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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 22 2009 : 6:39:04 PM
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They WHY of what you are trying to achieve through decluttering, downsizing, changing habits, etc...are probably more important than the physical action of doing it.
For me, it's been stages. I first started simply because I couldn't breathe in our house. I was pregnant and I was tired of tripping over stuff. I also hated cleaning for hours upon hours just to have to do it all again the next day. Scott ain't exactly a neat person. 
The second wave came after Charlie was born and we were moving. I panicked. I also didn't have the energy to move ALL this stuff. After having dealt with a baby w/ health problems, my day left little time for much other than feedings, making simple meals, a load of laundry, college and MAYBE a shower. Never mind trying to fit in errands and family time. I started looking at ways to minimize cleaning and organizing while maximizing my time, doing things like bulk shopping every 2 weeks, simplifying my wardrobe to yoga wear for ease of care. I also decluttered a lot of chotskies---this was my first big go around on these and I ended up donating over 6 boxes of them. We also had a little shed and I stuffed whatever I "thought" wanted out there for safe keeping, packing it up as I went. For 3 months prior to our move, our house was simple and easy and I swear my mental declutter was so hopeful and peaceful.
Then we moved....into a VERY awkward apartment--storage was fine but it was hard placing furniture in the space that made in movable and comfortable. By now I had a toddler. Much of what we had stayed in the garage, packed up. I didn't have the time nor the energy to unpack it and figure it out. Plus, it was Charlie's first Christmas and the end of a college term and I was really focused on those 2 things.
Then we moved to Texas...big rental house, again with an awkward layout. Enough storage but I had move by myself w/Charlie while Scott stayed in CA for a deployment. It was my chance to get down and dirty. 9 Jeep loads later and one HUGE yardsale...I had made some progress...
We moved back to CA temporarily with Scott before his second deployment-to get family time. This time around---extremely cramped apartment. Thank goodness we had downsized. We lived with some bins stacked and Charlie's room had our bikes and his closet was full, but I got it all in....
Then it was deployment time and back to Texas. Nice large apartment but still, I wanted less. I now was starting to figure out what we used the most, what was necessary and my shopping habits had changed. I bought better items when they came up as a need and I spent time researching prices and finding the best quality. This kept stuff from coming in down to a minimum. This also kept my cleaning to just a few minutes per day plus a good bathroom/floors/vacuum once a week. I finally was able to really appreciate the fruits of my labor. I joined in on the annual neighborhood yardsale and sold maybe another 4 bins of stuff, donating a small amount that was left over.
I found myself suddenly moving into the next phase of my life and my wants, as far as my home and lifestyle. I wanted to go further---push it to the least amount but still be comfortable. I put away anything I wasn't using but still wanted to hang onto (For now). I had a HUGE extra 3rd bedroom, so I just piled the bins in there, neatly of course. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I love our home. I could see all my gems, clean and neat yet had space to move about and enjoy. Cleaning was a breeze and I honestly could do a deep cleaning each week because I didn't have to work around so many things. It was exactly what I had been on the this journey for.
Now, we are in TN. Since we have been here, I have bought 1 TX shaped basket, 2 wicker laundry baskets and 1 winter jacket for Charlie...all at Goodwill!!!  Now, it is all about maintenance in anticipation of moving back to Texas. I will be replacing several things once we get there. A lot of things are on their last legs and I will really decided if they need to be replaced at all or just do without.
Here is my needs list:
1. White Dishes
2. 2 loveseats
3. 2 chairs
4. Wooden or metal chairs for around the house---love to thrift them
5. Small Food Processor- already picked out for Christmas
6. New bed/bedding for Charlie
The one's in pink are the priorities...the rest is kinda as we go and find it. I love finding a good bargain...especially at thrift.
As I simplify more...whether having less stuff, find an easier meal to cook, having a smaller space or whatever...I finding I am doing it with a discerning eye and I think before I purchase. I am also hoping to pass on some good habits to Charlie about keeping things clean and neat and being appreciative of what you have. As I get older, I want more memories and less stuff. I love to socialize and I don't want to be a slave to my home or stuff anymore.
The next step is to find that perfect little house or whatever is Texas and enjoy the process of painting...I can't wait!!! : )
Heather
"Hitch your wagon to a star"
http://somewheredownintexas-heather.blogspot.com |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 7:49:57 PM
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Wow with all that moving , I would not want a lot of stuff either.. Good for you!!! I can remember back to having small children going to college and having an apartment or house and I tell you now, I must have had a lot more energy cause I don't know how I did it all, so good luck for the rest of your journey!!!! Because that is what life is a journey!!!
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
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Simple Living---the inside scoop. : )
