Oh I love my parents and being able to go home and have a place to live. That is normal for me!
What I meant is I live away from their house for 9 months of the year and then I move in for a couple months. And then I don't for a year or two and then I'm back. I meant it's sort of a waste of space since the three of my sisters and I are in and out infrequently. So there are 3 empty bedrooms most of the time... But sometimes they're full.
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29
Downsizing and Simplifying Life ?
Started by solarman, May 05 2012 06:08 AM
79 replies to this topic
#62
Posted 23 September 2012 - 01:36 PM
Magic Pixel, on 29 July 2012 - 09:20 PM, said:
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.
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.My pet peeve is the one-use gadgets, like the gadget that only only cooks hot dogs, or the gadget that only cooks breakfast sandwiches. People don't need all that stuff junking up their house. You can make the hot dogs or the breakfast foods on your stove. You don't need a gadget that only does one thing. Why would people buy quesadilla machines when quesadillas are so easy to make? One-use gadgets are not green.
#63
Posted 26 September 2012 - 07:18 AM
Hey all,
Like many of you, I've never "upsized." I'm 30 years old and have never lived in anything other than a small apartment, cabin, or house. But I am still looking to downsize. What I want to do is buy an RV or trailer. Not to drive all over the place or anything (aside from if I move) but just to park somewhere and live in. I want to cover it in solar panels to produce most of my own electricity. (I don't need much, just enough for hot water, the blender, the stove, my laptops, and whatever heating/cooling units I put in.)
I've always wanted to live in a small space. It feels so much safer and cozier to me. I work a couple of days per week as a maid and it makes me sick how gigantic some of these houses are. I clean a house that is 3 stories and about 15 rooms. Only two people and a cat live there. It's so pointless.
Like many of you, I've never "upsized." I'm 30 years old and have never lived in anything other than a small apartment, cabin, or house. But I am still looking to downsize. What I want to do is buy an RV or trailer. Not to drive all over the place or anything (aside from if I move) but just to park somewhere and live in. I want to cover it in solar panels to produce most of my own electricity. (I don't need much, just enough for hot water, the blender, the stove, my laptops, and whatever heating/cooling units I put in.)
I've always wanted to live in a small space. It feels so much safer and cozier to me. I work a couple of days per week as a maid and it makes me sick how gigantic some of these houses are. I clean a house that is 3 stories and about 15 rooms. Only two people and a cat live there. It's so pointless.
#64
Posted 26 September 2012 - 09:16 AM
BuddhaStarlight, on 26 September 2012 - 07:18 AM, said:
Hey all,
Like many of you, I've never "upsized." I'm 30 years old and have never lived in anything other than a small apartment, cabin, or house. But I am still looking to downsize. What I want to do is buy an RV or trailer. Not to drive all over the place or anything (aside from if I move) but just to park somewhere and live in. I want to cover it in solar panels to produce most of my own electricity. (I don't need much, just enough for hot water, the blender, the stove, my laptops, and whatever heating/cooling units I put in.)
I've always wanted to live in a small space. It feels so much safer and cozier to me. I work a couple of days per week as a maid and it makes me sick how gigantic some of these houses are. I clean a house that is 3 stories and about 15 rooms. Only two people and a cat live there. It's so pointless.
Like many of you, I've never "upsized." I'm 30 years old and have never lived in anything other than a small apartment, cabin, or house. But I am still looking to downsize. What I want to do is buy an RV or trailer. Not to drive all over the place or anything (aside from if I move) but just to park somewhere and live in. I want to cover it in solar panels to produce most of my own electricity. (I don't need much, just enough for hot water, the blender, the stove, my laptops, and whatever heating/cooling units I put in.)
I've always wanted to live in a small space. It feels so much safer and cozier to me. I work a couple of days per week as a maid and it makes me sick how gigantic some of these houses are. I clean a house that is 3 stories and about 15 rooms. Only two people and a cat live there. It's so pointless.
Wow, I think part of the fun of living in an RV or trailer would be driving around. I would totally travel and see the United States if I lived in a home with wheels. Why not? You might unexpectedly fall in love with a new city and decide to settle down there.
I agree with you about huge houses, I feel uncomfortable when I visit someone with a ridiculous house. It just seems like waste of space and I don't know how anyone can be comfortable in a McMansion.
I once visited a friend that had a big house and no money left over for furniture and I didn't feel any envy as I realized how much work it would take to clean that place and how much it would cost to furnish it.
#65
Posted 27 September 2012 - 05:32 AM
ACSAPA, on 26 September 2012 - 09:16 AM, said:
Wow, I think part of the fun of living in an RV or trailer would be driving around. I would totally travel and see the United States if I lived in a home with wheels. Why not? You might unexpectedly fall in love with a new city and decide to settle down there.
I agree with you about huge houses, I feel uncomfortable when I visit someone with a ridiculous house. It just seems like waste of space and I don't know how anyone can be comfortable in a McMansion.
I once visited a friend that had a big house and no money left over for furniture and I didn't feel any envy as I realized how much work it would take to clean that place and how much it would cost to furnish it.
I agree with you about huge houses, I feel uncomfortable when I visit someone with a ridiculous house. It just seems like waste of space and I don't know how anyone can be comfortable in a McMansion.
I once visited a friend that had a big house and no money left over for furniture and I didn't feel any envy as I realized how much work it would take to clean that place and how much it would cost to furnish it.
Well, money is the main reason. Pulling a trailer around is extremely expensive. I'm talking thousands and thousands of dollars in gas. If I do this I will probably end up dividing my time between the west and east coast and spending 6 months to 2 years at each place before moving back and forth.
#66
Posted 25 October 2012 - 11:51 PM
I downsized about 2 years ago, quit my job and focused on what makes me happy. I got rid of all the stuff that I didn't really need. It was so fun selling all my stuff that I imported some Chinese junk and started selling full time on ebay. I've since given that up because I was sick of the crappy quality of products that I was selling.
This is exactly what I and a lot of my friends have been doing. We move away for a little bit and then move back home to live with our parents. It's becoming so much more common these days. The thing is it just makes so much more sense to live with more people because you can share everything from food, to appliances, even heating and cooling is more economical this way.
FlanneryCam, on 22 September 2012 - 05:04 PM, said:
Oh I love my parents and being able to go home and have a place to live. That is normal for me!
What I meant is I live away from their house for 9 months of the year and then I move in for a couple months. And then I don't for a year or two and then I'm back. I meant it's sort of a waste of space since the three of my sisters and I are in and out infrequently. So there are 3 empty bedrooms most of the time... But sometimes they're full.
What I meant is I live away from their house for 9 months of the year and then I move in for a couple months. And then I don't for a year or two and then I'm back. I meant it's sort of a waste of space since the three of my sisters and I are in and out infrequently. So there are 3 empty bedrooms most of the time... But sometimes they're full.
This is exactly what I and a lot of my friends have been doing. We move away for a little bit and then move back home to live with our parents. It's becoming so much more common these days. The thing is it just makes so much more sense to live with more people because you can share everything from food, to appliances, even heating and cooling is more economical this way.
#67
Posted 26 October 2012 - 03:45 AM
flash84, on 25 October 2012 - 11:51 PM, said:
It was so fun selling all my stuff that I imported some Chinese junk and started selling full time on ebay.
I've since given that up because I was sick of the crappy quality of products that I was selling.
I've since given that up because I was sick of the crappy quality of products that I was selling.
What about products made here in the USA?
#68
Posted 26 October 2012 - 04:25 AM
Shortpoet-GTD, on 26 October 2012 - 03:45 AM, said:
Are you aware of the shipping emissions from buying products from countries thousands of miles away?
What about products made here in the USA?
What about products made here in the USA?
Yes and that's exactly that's exactly the position I found myself in. I could either scale up my business and import more useless junk from miles away or simply my life even further. I chose to drop out to a further degree which basically saw me moving back home to my mums place getting rid of even more stuff I didn't need. I managed to invest the money I had saved and I now make enough to live off. By western standards I am living below the poverty line but I have never been happier and I have never been so free.
#69
Posted 26 October 2012 - 08:21 AM
Good job mate! If I may ask, what's the nature of your small business? I'd like to live off the grid, but I can't seem to find anything suitable to my capabilities. Even off the grid you still need some money...Am I wrong?
#70
Posted 07 December 2012 - 03:34 PM
Our kids are grown/married/grandkids but we have not changed our mode of living since then. Our home is not large to begin with but one thing I NEED to do is get rid of stuff I don't use. Most of it is not large stuff but little odds n ends I've picked up over the years as left overs from projects. I hate to through them out because then, guaranteed, I'll it the next day!
#71
Posted 08 December 2012 - 04:05 AM
r. zimm, on 07 December 2012 - 03:34 PM, said:
Our kids are grown/married/grandkids but we have not changed our mode of living since then. Our home is not large to begin with but one thing I NEED to do is get rid of stuff I don't use. Most of it is not large stuff but little odds n ends I've picked up over the years as left overs from projects. I hate to through them out because then, guaranteed, I'll it the next day!
That way, if something comes up and you need it again, just buy it back.
#72
Posted 09 December 2012 - 10:34 AM
solarman, on 05 May 2012 - 06:08 AM, said:
<p>As we get older and our kids move on with their lives having a large inefficient house with to much room and more expensive to run appliances just doesn't make much sense. I made the leap to go off-grid in a small 14x14 cabin and left behind the big house, pool, 4 car garage and debt, bills and stress of the rat race about 15 years ago.
Now I own a small local business and only work when I want as I want. Money is no longer an issue and I have the time (and money) to spend helping my kids and enjoying my hobbies of traveling, writing, producing songs and education videos.
Think about it ?
LaMar
Now I own a small local business and only work when I want as I want. Money is no longer an issue and I have the time (and money) to spend helping my kids and enjoying my hobbies of traveling, writing, producing songs and education videos.
Think about it ?
LaMar
That sounds great, especially the working when you want to part! I'd love to have a similar setup in the city. I'm trying to scale down everything and eliminate all the clutter from my life. I'm gardening more and saving rainwater. I hate throwing out anything that can be reused or recycled, and I have a box of stuff ranging from nick nacks to clothing to drop off to the thrift store this coming week.
#74
Posted 12 January 2013 - 05:46 PM
I guess I'm the contrarian here. My wife and I settled on 3000 sq ft as optimum for us. That's what we had in Illinois and California. When we retired and moved up to Washington we tried to go down to 2850 but it didn't work. I ended up having to build a 400 sq ft outbuilding for all my wifes hobbies, (painting, quilting, beads, miniatures, etc.)
We use all the space except the formal dining room daily. We do entertain a lot, cooking being one of my hobbies, so we use the dining room almost weekly as well.
We do build green though, my home in California had the highest environmenal score Sonoma county had ever seen, (is was so high they had to run the software twice as they couldn't believe it!). Our current home is built to even higher standards.
I'd classify 4000 sq ft as the beginning of McMansionhood and as others have said, our house is about as big as my wife would like to clean. I think at 4000 houses begin to look more like hotels or lodges. Still, if you have a lot of kids, or run a business out of the home I could see going bigger.
Outside of the normal cooking gadgets, (mixer, Quisenart, waffle iron, etc.) we only have two 'single use' items, a battery operated cookie dough press which we use every Christmas, and a George Foreman mini grill which we use for occasional quick hamburgers or steak sandwiches. We did get a mini theater style popcorn machine as a Christmans present and we're definitely keeping that!, (home theater being another of my hobbies.)
If I recall the average house size during the boom was 2800 sq ft, and even now it's 2650 sq ft.
We use all the space except the formal dining room daily. We do entertain a lot, cooking being one of my hobbies, so we use the dining room almost weekly as well.
We do build green though, my home in California had the highest environmenal score Sonoma county had ever seen, (is was so high they had to run the software twice as they couldn't believe it!). Our current home is built to even higher standards.
I'd classify 4000 sq ft as the beginning of McMansionhood and as others have said, our house is about as big as my wife would like to clean. I think at 4000 houses begin to look more like hotels or lodges. Still, if you have a lot of kids, or run a business out of the home I could see going bigger.
Outside of the normal cooking gadgets, (mixer, Quisenart, waffle iron, etc.) we only have two 'single use' items, a battery operated cookie dough press which we use every Christmas, and a George Foreman mini grill which we use for occasional quick hamburgers or steak sandwiches. We did get a mini theater style popcorn machine as a Christmans present and we're definitely keeping that!, (home theater being another of my hobbies.)
If I recall the average house size during the boom was 2800 sq ft, and even now it's 2650 sq ft.
#75
Posted 13 January 2013 - 03:23 AM
It's not the size so much (although I am irritated to no end when I see 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom homes being built)
it's the stuff inside that we're talking about.
I had a fill-in client for a week of so (while her regular provider was out sick) and she's the first "hoarder"
household I've ever went into in 10 years.
The amount of junk she had was unbelievable.
And being an organized Virgo put my brain into overtime, trying to organize some of it.
But I'm not there to do those kind of tasks so it was difficult to be there-claustrophobic.
But she's diabetic, so I had to clear away part of the kitchen so I could cook her a meal.
Luckily, she did have a window in there that I could look out of; otherwise I would have lost it completely.
For her to downsize would take months; and she wouldn't want to anyway.
Sad really.
it's the stuff inside that we're talking about.
I had a fill-in client for a week of so (while her regular provider was out sick) and she's the first "hoarder"
household I've ever went into in 10 years.
The amount of junk she had was unbelievable.
And being an organized Virgo put my brain into overtime, trying to organize some of it.
But I'm not there to do those kind of tasks so it was difficult to be there-claustrophobic.
But she's diabetic, so I had to clear away part of the kitchen so I could cook her a meal.
Luckily, she did have a window in there that I could look out of; otherwise I would have lost it completely.
For her to downsize would take months; and she wouldn't want to anyway.
Sad really.
#76
Posted 13 January 2013 - 09:10 AM
I think everyone 'hoards' a little some things are just too tough to give up! We usually get rid of things if they haven't been used in a few years, no storage lockers for us. Of course my wife "hoards" paints, quilting fabric, beads, and such. 
That's turned out to be a good investment since prices for many of these items has trippled over the last few years.
But she is a Sagitarius and she HATES clutter as well. My guess is we are pretty average. Our current goal is to be able to park both cars in our two car garage. One bay could do by cleaning up, the other has my table and 'chop' saws set up for my never ending trim work. That bay will be a challenge.
The funny thing is my outbuilding started out as my shop/storage and slowly morphed into my wifes hobby cottage, how do women do that?
Diabetes is a tough disease, particularly type 1. My uncle lost a foot due to it and always joked he had "one foot in the grave". My mother had type 2 for years but finally found a good doctor who gave her the modern cure, lose weight, eat a balanced diet, etc. She was able to go from insulin shots to no meds for the last few years of her life.
I think we as Americans hoard more because we have more space and money on average. My guess is there are more hoarding going on in the burbs and rural areas for that reason. I don't know but I might hazard a guess most storage locker types are apartment dwellers.
I've seen some of those "Hoarding, burried alive" programs, there is definitely a sickness of some type going on in many of those cases.
We usually get rid of things if they haven't been used in a few years, no storage lockers for us. Of course my wife "hoards" paints, quilting fabric, beads, and such. That's turned out to be a good investment since prices for many of these items has trippled over the last few years.But she is a Sagitarius and she HATES clutter as well. My guess is we are pretty average. Our current goal is to be able to park both cars in our two car garage. One bay could do by cleaning up, the other has my table and 'chop' saws set up for my never ending trim work. That bay will be a challenge.
The funny thing is my outbuilding started out as my shop/storage and slowly morphed into my wifes hobby cottage, how do women do that?
Diabetes is a tough disease, particularly type 1. My uncle lost a foot due to it and always joked he had "one foot in the grave". My mother had type 2 for years but finally found a good doctor who gave her the modern cure, lose weight, eat a balanced diet, etc. She was able to go from insulin shots to no meds for the last few years of her life.
I think we as Americans hoard more because we have more space and money on average. My guess is there are more hoarding going on in the burbs and rural areas for that reason. I don't know but I might hazard a guess most storage locker types are apartment dwellers.
I've seen some of those "Hoarding, burried alive" programs, there is definitely a sickness of some type going on in many of those cases.
#78
Posted 08 July 2013 - 09:43 AM
My wife's crafts outbuilding is bigger than that! :<) I have no proof but I would think the colder the climate the more space is needed. When you can spend a lot of time outdoors, you don't need a lot of in door space. When it's cold and rainy, you'd get one each other's last nerve if you couldn't "go to your separate corner"! :<O
#79
Posted 13 February 2014 - 06:45 AM
Spring (and spring cleaning) is just around the corner.
That's always a good time to downsize (if we don't turn around and buy even more stuff)
Donate the items; either locally or give it away free on Craigslist. Or make a few bucks via a yard sale.
(Also a good time to volunteer to help clean up the neighborhood)
cleanup.jpg 11.58K
1 downloads
That's always a good time to downsize (if we don't turn around and buy even more stuff)
Donate the items; either locally or give it away free on Craigslist. Or make a few bucks via a yard sale.
(Also a good time to volunteer to help clean up the neighborhood)
cleanup.jpg 11.58K
1 downloads
#80
Posted 05 March 2014 - 06:20 AM
Small footprint homes are becoming the "in" thing to build or buy. Sprawling "McMansions" are passe, too
expensive to buy and maintain and often, rooms are under-used or unused; expensive to heat and cool.
Some stylish examples here-
http://www.bobvila.c...ws#.UxcxqD9dWSo
http://www.bobvila.c...al#.UxcyAz9dWSo
"Several factors may be fueling an increased interest in smaller spaces.
Worries about rising utility and other bills, concern for the environment, more single heads of households,
retiring Baby Boomers not wanting excess room, and the growing desire to have more free time
to pursue interests and spend less time maintaining a home."
http://www.bobvila.c.../1#.UxcyLj9dWSo
expensive to buy and maintain and often, rooms are under-used or unused; expensive to heat and cool.
Some stylish examples here-
http://www.bobvila.c...ws#.UxcxqD9dWSo
http://www.bobvila.c...al#.UxcyAz9dWSo
"Several factors may be fueling an increased interest in smaller spaces.
Worries about rising utility and other bills, concern for the environment, more single heads of households,
retiring Baby Boomers not wanting excess room, and the growing desire to have more free time
to pursue interests and spend less time maintaining a home."
http://www.bobvila.c.../1#.UxcyLj9dWSo
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