79 replies to this topic

[Pat]

I like to keep it simple, when I see the large houses my first thought is who is going to clean that place, not me.  I've been living in a room in my daughters house and it is a challenge to live and work in a small space.

When I start to look for a place of my own it will be small but not less than 1200 square ft and a yard.  Keeping it simple.  Cost of up keep in money and time is very important to me.

[Mystique]

My father and I downsized since my mother passed away 5 years ago. My late mother loved gardening, so did my father, and it was always one of the reasons why we used to stay on a huge plot. In addition, she enjoyed entertaining and the huge house with lots of rooms were perfect for family gatherings. Seeing that there were just the two of us (my siblings are all married and live on their own), my father decided to let people rent the house from us. Then, we moved into a 3-bedroom condominium. Living in Malaysia means you do not need any heating equipment to keep the house warm, as it is always hot there. To counter the heat, we use electric fans.

Now that I moved to Cape Town, I followed his example by moving to a small farm holding. My fiancé and I love it because it's small and it does not take up a lot of energy to maintain the house.

There are three other families on this farm and one of them grows his own vegetables, which we would buy from him.

[dziomek]

In addition to adding a tote to my computer area for stray things, I also have to get into the attic and the shed to get rid of things I no longer need or care to use. It is so easy to accumulate things, but why does it have to be such a challenge to get rid of them?

[Shortpoet-GTD]

dziomek, on 19 June 2012 - 10:26 PM, said:

In addition to adding a tote to my computer area for stray things, I also have to get into the attic and the shed to get rid of things I no longer need or care to use. It is so easy to accumulate things, but why does it have to be such a challenge to get rid of them?

About 50,000 storage units in the US alone, tells us that we all have an issue with letting things go.
And what's the footprint of all those buildings? Cement, metal, wood, asphalt.........   Not to mention the
millions (billions?) we spend on rent for keeping all that junk. There's even tv shows about it. Insanity.

[MyDigitalpoint]

Pat, on 11 June 2012 - 11:30 PM, said:

I like to keep it simple, when I see the large houses my first thought is who is going to clean that place, not me.  I've been living in a room in my daughters house and it is a challenge to live and work in a small space.

This is very true, the larger the house the harder to maintain it, not just cleaning it up, but all what you have to pay for products, services and more.

i believe going for less is always a better way to get the most in modern times. no matter if we are talking about environmental issues or anything else. in life.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

Folks can always watch Hoarders for inspiration.

[Green Thumb]

I just recently trimmed the contents of our clothing cabinets. A friend had a project to reach out for the natives in poor countryside and asked for garments and toys that we can give to adults and children. I have emptied our place of 3 boxes of goods. These donations in turn could help fill the scanty closets of other people and the toys could give the children more fun in plays.

[MyDigitalpoint]

I'm getting ready to move out of my family home again (and for the third time) and I was packing my bags when I realized that I can also downsize my new home ahead on time by leaving a series of useless objects that I was trying to carry with me.

If my plan is living alone, what do I need several full crokery sets for? And the dozen soda glass bottles with a "nice" label? An the clothes that I never wear and have been stored here for at least 4 years?

I'm thinking seriously make of my new living alone attempt a completely green experience :)

[fancyfingers]

artistry, on 03 June 2012 - 07:20 PM, said:

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.

Artisty, I like to call it going at my pace. I have always danced to the beat of a different drummer. I have always worn what makes me feel good, not what the industry says I should be wearing right now (the latest fad). I keep telling my siblings it would be a good idea to learn how to say the word 'no' and use it often. They are so stressed and can't understand why I am not. (Well, not nearly as stressed as they are). We, (people in general) need to learn the difference between a need, and a want, and make sure the needs are taken care of, and when there is time/money/and true deep want, then fufill a couple of those too.

[Magic Pixel]

That's true and kudos. I myself don't own a never-ending array of gadgets. Such a lot is actually unnecessary and just a big waste of resources. Of course with what technology we do need, companies, like for example, fridge companies, come up with more energy-efficient models every year.

[ACSAPA]

I've never lived in a space that was too large and I don't even aspire to it. Even if I was rich, I wouldn't want to rattle around in a huge space like a pea in a can. I like spaces that are cozy ,where I can actually hear my daughter if she calls out to me. I like a small space that feels warm, not a big museum with a bunch of fancy furniture on display.

The face that smaller spaces are greener because they require less energy to heat and cool is a bonus. Cozy spaces just feel better than big, obnoxious McMansions.

[ACSAPA]

Shortpoet-GTD, on 23 June 2012 - 02:28 AM, said:

Folks can always watch Hoarders for inspiration.

I DO watch Hoarders and Hoarding Buried Alive when I need a little motivation to clean house. It only takes one glimpse of the 1800Got Junk crew unearthing a dead cat in some old man's home to send me running for the cleaning supplies and vacuum cleaner. If I ever think for a second "Maybe I'll mop the floors tomorrow.", these shows scare me straight.

[kayham43]

Downsizing is a must! Especially if your kids are out of your house and you have more spare time on your hands. Think bigger, grow bigger and downsize as much as you can to benefit as much as possible. Go Green!

[catevanne]

I love to throw away junk-it really gives me a feeling of accomplishment. I also find great freedom in not having to buy so many things- there are so many things we don't need. Since I cut back on my TV watching, I realize this more and more. I have also been reading books on how to live a simpler life and find it fascinating-our foremothers and fathers knew so much and were so good at economizing.

[FlanneryCam]

Oh yeah, downsizing when you no longer need the space is a good plan. If you drop your square footage you will save money and then be able to enjoy your income even better. I also love the idea of going small to help your family!

Besides: a smaller home means more time to spend with your family or you know doing the things you love! To me that sounds fabulous!

Anyone wanting to downsize but you have kids who are floating back and forth? College aged kids who are in and out of the house for years? See: that's the place I'm at. My parents are probably ready to downsize, but I keep sneaking in and out of their place. I don't see how this is going to stop for at least the next 3 years. That seems like a waste of space to have to save room for me (and my siblings) until we are all 40 and married? :)

[ACSAPA]

FlanneryCam, on 20 September 2012 - 11:29 AM, said:

Oh yeah, downsizing when you no longer need the space is a good plan. If you drop your square footage you will save money and then be able to enjoy your income even better. I also love the idea of going small to help your family!

Besides: a smaller home means more time to spend with your family or you know doing the things you love! To me that sounds fabulous!

Anyone wanting to downsize but you have kids who are floating back and forth? College aged kids who are in and out of the house for years? See: that's the place I'm at. My parents are probably ready to downsize, but I keep sneaking in and out of their place. I don't see how this is going to stop for at least the next 3 years. That seems like a waste of space to have to save room for me (and my siblings) until we are all 40 and married? :)

It's not a waste of space if you have that kind of relationship with your parents. My daughter and I are very close, so she's planning to live with me until she gets married. I'm a single parent, so I think it's actually downsizing and being green for my daughter and I to live together in one apartment rather than live alone in 2 separate apartments.

It gets really annoying that society pressures people to kick their kids out on their 18th birthday. If I'm lucky enough to have a teenager that worships me and is happy to live with me, then she can stay as long as she wants. It's more economical and we two keep each other company.

In countries like Japan and Korea, some adults live at home until marriage.  So if we we lived in Asia, my daughter and I would be normal.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

ACSAPA, on 20 September 2012 - 06:51 PM, said:

In countries like Japan and Korea, some adults live at home until marriage.  So if we we lived in Asia, my daughter and I would be normal.

Normal, abnormal-
it doesn't matter Sweetie-we're glad you're here.
You've got a huge heart, and it's green. What could be better?

[Evilsprinkles]

There's nothing I'd love more, than to live in a small space, with a larger outdoor area for my dogs. I've never really liked the idea of having something huge to live in, I mean how much space do you really need? All the money you'd need to spend on fuel, cleaning, maintenance etc etc, it's pointless.

A friend of mine said recently, she wants her life to be all about soup recipes and gardening. I could live with that.

[aspen]

Evilsprinkles, on 22 September 2012 - 02:48 AM, said:

A friend of mine said recently, she wants her life to be all about soup recipes and gardening. I could live with that.

I couldn't agree more. The days we have left over bread means it's soup for supper with toast to go with it. We love our split pea and barley soups. All the vegetables are in the garden to add to the pot.

[Evilsprinkles]

aspen, on 22 September 2012 - 03:20 AM, said:

I couldn't agree more. The days we have left over bread means it's soup for supper with toast to go with it. We love our split pea and barley soups. All the vegetables are in the garden to add to the pot.

My slow cooker gets a lot of usage. I also use bread to make a sort of 'bake', especially if it's just getting little past it, but not mouldy, naturally.