How can I avoid being materialistic?

Question

I am not like totally attached to anything I have. I don't think I am very materialistic to begin with, but how do I avoid being materialistic?

We have limited space and I like to collect certain things. What would you call out of hand when it comes to collecting.

How much stuff does a person really need?

Answer 1

A drive through the 'poor side of town' can really put it in perspective. I have a friend that said when her children would have a pity party because they couldn't have all they wanted she would put them in the car and slowly drive through the projects. It was a real attitude changer.

I clean my house with the thoughts of do I really want an item or would I rather have it sold at the thrift store and the money go toward helping someone. It really helps me give up the things I hold on to but rarely really appreciate.

I think you should be able to collect things that give you joy but just make sure it is not excessive. Does it take up so much space that it makes your home seem cramped? Would you feel happier if you had less stuff and more space? Box it up for a month and see how it feels.

Melisa

www.DecorateMyHome.net

( weekly tips on making your home the best it can be)

Answer 2

I would suggest:

do something cheap/free. instead of going out to eat, make a picnic. go to a museum, library, lake, pool, etc. to learn to appreciate things that aren't costly.

I get rid of stuff regularly. if you realize that there's space that you can't use because you're storing stuff, it's time to get rid of something. i used to save everything for "when i had a bigger place" but ended up with a room that was unusable because of stuff!

I found a yahoo group called 'freecycle' in my area that lets you post free stuff and people come pick it up. it's just in your one city, so you know the people are local. or post it (for sale or free) on craigslist.

Answer 3

That's tricky, in our society we're all rather guilty of being a too materialistic. I'm not perfect I recognize that I should be more giving, but perhaps we should start by carefully considering what we need before buying items. Also donating unwanted or rarely used belongings is a good idea. I think I have too many belongings and am due to donate some stuff. Usually the red cross, smith family or other charities are willing to collect unwanted items.