Thursday, September 27, 2007

Downsizing Dilemma

My journey to a much simpler life has to start with decluttering the "stuff". My dilemma is where to start. How much stuff do we need? How much stuff can you fit into such a tiny place? I think this is the part where a list would come in handy to see just how much stuff we have. This is the part where I have to ask the hard questions.
*Do I have space for this?
*Do I love it?
*Can it do double duty?
*Can I replace it if I need to?
*Do I already have one of these?
*Does it annoy me?
*Have I used it within the last month? 6 months? year?

Maybe if I break it up into rooms, that might make it easier. It would help to put a limit on things, like toys or clothing or shoes. I'm going for the minimalist view and my husband likes to collect stuff so we have to compromise somewhere in the middle.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Life VS the stuff

We have a big undertaking. We are planning to downsize from a 1100 sq ft townhouse with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a garage and a huge yard to a small 600 sq ft space. Yes, imagine 2 adults, a preschooler and 2 medium dogs inside this space. I believe that it can be done. In fact, I know it can be done.

We live in a world where material items determine or represent how happy you are. I have a theory. I think that less stuff can make you happier. It creates more time to do things with your family and friends. The more stuff you have, the more time you spend maintaining it, caring for it, replacing it.

I must start with all the "stuff". Stuff tends to take over without us realizing it. Before we know it, we are drowning in it. Swimming against the currents of the overflowing piles of toys, clothes and whatever else makes it's way into the waves. It seems to migrate to wherever we are and follow us around like a shadow or a little lost puppy dog. We are scared to shoo it away since we don't know what will happen to it. It intimidates us. It hinders our decision making. It causes stress and anxiety. Stuff.....

In our society today....bigger is better. You are judges by your stuff. Not by your personality or your strengths and weaknesses. You are judged by how big your house is, how many TV's you have, what kind of vehicle you drive, etc. It is all competition. I don't think so. I used to think that. I don't know what clicked or caused a change. I think that simplicity is better. Convincing my husband that is a whole other story.

Simplicity...what is it? It is just living life simpler. Having 2 pairs of shoes instead of 10, having 5 outfits instead of 28, living in 500 sq. ft instead of 1200...just making your life easier. Anyone can do. It only takes this first step...ridding yourself of all the unwanted, unneeded,poor quality, emotionally draining, stress inducing stuff.