Living with Less
“Have nothing in your house you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
William Morris
I would add another “or” to Morris’s wise words: “have a designated spot for.”
Moving from an expansive four-bedroom house to a tighter two-bedroom house has shown me exactly how much stuff I’ve accumulated over the years.
Way, way, way too much stuff.
It’s time to downsize. If there’s no physical place to store, display, or implement an item in my home—as beautiful or nostalgia-inducing as that item may be—I am learning to let it go. It’s a gradual, ongoing, and sometimes painful process. While I love our new house, it’s roughly two-thirds the size of the old one. That means getting rid of one-third of my furniture, my housewares, my clothing, my books, my artwork, my hobby materials, my treasured mementos…
Of course, we’ve lived with less in the past. During the six months between selling our house and buying another, we rented a rustic furnished cabin outside of town. I can honestly say I didn’t miss any of the household and personal possessions we’d jam-packed into three large temporary storage units. There was a simplicity and ease to those days that I recall with deep fondness.
Seriously, when I look back on the winter evening scene above (photographed one year ago), my husband and I had everything we needed: water, wine, the warmth of a wood fire, the company of cards and one another. Who could ask for more?
As I continue to sell, donate, and gift an eclectic assortment of things I no longer have room for, I’ve come to realize that just paring down my existing stuff isn’t enough. I must stop accruing more. And so, I’ve made a “No New Stuff” pledge for the year 2022.
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.“
Boyd K. Packer
My goal isn’t to save money (although that will be a nice perk) but to become a more mindful consumer, avoid waste, and adopt a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.
With that in mind, I’ve created a few “rules” for myself. I can purchase food and essential consumables as needed, including paper products, cleaning goods, and toiletries (but no stockpiling allowed). Plants and garden necessities are also okay, as are gift certificates, travel, experiential activities, digital media, and dining out. The so-called “stuff” I’m abstaining from buying in 2022 includes clothing, housewares, decor, camera equipment, print books, games and puzzles—basically anything that takes up precious space and doesn’t regularly get used up.
I’m embarking on this journey with a spirit of curiosity—I expect it will inspire self-discovery and creative problem-solving. Along the way, I’ll be taking notes and perhaps sharing some helpful tips too.
Have any of you taken on a similar “No-Buy Year” or “No-Spend” challenge? If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.“
Theodore Roosevelt
4 Comments
Margaret Haug-Chlebowski
What a perfectly timed question, as I had designated this week as “clean out the basement” week, postponed now to devote todays energy to contemplate your concept. Well, I’ve tried, and so far have really pared down on purchasing “things”. But then, just as real progress is on the horizon, the “sirenes” of thrift stores and antique cooperatives have sought to begile me back, and I’m up for an emotional fight. I still find myself loosing to the thrill of a perfect something, but more often am now able to resist. Owning things is work, really.
Complicating my giving clothing away is the fact that Buffalo’s 4 ++ seasons require a plentitude of weather adaptive clothing, further complicated by that wayward 5#, sometimes off/on requiring a cycling of sizes: so I’ve given up on giving away too much clothing.
Two of my younger sisters aproached their down sizing by throwing out or donating two items a day for 30 days. My oldest sister had a collection of over 100 cookbooks, but didn’t use her oven for 10 years. I did not consult her.
One positive thing I’m trying to do is replace necessary items that are worn out and no longer functional with hand crafted items, thus keeping Etsy and their artists busy.
Well, I will be further pondering your premise, but now having been overwhelmed by a wave of guilt, am now going down to “begin” the basement.
Anything on the curb tomorrow is free for the taking.
admin
Oh, Margaret, your comments made me laugh out loud! Sorry that this post took you away from the task at hand, but happy you took the time to share some stories. The struggle is real!
I say hooray for thrift stores and antique cooperatives. Most of their items come from people like us cleaning out their basements, so together we’re reusing, repurposing, and recycling. I totally get that thrill of discovery. For me, the temptation is used bookstores and library book sales – nothing better than finding a rare edition or a quirky read. Over the last few years, I’ve had some success practicing “zero population growth”: I give away one book for every new one I place on my shelves. And your sister’s cookbook collection is such a funny example of the “one day I’ll need this” thinking we all seem to engage in.
I absolutely love your idea of replacing worn-out items with hand-crafted ones. Those are the things that bring beauty and personality into our lives and are a pleasure to use – a whole different energy than mass-produced goods. Here’s to quality over quantity!
Blessings,
Wendy
Nancy Crowley
Hi Wendy,
Love your article! We are still in our big 4 bedroom house. I would like to downsize but still in the village. We are starting the process of getting rid of stuff, it is very difficult. Somethings I can throw out or give “it” a new home!
It is a process. Good luck!
Nancy
admin
It’s definitely a process, Nancy – it’s amazing how stuff sneaks up on you! And I think many of us are surprised to realize that our grown kids don’t want the furniture and keepsakes we’d been saving for them over the years.
I remember the excitement of you moving into your big, beautiful home and I know it served your family well. Hope you find something cozy and convenient for the two of you in the village. And best of luck finding new homes for all those belongings you no longer have a use for!
Wendy