33 Quotes by Francine Jay

Generally speaking, our stuff can be divided into three categories: useful stuff, beautiful stuff, and emotional stuff.

We are not what we own; we are what we do, what we think and who we love.

My goal is no longer to get more done, but rather to have less to do.

Your home is living space, not storage space.

The problem: we put more value on our stuff than on our space

As we examine our things with a critical eye, we may be surprised how much of it commemorates our past, represents our hopes for the future, or belongs to our imaginary selves. Unfortunately, devoting too much of our space, time and energy to these things keeps us from living in the present.

Anything you use often, and which truly adds value to your life, is a welcome part of a minimalist household

Ask each item, "What are you and what do you do?" "How did you come into my life?" "Did I buy you, or were you given to me?" "How often do I use you?" "Would I replace you if you were lost or broken, or would I be relieved to be rid of you?" "Did I ever want you in the first place?" Be honest with your answers–you won't hurt your stuff's feelings

At some point I realized that I wasn’t organizing my life; I was organizing my clutter.