Minimizing?

I want to decrease the amount of stuff that I own.  After reading many blogs and books written by those who embrace the practice of minimalism I have come to the conclusion that I really don't want and certainly don't need all the stuff that I have.  However, while I think it would be great to be able to pack all my belongings in a couple of suitcases I don't think I could do it as I also want to be prepared for emergency situations such as what happened in New York and New Jersey when hurricane Sandy hit the east coast.  In addition, I have a small family plus one dog, one cat, and one horse and each requires their own stuff.  So... how to have it all while not having all that much?

Perhaps I should start with the easiest one; the cat.

Needs: litter, litter box, litter scoop, cat carrier with pad, cat food, water, two bowls - not too bad.

Next, the dog.

Needs: leash, buckle collar, training collar, extendable leash, dog food, water, two bowls, crate with pad, poop bags for walks - hmm, does the dog really need two leashes and two collars?  I guess I could just use the buckle collar if I don't mind being pulled all over the neighborhood - nope, I want the training collar.  As for the two leashes, I could probably make do with one and in actuality I have about four, so if I decreased to two would'nt that be making some progress?

I think I will skip the horse for now...  Too discouraging.  Of course I could sell or give away my animals which would certainly minimize and simplify my life, but I enjoy them too much to do so.

First minimalizing step: give away two leashes - it is a start.