisis in the country we didn't know when we would need it. Time passed, and the situation continued, although less severe, and I still have a house full of things that I don't use and that I don't think I will ever use. I lack the courage to get rid of it. And your article is quite inspiring, I don't know if I could live permanently in a space as small as a narrowboat, but it's a good exercise to ask myself what I would bring with me if I move to one.
Hello @coquicoin, I totally get what your husband expresses about the "what if's". I think it's a smart question, and sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do it. It's takes a lot of courage so don't be too hard on yourself.
I think it became easier for me because I was always uprooting to go live in different countries.
When you start to travel possessions weight you down more and become obstacles; That forces you to make practical decisions.
Scaling down to this size was not easy, but maybe you could start with a little at a time.
Set yourself goals: maybe test few items to see if you use them for 6 months, and then after 6 months, move them to another location (like an archive, so to speak), and then if not used for a year, then find someone dear to you to give the item to.
Thank you for your nice feedback:)
I think one day you'll find the entire thing easier.