First of all, let's make a distinction. There are things which you need to survive (which is a pretty small list) and things you need to function in modern Western society (which is quite a bit longer). I will be listing the second. This however, will not be a perfect list. There will be things I leave out you actually do need for your personal lifestyle and things I leave in that you do not really need. But I hope seeing this list (and what is not on it) will help you realize that many things you are holding on to are just things you want, not things you really need. This is not to say you shouldn't have things you want (you absolutely should), but to remind you they are not real necessities.
Now, onto my list of what most people really need to live in modern Western society:
SS card
Birth Certificate
Tax paperwork (could be kept digitally)
1 house/apartment (own or rent)
the paperwork that goes with that
Drivers license
1 car or bicycle (if you don't have sufficient public transport)
Car/house keys
1 folder to hold all the important paperwork
Debit Card
Cash
Cell Phone
Cell Phone charger
cell phone case (that has pocket for cash & cards)
laptop
laptop charger
1 purse, bag, or backpack to hold stuff you need to take to work/school
A mattress (you don't need a box spring or a frame)
1 set of sheets
1 pillow
1 blanket that is warm enough for winter
1 set of PJ's (or not if you like to sleep without)
7 outfits for work (If you can do laundry once a week)
3-6 outfits for yardwork/exercise
1 winter coat
1 lighter jacket for spring/fall
laundry soap
laundry basket/bag
1 pair of shoes
1 water bottle (for hot and cold drinks)
1 pot (w/lid)
1 frying pan (w/lid)
1 oven pan (w/lid)
2-4 cooking utensils
1 fork
1 spoon
1 bowel
1 plate
2-8 food storage containers
1 small sharp knife (doubles as butter knife)
1 large sharp knife
1 cutting board
3-6 other cooking items (This depends on how you cook. I personally need a can opener, strainer, mixing bowl, & peeler.)
Food (This is a huge category, but remember, only what you need to function. Anything for fun or that is unhealthy is not a necessity.)
Important medications
1 Kitchen towel
2 kitchen wash clothes/rags
dish soap
1 dish scrubber (whatever you prefer, although you could just use your hands)
1 dining room table & chairs
seating in the living room (although technically blankets and pillows would do)
toilet paper
hand soap
1 hand towel
1 wash cloth
shampoo (doubles as body soap)
1 bath towel
1 lotion/skin oil
toothbrush
toothpaste
floss
1 all purpose cleaner
1 rag
1 desk
1-3 pens/pencils
mental/work/school necessities (this could be books, art, notebooks, hobby supplies, religious items, tools, craft supplies, tech, etc. but remember, only what you need, not stuff you don't use on a daily/weekly basis)
Have any major issues with my list? Do you mostly agree with my list? Find something on here you don't need? Something not on here you absolutely need? Or what did this list make you realize you can let go of? Comment below!
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