Living a Giving (Uncluttered) Life

Winston S. Churchill once said,
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

One morning, I opened my mail and noticed an advertisement offering a free 14-day challenge to help people cut down on life’s clutter and discover more balance, freedom, and joy.

The ad explained that decluttering often feels overwhelming, so they would send one daily tip to help unclutter one area of life at a time. They promised that at the end of 14 days, you would be a happier person.

That message set me thinking and took me down memory lane.

Learning to Let Go Through Life’s Moves

Early in our marriage, my husband and I tried planning ways to keep our home uncluttered, but it rarely worked. The only times we truly decluttered were when we moved houses—especially when we moved cities.

In our 24 years of marriage, we have moved nearly ten houses and twice out of Bangalore.

Our first move was to be closer to my mother, who was caring for our baby daughter. We were just two years into our marriage. I was shocked by how many things we had accumulated, especially books. Books were the hardest to part with, as both of us had our own collections.

Teaching Generosity to Our Children

Our next move took us to another city and state for my husband’s studies. We knew this move would last four years, so we had to let go of many belongings.

When we left, our daughter was two years old. When we returned, she was six. I still remember her watching me give away all her baby clothes to one of our service staff who had just had a baby. She chose to keep only her pants, shirts, and toy cars—believing she would someday get a baby brother. I agreed, as she had generously given away everything else.

That moment taught her an important lesson: giving brings joy to those who receive and those who give.

The Power of Giving Multiplies

Our next move was to the UK, again for studies. The college provided a fully furnished house, so we needed only clothes and food. Leaving India after eight years was emotionally difficult for me, as I tend to hold on to memories. Some boxes had not been opened in years.

My husband had a simple rule: If you haven’t opened a box or needed its contents in the last three to four years, you probably don’t need it. Though painful—especially when it came to books—I eventually gave them away to the campus library, where many could benefit from them.

While in the UK, we experienced something remarkable. Everything we had given away in India seemed to return to us in abundance. When we later moved into an unfurnished house, friends generously filled our home with furniture—so much that we eventually had to say we had enough.

When we left the UK, we passed on everything we owned to an African family who had just arrived. That was when I truly understood the ripple effect of giving—how it declutters our lives while spreading joy far beyond us.

A Family Practice of Generosity

For the past 16 years, we have lived on a college campus where one day each year is set aside for giving away used items. These are sold to people from nearby villages for a rupee or two—just enough to assign value. The money raised is donated to charity.

This has become a January tradition. Whenever we buy something new, we look for something to give away and place it in our “giveaway box.” Our children have embraced this habit too. Throughout the year, we consciously look for things we can give away.

This practice has taught them generosity and the importance of not holding on unnecessarily.

More Than a Clean Home

Instead of throwing things away, we have learned as a family that giving fills us with joy, balance, and freedom—just as the advertisement promised. Hoarding and clutter never provide that satisfaction.

Giving helps our home stay clean and peaceful, while also giving us the deeper joy of spreading happiness.

Start the Ripple Where You Live

If this resonates with you, consider starting something similar in your apartment complex or residential area. Gather a few families, choose a simple project, collect usable items, and pass them on to those in need.

Watch how love spreads—quietly, powerfully—making the world a better place for our children.

As a popular song says:

“Love isn’t love till you give it away.
Why don’t you give some today?”

The ripple effect created by one small gift is truly limitless.