In Southern California, many members of the Chinese community enjoy hosting Yard Sales. Ms. Zheng, a resident of Norco, Riverside County, is a firm believer in the concept of decluttering. As she prepares to retire in Taiwan, she has decided to sell most of her unused household items. From October 11 to 12, she hosted a Yard Sale in her backyard, offering various items that had originally cost tens to hundreds of dollars for less than ten dollars, attracting neighbors and passersby eager to find great deals.
At over seventy years old, Ms. Zheng has lived in Norco for more than two decades. She describes the city as quiet and safe, with friendly neighbors. Together with her husband, she plans to return to Taiwan for retirement in 2025. Ms. Zheng emphasizes her commitment to decluttering, letting go of unnecessary possessions. With assistance from friends, she organized the Yard Sale, featuring a variety of items including bed sheets, towels, kitchenware, books, flower pots, glass planters, frying pans, cast iron cookware, an auto-off kettle, a coffee maker, a Tianjin rug, floor lamps, table lamps, artwork, and more.
She mentions that some items were never used, while others had only been used a few times. For example, she has a silk scarf that was originally priced over a hundred dollars but is now selling for just a few dollars. Her coffee maker, originally also worth several dozen dollars, is being sold for just a few dollars. Most items at her Yard Sale are priced under ten dollars, which prompted several curious neighbors to stop by, eager to snag a bargain.
Reflecting on her decluttering philosophy, Ms. Zheng shares that it stems from a Japanese lifestyle approach aimed at helping people reduce their reliance on material possessions, simplify their lives, and find inner peace. She elaborates, “To declutter means to refuse unnecessary items, to learn to distinguish what is essential from what is excessive, and to release any burdens.” Letting go refers to discarding things that don’t positively affect one’s life, as well as learning to move on from the past. Lastly, she explains that distancing oneself from unneeded social interactions can help in shedding past burdens, leading to a simpler, more carefree life. Ms. Zheng has adhered to this philosophy for over ten years, finding her life meaningful and enriching, and feeling lighter and healthier both physically and mentally.
Moreover, Ms. Zheng maintains an active lifestyle. Her backyard is home to various fruit trees, including guava, guava, and jujube, which she diligently fertilizes and prunes. Thanks to her focus on exercise and nutrition, she appears youthful and vibrant, showcasing an energetic personality that belies her actual age.
