An Insanely Detailed Inventory of Everything I Own (really)

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As someone who constantly seeks more time and less to manage, I’ve realized that one of the best solutions is surprisingly simple: own less stuff. Not only does it free up time, money, and mental energy, but owning less also helps me lighten my environmental footprint and live more sustainably.

While I consider myself a minimalist, my approach is flexible—it's about having just the right amount of things to support my best life, without clutter or excess.

Over the years, many of you have asked me how much of this or that I own, so I decided to take a complete inventory of my home and share it with you here. I realize this is slightly insane, but I found this documenting exercize oddly meditative. Please note, this isn’t a guide to the "right" amount of stuff—it's simply a snapshot of how our family of four (plus our Aussie!) thrives with less than the average American household.

One surprising outcome? Just the act of writing down every single item we own made me spot areas of excess that I hadn’t noticed before. It even inspired me to edit further (like, do we really need that aspirational picnic set or the rubber stamps we never use?).

This list will likely change over time, as life isn’t static. But for now, it reflects what feels like the perfect amount of stuff for our family in this moment.

Photography by Vivian Johnson

Note: I’m not listing what the girls or Jordan own individually, but it’s just the basics - clothes, books, electronics, and a handful of personal items and mementos.

Entry Storage

• 5x Market Totes

• Large Sunscreen

• 1x Dog Leash

• 1x Dog Harness

• 1x Ball

• 2x Dog Towels

• Basket for Mail

• 4x Sun Hats

• 4x Jackets

Living Room

• Sectional

• Coffee Table

• Chair

• Credenza

• Media Cabinet

• Bench w/ Pillows

• Rug

• 2x Lamps; 1x Speaker Light

• 6x Coasters

• 2x Candles

• Photo Albums

• 6x Family Games; Playing Cards

• Tech Bin (charging cords and headphones)

• 25x Coffee Table Books (eek!)

• 3x Throw Blankets, 8x Throw Pillows

Dining Room

• Dining Table

• 4x Dining Chairs

• 1x Bench with Pillows

• 2x Bar Stools

• Rug

• Pedestal Dish

• Framed Art

• 8x Design Books

• My Work Essentials: Laptop, Printer & Paper, Computer Stand, Microphone, Ring Light, Reference Materials, Blank Notebooks, Index Cards + Pens

• Household Essentials: Water Colors, Colored Markers, Organizing Labels, Washi Tape, Scissors, Tissue Paper, Paper Gift Bags, Ribbon,

Hosting Essentials: 4x Candles, 8x Outdoor Plates, 6x Serving Platters, 6x Small Ceramic Bowls, 10x Napkins, 12x Cocktail Glasses, 8x Champagne Glasses, 2x Pitchers, 1x Ice Bucket, 1x Champagne Bucket, 3x Vases

Photography by Vivian Johnson

Kitchen

• 10x Cookbooks

• 1x Cookbook Stand

• 2x Ceramic Pitchers

• 2-Tier Organizer for Onions/Garlic/Herbs/Salt/ Pepper

• 1x Spice Rack; 1x Salt Grinder; 1x Pepper Grinder

• Appliances: Toaster Oven, Cuisinart, Stand and Hand Mixer, Ice Cream Maker, Vitamix; Coffee Grinder, Electric Kettle, Chemex

• Serving Essentials: 10x Wine Glasses, 6x Drinking Glasses, 6x Coffee Mugs, 12x Dinner Plates, 8x Soup Bowls, 6x Ice Cream Bowls, 8x Flatware Sets; 2x Oversized Serving Bowls

• Utensils: Peeler, Can Opener, Knife Sharpener, Microplane, 2x Salad Servers; 2x Ice Cream Scoops; 5x Spatulas; 5x Spoons; 3x Cheese Knives

• Baking Essentials: Cookie Cutters, Piping Bags, Sifter, Rolling Pin, Hand Mixer, 3x Mixing Bowls, Measuring Cups + Spoons, Grater, 1x Set Pyrex Baking Dishes w/ Lids,

• Cooking Essentials: 4x Cutting Boards, 3x Knives (paring, bread, chef), 4x Sheet Pans, 3x Pots, 3x Pans, 1x Colander, Juicer, 2x Tongs, Whisk

• Food Storage: 6x Food Storage Containers, Aluminum Foil, Freezer Bags, Compostable Paper Snack Bags

• Household Essentials: Toolbox, Laundry Detergent, Wool Dryer Balls, Stain Remover, All Purpose Cleaning Solution, 3x Glass Spray Bottles, Paper Towels, Hand Soap, Dish Soap, Dish Brush, Sponge, Pet Meds, Fire Extinguisher, Flashlight, Packing Tape, Vitamins, Garbage Bags, Cordless Vacuum

• Pantry Essentials; 30x Glass Jars with Non-Perishable Food, 2x Bins for Non-Perishable Snacks + Treats

• Party Essentials: Compostable Plates, Napkins, Forks, Cups, Votive Candles, Birthday Candles, 2x Wine Openers, Toothpicks, Drink Dispenser, Lantern

• Utility Drawer: Pens, Index Cards, Stamps, Checkbooks, Wine Stoppers, Wine Openers, Scissors, Packing Tape, Paper Clips,

Linen Closet

• 3x Sets Bedding

• 4x Bath Towels

• 4x Beach Towels

• First Aid Kit; Heating Pad

• Nail Polish Kit

• 2x Laundry Bins

• Household Manual / Important Docs

• Travel Essentials: Travel Adapter Set, Passports, Wireless Charger, Packing Cubes, 4x Stocked Toiletry Kits (4x Carry-On Suitcases in Chloe’s Closet)

Our Tiny Bathroom

• In the Shower: Communal Face Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash

• In the 2-Drawer Vanity: Hand Soap, Qtips, Cotton Pads, Toilet Paper, Hair Tools, Hair Brushes, Hair Bands, Feminine Products, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss, Epsom Salts, Girls’ Hair Masks, Bath Bombs, Body Scrubs

Trash Can, Mini Trash Bags

Photography by Vivian Johnson

Primary Bedroom

• Bed / Bedding

• Dresser

• 2x Nightstands

• 2x Reading Lamps

• Flat Screen TV (don’t judge)

• Bench

• Rug

• Clock

• Mirror

• Pouch with Everyday Makeup

• 2x Perfume

• 2x Candles

• Books / Journal / Hand Cream

• 10x Books

• Usually Fresh Flower

My Wardrobe

• Trench Coat

• Winter Puffer

• Jean Jacket

• 4x Button Up Shirts

• 4x Blazers/Light Jackets

• 15x Blouses

• 3x Sweaters

• 5x Maxi Dresses

• 1x Black Tie Dress

• 5x T-Shirts

• 15x Jeans ( I know!)

• 10x Socks

• 10x Underwear 5x Bras

• 3x Sweatshirts

• 2x Sets Loungewear

• 3x Sets PJs

• 6x Leggings; 5x Sports Bras; 7x Workout Tanks

• 3x Heels

• 3x Flats

• 6x Sneakers

• Seasonal: 1x Swimsuit; 1x Swim Cover Up; Warm Hat; Earmuffs

• 1x Robe / 1x Slippers

• 5x Handbags; 1x Wallet; 2x Clutches

• Jewelry; 5x Gold Necklaces; 2x Gold Hoops; 6x Rings; 8x Studs (in my ears!)

Small, Scary Basement

• 3x Fans (always hot!)

• House Paint

• Jordan’s Wine (I don’t drink much)

• Cooler

• Camping Backpack (Chloe’s, for her annual camp backpacking trip)

• 2x Sleeping Bags

• 2x Sleeping Pads

• 150x Duralex Glasses (for large parties)

• Boot and Crutches (so many foot injuries over here!)

• 12x Airtight Bins (taxes + family mementos)

Outside

• 6x Potted Olive Trees (only thing we don’t kill… yet)

• Dining Table and Benches

• 2x Patio Umbrellas

• 2x Heat Lamps

• Soccer Goal and Balls

Photography by Vivian Johnson

By living intentionally with less, we have freed up so much time for socializing with friends, traveling, and enjoying cozy weekends and dinner parties without panicking about the piles.

Your Turn: I encourage you to try this simple exercise for yourself. Take stock of your belongings and reflect on these prompts (no need to inventory everything like an insane person):

• What does *enough* look like to you?

• Where does the excess present itself in your home or life?

• What could you let go of to live greater in alignment with your ideal version of *enough*?

Questions about my list? Comments? Please share in the chat below.

Tour My Cozy Minimalist Home

Bay Area Book Launch Invite: It’s a dream that the local book launch and celebration for my new book, LifeStyled will be hosted by local designer Erica Tanov at her stunning studio and showroom. Join us for a moderated conversation and Q/A, welcome bites, wine from Sophie James wine, book signing, and curated holiday shopping and complimentary gift wrap. Tickets will sell out fast for this one - Get them here!

#NoNewThings Wins: Didn’t buy anything this week - even though I found myself really wanting this blouse, these Japanese scissors, and these very overpriced sweats - ha! Instead of shopping, I’ve been logging a list of the things I don’t buy and the money saved, reading more, enjoying long walks, and taking my favorite yoga class (free week here).

A Sweet Deal: Organized Living is half-off this week only! Grab one here if you’re not doing the #NoNewThings challenge with me this month!

Just Launched: Minimalista has just launched at Target stores all across the country (!). If you see it out in the wild, will you do me a favor and send me a pic? Landing this account was a huge deal, and I am so excited to see it in real life. TIA!

Get Organized Master Class: Learn how to edit, organize, and elevate your home like a pro. To the course

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Curated Recs: My fewer better faves for your home, life, and wardrobe. To the recs

Get the Books: Actionable strategies to clear clutter, get organized, & elevate your home and life. To the books

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