The Power of a “What If We Didn't Own This?” Bag

This summer, with four kids at home, one being a newborn, I haven't been as vigilant of a gatekeeper as usual regarding what enters our house.

My focus has been more on soaking up baby snuggles than redirecting the influx of random stuff (usually kid-related) that seems to be a natural part of living in our culture.

A no-longer-loved Happy Meal toy from an outing with Dad here, an empty container of slime (still not sure where the contents of that one ever ended up) there.

You get the picture.

As I'm tuning back into our home environment, resetting areas as we start up homeschooling, I've found myself scanning our living space and asking a question—seemingly on repeat:

“What if we didn't own this?”

For me, minimalism has always been about experimenting. About clearing away the excess and observing.

And though I've long since proved the “less is more” theory to be true (owning less stuff absolutely makes space for more of what matters and more life), I continue to experiment with minimalism as I journey deeper into this lifestyle and as our seasons of life change.

This month has called for the development of a new experimentation tool: the “What If We Didn't Own This?” Bag.

It's a reusable grocery bag that hangs in our hall closet. And, man, is it powerful.

Here's an example of how it works:

Read the full article here!

Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, one-year-old son, and newborn baby girl. You can also find her on Instagram.