Family keeps stuffing my pared-down life with their extras

I've been clearing out my place for months to live with less. Every time I see my family, they bring over bags of things they think I should have. Last Sunday, my sister showed up with three throw pillows she didn't want anymore. I told her I'm trying to keep surfaces clear, but she just shrugged and left them on my couch. Now I have to figure out how to donate them without hurting her feelings. It's exhausting to defend my empty spaces to people who don't get it. This kind of stuff makes sticking to minimalism harder than I expected.

3 comments

3 Comments

lee.kelly1mo ago

Honestly, this hits home for me. My aunt is always dropping off old kitchen stuff she thinks I need. I've got a cabinet full of things I never use, but she gets upset if I try to say no. It feels like a constant battle to keep my place how I want it. Tbh, I've started just donating things right away to avoid the guilt.

johnbrown1mo ago

Donating it right away? That's the way to go.

lunah541mo ago

Your aunt gets upset if you say no? That's rough. I'd probably end up with a kitchen full of junk too. Donating right away is a good move though.