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*Article Courtesy of The Minimalists

In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about dealing with material possessions while moving, and they answer the following questions:

• In preparing to move to a more spacious place, how can I prepare appropriately to ensure I hold to my minimalist practices and not fill it with unnecessary items?
• How can I help my children purge much of their superfluous belongings during a move, yet still make it fun for them?
• How do I ensure I pack only what I need when moving?
• How do I politely refuse family heirlooms and other donations from family when they’re moving?

Listen to the Podcast

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

• Joshua on finding inexpensive or free moving boxes: “If you have less stuff, you’ll need fewer boxes.”
• Ryan on finding inexpensive or free moving boxes: “Between friends, family, and local grocery stores, you can find a lot of cardboard boxes for free.”
• Joshua on determining what to keep and what to purge: “Distinguish between just-for-when and just-in-case items. Let go of just-in-case items with the 20/20 Rule, and apply the 90/90 Rule when dealing with just-for-when items.”
• Ryan on determining what to keep and what to purge: “It doesn’t matter what rules you follow, as long as you’re following rules that fit within your lifestyle.”
• Joshua on determining what to sell, what to donate, and what to give away: “Moving is the perfect time to throw a literal packing party.”
• Ryan on determining what to sell, what to donate, and what to give away: “When selling possessions, it’s important to determine the value of your time versus the sunk cost of the items.”
• Joshua on parting with sentimental items: “The first step in letting go is understanding that our memories aren’t inside our things—our memories are inside us.”
• Ryan on parting with sentimental items: “Start small—give away one sentimental item to see how it feels. If you can’t sleep at night, ask them to return it.”
• Joshua on determining what is essential: “Ask yourself, ‘How do I want to live?’ Build your home and your stuff around that life.”
• Ryan on determining what is essential: “Don’t bring things into your home just because there’s a space for it—instead, ask, ‘What is going to serve a purpose or bring me joy?’”
• Joshua on forcing children to adopt minimalist practices: “The road to discontent is cluttered with good intentions.”