My moving towards a more simple life, is probably not the same as most people. I am not madly going through closets and cupboards getting rid of items. Instead I am methodically deciding what will help make my life easier and what is cluttering it into chaos.
In reading the book on minimalism I have started to chose those things that make sense to my standard of living and what makes me happy.
One of the things the book talks about is the turning of hangers so what one knows what one wears in a month or two in your closet. Hello, I live in four seasons and my closet contains summer sundresses. There is no way I would be wearing those in the feels like -40C weather (or colder) that we go through in the winter. Thus those hangers would never be turned around. Same can be said for winter wear when it is 40C above. So I will just continue the trying on and if it does not fit or bring me joy things will be gone in the various seasons.
Perhaps my most definite move towards a simpler life is enjoying what I already have. That includes those appliances that make my life easier. My wrists since I broke one twice are no longer able to knead dough for bread or buns like they used to. My bread machine and KitchenAid help immensely in that area. My yogurt maker works wonders when I make Greek yogurt every second week for pennies a batch.
Using my electric roaster or the toaster oven help me save on using the big oven on my stove. I need to do this rather simple thing a bit more often during the year.
Over the years I have either inherited or purchased yarn and fabric. It does not make frugal sense to bundle those up and give them away. Simple living means making the most of those items by using them for clothing, gifts or knitting/weaving/sewing for charity. One of my projects for this month is to recycle handknits into balls for new projects in the coming year.
One thing I have learned on this journey is that simplicity and simple living means different things to different people.
I will of course keep using items up, enjoying what I have and moving towards making and enjoying the quiet times that simple living means.
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
Sounds like a good plan on your part, Jackie. And I agree with you on the yarn. I wouldn’t give it away because you will use it. I won’t get rid of items I will use either.
ReplyDeleteThis was Belinda, btw.
DeleteI put away my summer clothes, in a container in my closet leaving out a pair of shorts or Capri's for if it should get unseasonably warm. Then do the same with my winter clothes.
ReplyDeleteI gave my husband the bigger walk in closet and use the smaller one that has a sliding door because it was easier to be organized. I also no longer use a dresser - everything goes into the closet and keeps the bedroom less busy and not as much dust. Now if I could just get the husband to get rid of his chest. I could put a couple reading chairs and make a quiet space.
I follow the same thinking as you, clothes I keep can later be removed as things change. I keep my craft stash, i have told a few bits which I knew I would never use, everything else I keep.
ReplyDeleteI have lightweight summer skirts that get put away in the Autumn but my t-shirts are in use all year round, layered up under jumpers or cardigans. Equally I sometimes reach for a cardigan to throw on over a short sleeved top in the Summer months. Then there is clothing for special events - my 'funeral' dress and some dressy things for Christmas etc. If I pack them away they wouldn't be to hand at short notice, which is usually when they are needed.
ReplyDeleteI will of course keep using items up, enjoying what I have and moving towards making and enjoying the quiet times that simple living means.
ReplyDeleteThat paragraph says it all. Great thoughts.
I find that as I age paring down means not buying more things. I don't like to look for things. Keeping things orderly and less of them. Thank you for stopping over my place and leaving a comment. Faith@FarmhouseWorthy
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts. After decluttering twice for major moves we are now at a similar point.
ReplyDeleteI concur, a simple life is what one believes it to be. I do have a lot of clothing, but it is no spread out among three places, my daughter's, my son's, and my place in Yuma. It meant I could travel with just a backpack when I flew and most of that was filled with Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteI also agree, the turning of hangers only works in certain situations - it was helpful when I was reducing the number of pieces I wore for work as I learned which ones were rarely worn - usually because I didn't like them or they didn't fit.
Perhaps you need to write your on book!
JUst caught up on your posts. Love reading your ideas and thoughts on living frugally. I agree and try my best to keep things simple. We both have too many clothes and Tony still has his from his work life but doesn't want to get rid of them yet. He is much more of a pack rat than I am. That's the other thing...your partner may not be on the same page with the living simpler too.
ReplyDeleteIt sure sounds like a good plan to me. :)
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, different people have their own ideas on this subject. But what you are doing suits you and makes you happy. I'm always amazed at the crafty things you do to help the community, while using up what is on hand, such as all those mittens you have made recently
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm focusing on using what I have. I'm trying not to buy much, but the odd visit to charity shops is still happening. I am gradually finding I can let go of some items of clothing that I don't think I'll wear again. I like the things I have though and don't feel particularly in need of anything much at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI subscribe to the 'container concept' as much as I can and what won't fit into a prescribed container is outta here. Having a tiny closet in our bedroom that has to work for both of us means we can only have a finite number of clothes. My off-season clothing has to fit in one dresser drawer because that's all the available space. DH has two rods in the closet - one for winter things and the other holds t-shirts that he wears year 'round.
ReplyDelete