33 Quotes by Francine Jay

Every day, I commit to purging one item from my house. It can be anything – like a worn-out pair of socks, a book I’ll never read again, a gift I could live without, a shirt that doesn’t fit, or an old magazine article. It doesn’t take much effort, and at the end of the year, my home is at least 365 items lighter.

Want less. Advertisers, marketers, and corporations will do everything in their power to make you want more. But to be richer, happier, and freer, all you need to do is want less.

Remember, your stuff is not a record of your life – you are.

Most importantly, by not buying, we redefine ourselves: by what we do, what we think, and who we love, rather than what we have. And in the process, we rediscover the meaning in our lives.

Remember: you are not what you own. Storing all those books doesn’t make you any smarter; it just makes your life more cluttered.

The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.” –Marcus Aurelius, 121–180 AD.

Decluttering is infinitely easier when you think of it as deciding what to keep, rather than deciding what to throw away.

Since my house burnt down, I now own a better view Of the rising moon.

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.