I can't downsize the house at the moment, we don't live in a huge house. Our kids are young and we have a room for the girls and a room for us. Of course eating and living room too. We are pretty good at living simple, I was raised living simple so it is nature to me. I grow veggies when the season is right for it and started even growing my own garlic. I can't have any chickens here or else I would be even happier! It is against the law in our town, and our yard is a bit too small for chickens.
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29
Downsizing and Simplifying Life ?
Started by solarman, May 05 2012 06:08 AM
79 replies to this topic
#22
Posted 09 May 2012 - 08:46 PM
steph84, on 06 May 2012 - 08:26 PM, said:
I have been downsizing for years! I am down to my bed, laptop and clothes. I can't wait to get down to just the bare essentials. I still have some books and video games, but I want to be able to just pack up and go.
Why, same here! Instead of video games though I have film cds but I’m starting to apply my old brother’s way of just uploading films from the internet that waqy I don't have to buy new CDs. But I would still love to own a big land in the future where there’d be lots of trees and plants and where my dog could go run wild. I want to live close to nature because it not just benefits your mind and body but free your spirit as well and having a beautiful environment inspires and gives you all that positive thoughts and energy that you could extend to other people. I could even settle to sleep in a hammock. Free cool wind from nature, cold water from the spring-well, solar battery charger for my laptop, cooking on burning stray woods. I think I’m thinking of a camp-like way of living. Instead of hunting though, I could simply harvest my own planted food and sell some for income. Anyway, if I’m to raise kids in the future, I have to have a stable income. Sewing machine and bike is a necessity for me though. That’s all I needed for a simple life. What else am I missing?
#24
Posted 11 May 2012 - 07:25 PM
I am disabled and have not been able to work for a few years. Not having a steady income definitely makes you downsize. But, it has made me realize that there are many things that I really don't need. When I had a regular income, it was fun to be able to buy things when I wanted them. In reality, most of those things sat in drawers or on the shelf in my closet a few weeks after I purchased them.
I moved two years ago. I was moving into a house with a relative where I would have a bedroom and that was it. As I sorted through what I wanted to keep and what I didn't, I came across so many items that had no purpose in my life anymore. I sold some and donated others. It's amazing how many things we hold on to that really have no meaning or purpose anymore.
I moved two years ago. I was moving into a house with a relative where I would have a bedroom and that was it. As I sorted through what I wanted to keep and what I didn't, I came across so many items that had no purpose in my life anymore. I sold some and donated others. It's amazing how many things we hold on to that really have no meaning or purpose anymore.
#25
Posted 11 May 2012 - 07:47 PM
I hope to live the life you live one of these days! I gave up my dream of having a huge house this year. I don't need all of that space. I can live in a small cabin and just utilize every inch with clever design. I don't want to die trying to earn a dollar. I am sick of the stress and can't wait for the day that I am debt free. You are in inspiration LaMar!
#27
Posted 12 May 2012 - 10:57 PM
Shortpoet-GTD, on 10 May 2012 - 03:50 AM, said:
Can never have enough of those.
Ah, yes. Haha! Unfortunately, the one thing that could definitely complete me is not within range yet. And I and that guy should have a green connection, too, that way our life together would be a bliss because how hard it must be if I’ve been vacating spaces at home and there he is bringing in stuffs and filling the house up.
#28
Posted 12 May 2012 - 11:21 PM
Personally, I’m guilty of buying books because I love to read and secondhand books come in a very cheap price and also I get to buy really good and rare books that are not anymore available on modern-day bookstores not even on e-books. Trade bookstore not only buys and sells, but also lends and allows you to trade used books. This way, I don’t need to buy new books all the time and I also got a hold of the book that I really like. Same with other things, there are local stores that buy gadgets or appliances that you don’t need or trade it with other things that could be a necessity for you. Or you could just sell there what you don’t need and keep the cash. You just need to check out your area for stores like this. Or you could have your unwanted purchases sold on Ebay. Yes, I think selling or trading should help you on downsizing.
#29
Posted 13 May 2012 - 02:23 AM
Green Thumb, on 12 May 2012 - 10:57 PM, said:
Ah, yes. Haha! Unfortunately, the one thing that could definitely complete me is not within range yet. And I and that guy should have a green connection, too, that way our life together would be a bliss because how hard it must be if I’ve been vacating spaces at home and there he is bringing in stuffs and filling the house up.
#30
Posted 13 May 2012 - 02:24 AM
Green Thumb, on 12 May 2012 - 11:21 PM, said:
Personally, I’m guilty of buying books because I love to read and secondhand books come in a very cheap price and also I get to buy really good and rare books that are not anymore available on modern-day bookstores not even on e-books. Trade bookstore not only buys and sells, but also lends and allows you to trade used books. This way, I don’t need to buy new books all the time and I also got a hold of the book that I really like. Same with other things, there are local stores that buy gadgets or appliances that you don’t need or trade it with other things that could be a necessity for you. Or you could just sell there what you don’t need and keep the cash. You just need to check out your area for stores like this. Or you could have your unwanted purchases sold on Ebay. Yes, I think selling or trading should help you on downsizing.
#31
Posted 13 May 2012 - 04:38 AM
steph84, on 11 May 2012 - 07:47 PM, said:
I hope to live the life you live one of these days! I gave up my dream of having a huge house this year. I don't need all of that space. I can live in a small cabin and just utilize every inch with clever design. I don't want to die trying to earn a dollar. I am sick of the stress and can't wait for the day that I am debt free. You are in inspiration LaMar!
Thanks Steph- I worked as a health Ed specialist for the state and made good money but was always fighting bills and house payments. Now I run a small business and make less money but because I have no house payment and no monthly utility bills and a simple life I have more money in my pocket.
I have never cared about having money and it is just a tool that I use to make my life less dependent on it. I am now down to about $200 a month in living expenses and I don't go without anything I need. I could go completely without money if necessary but unless doctors go back to accepting chickens I will still need to trade or barter for some cash.
It can be done- simplify, simplify, simplify.
LaMar
#32
Posted 02 June 2012 - 02:16 PM
This makes me think of the houses you see that have 10+ bedroom and just as many bathrooms for 2-3 people. Totally unneccesary and a waste of so many resources, space, etc. You don't have to live in a shack, but you can live simply and still nice.
#33
Posted 02 June 2012 - 03:06 PM
btatro, on 02 June 2012 - 02:16 PM, said:
You don't have to live in a shack, but you can live simply and still nice.
One persons shack is another persons castle ;-)I would suggest visiting a few 3rd world country slums for a better perspective on difficult living conditions. Not to sound egotistical but that "shack" I live in has been featured in Mother Earth News, Treehugger, Off-Grid magazine and is page 20 in Lloyd Kahn's new book Tiny Homes Simple Shelters.The design has been copied and built by hundreds of people all over the world for full time living and recreational use.If you want bigger and fancier that is always an option- if you have the money!LaMar
#34
Posted 03 June 2012 - 09:00 AM
Congrats to you! We are living in a home that is just a tad too small for the 5 of us, but I know when the kids are gone, we could either stay here and live comfortably for the rest of our lives, or sale and buy a smaller home with more land. I guess what you want to do with your life would determine how much room you need. If you are going to travel the world for 9 months out of the year, you wouldn't really need much living space. If you travel 1 month out of the year and work/hobbies out of your home, you may need more room.
#35
Posted 03 June 2012 - 10:26 AM
solarman, on 13 May 2012 - 04:38 AM, said:
simplify, simplify, simplify.
#36
Posted 03 June 2012 - 07:20 PM
A slower life is the way to go. People do not really realize how hectic their lives are, until they take a break or get sick and must slow down. I think it is great that you shed some luggage that you were carrying around and took it down a notch. I am sure you feel better and are breathing easier. Good luck to you and enjoy yourself. Thanks for sharing.
#37
Posted 04 June 2012 - 07:58 AM
We currently live in a home around 900 square feet, but it is getting cluttered. I know I need to get rid of some stuff; it is just a matter of making the time to do it. I would like a home a little bigger than this one, but not much. Or, perhaps a different floor plan with the same square footage would be okay as well. I enjoy being outside, so a home with a bigger deck would increase living space during the summer. In the winter it is definitely cheaper to heat a small home than a big one. if we had a wood stove it would be better yet.
#38
Posted 11 June 2012 - 12:30 PM
I always keep a box by our hall closet to remind everyone in the house, if there is an item they no longer want or use, to put it in the box.. If the item is good enough to donate, we will donate it, otherwise, we will strip it down for all things we can use and then toss. My girls got a sewing machine this past Christmas, so they are learning how to sew by using scrap clothing, old towels and sheets.
It is a good feeling when you can give things that are still in good condition to someone else that will put them to good use. It's a great feeling to have a decluttered home! When you have just the things you truly love in your home, your home will feel so warm and cozy.
It is a good feeling when you can give things that are still in good condition to someone else that will put them to good use. It's a great feeling to have a decluttered home! When you have just the things you truly love in your home, your home will feel so warm and cozy.
#39
Posted 11 June 2012 - 01:46 PM
fancyfingers, on 11 June 2012 - 12:30 PM, said:
I always keep a box by our hall closet to remind everyone in the house, if there is an item they no longer want or use, to put it in the box.. If the item is good enough to donate, we will donate it, otherwise, we will strip it down for all things we can use and then toss. My girls got a sewing machine this past Christmas, so they are learning how to sew by using scrap clothing, old towels and sheets.
It is a good feeling when you can give things that are still in good condition to someone else that will put them to good use. It's a great feeling to have a decluttered home! When you have just the things you truly love in your home, your home will feel so warm and cozy.
It is a good feeling when you can give things that are still in good condition to someone else that will put them to good use. It's a great feeling to have a decluttered home! When you have just the things you truly love in your home, your home will feel so warm and cozy.
That is a great idea! Why didn't I think of that? I don't have a hall closet (don't even have a hall), but perhaps a tote next to my computer desk would be a good idea. I have so many things I could most likely live without; it would make room for the things I cherish and enjoy.
#40
Posted 11 June 2012 - 04:41 PM
What I have witnessed or listened to are many seniors finally realizing "why did I keep all that stuff all these years?"
when they have to move to a retirement community-more often than not, a lot less square footage than
their own homes.
Many foreclosure victims faced that same thing.
When tornado victims speak of the aftermath-they speak of their loved ones and family. They don't worry
about the "stuff" because it's unimportant.
George Carlin spoke to it quite eloquently back in the day-
when they have to move to a retirement community-more often than not, a lot less square footage than
their own homes.
Many foreclosure victims faced that same thing.
When tornado victims speak of the aftermath-they speak of their loved ones and family. They don't worry
about the "stuff" because it's unimportant.
George Carlin spoke to it quite eloquently back in the day-
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