We’re thinking of upgrading from a two- to three-bedroom house. Last weekend, we toured several neighborhoods and found something that we liked. We’re putting an offer on one, but it’s contingent on selling the one we live in now. In order to do that, the realtor wants to come and take pictures of our crammed, little house. So, that means in the next three days I need to clear out one third of everything we own. At least.

A couple weekends ago, we visited some friends of ours that had a very clean and orderly home. There were no piles of toys in the corners, or papers on countertops or coat racks straining to hold half it’s residents’ wardrobe. Their sparkling kitchen would pass the inspection of any high-end restaurant. The shed held just the mower and some lawn chairs. Who lives like this?

Tim was sure that they had just moved in, but they told us they had lived there for four years. We talked to them, and they were happy to share their outlook on housekeeping. In short, they lived in the present. If something broke, they bought a new one and got rid of the old one. They didn’t keep toys, sports equipment or projects that their child was no longer interested in. Once the paper work was done, it was gone. Unmatched socks, bye, bye. Abandoned hobby? Better luck next time.

For us, we have a few hang-ups causing our clutter. A lot of what we have is contingency items. We have back ups and extras. I got new shoes, but I kept the old “just in case.” We have old cables from electronics that we don’t use any more. My pantry is stuffed with cans of creamed corn that we’re never going to eat. My closets have kits and supplies for DIY arts and crafts that never were.

The hall closet of the clean house had three jackets; one for each of them. No history of coats. Their shelves had a few decorative items, but not an exhaustive library of every book they’ve ever read. I have a library cards to both the county and college libraries. We have a subscription to Netflix and Hulu—no dusty DVDs need apply.

So, as we prepare to sell one house and move into another, we are leaving the Museum of Us behind. Will we bring our photos? Sure, but the old receipts, abandoned projects and clutter won’t be making the trip. “You can’t take it with you” is for now.