Anyone else here into Minimalism or Voluntary Simplicity?

[Crimson Wife]

How timely to see this thread as I'm currently reading Radical Homemakers. A lot of what the author says really resonates with me, even if I disagree with her liberal politics. I could make a great drinking game out it- take a drink every time she blathers on about "social justice" :lol:

 

Blathering? These kinds of comments on the boards here always confuse me, because I'm not an insider, and there seems to be a wink-wink-nudge-nudge going on, and I'm the one who's the butt of the joke. What does "social justice" mean to you, because I don't see it as a "bad" term.

 

As a Catholic I have nothing against "social justice" when it's being used in the original sense of the term. Human life being valued above material possessions and the obligation for society to help out the needy. Pope Leo XIII and Pope Benedict XVI have both written long encyclicals on the topic.

 

The problem I have is the corruption of the term by socialists in the mid-20th century. It's similar to what happened to the term "equity". Suddenly "equity" and "social justice" were being used as arguments in favor of socialist policies like income redistribution through massive taxation and government entitlement programs.

[TechWife]

Interesting thread. We have backed into this over the summer. We have had a lot of work done on our house, and in the process have had to empty the first floor entirely, box all 2,000+ of our books and make sure all furniture surfaces were clean.

 

We started the process by getting rid of stuff and having a great yard sale. After we had everything out of the house that was going out & as the work was being done, we continued to find stuff we should have put in the yard sale. Before long, we had decided we need to have another yard sale (which we have not had yet). Once we decided to do that, we have been looking at our stuff in a whole new light. Now when we see something, we think "Can we get rid of that?" or "Isn't there something smaller that would do the job?"

 

We have made a few purchases for this endeavor - a rather large bookcase is on it's way so that we can keep the steps clear of books, a loft bed for ds so that he can use his small bedroom more efficiently, a new shower curtain to replace the kid theme. I am very excited that the only "storage containers" that I have purchased are ones to store Lego bricks - again, making areas more usable and practical.

 

It feels fabulous! We have a few more areas to go through. In addition, as we are putting things back in their places, we are making choices - which do we want more, A or B? Our goal is to have mostly clean surfaces - what is visible has to be necessary or very important (family pictures, for example). It's amazing how much stuff we had - and a bit embarrassing as well.

 

We will be finished in a few weeks, but I truly hope we never finish because I don't want to have to take care of all of that stuff again!

[MelanieM]

Is anyone here doing the 100 thing challenge? Peela, I saw you mention this in one of your posts... have you done this? I've been meaning to put together a list of things that would make my 100 list. I'm still not exactly sure how many 'important' personal belongings I own... but I think even making the list would be a valuable exercise, whether or not I can stop at 100.

 

I have had a busy week decluttering! After Saturday pick-ups I will have rid our home of about 20 large bags full of random stuff (clothes, toys, books, household items, craft supplies, old papers...) and some furniture (chest of drawers, storage shelf, rocking chair). My house is looking better by the minute!

 

It amazes me how much stuff we have that we just don't use. I would really love to get to where my only belongings are things I truly need, or love to look at.

[Peela]

I havent doen the 100 challenge..but as you say, Melanie, just making the list would be an interesting exercise. And, it could be something to work towards in the long run, or in case of an emergency- what woud I take? .

 

I am trying something in my wardrobe. I have two fairly small wardrobe spaces...and I have winter and summer clothes- summer clothes are stored right now. Normally, both sides of my wardrobe are full...I have taken out only about 20 items of clothing that I regularly wear, and put them in one side- lots of space- looks great! In the other side..is everything else (squashed in together). I am going to see how many items I actually take out and use from the other side...whatever I use, I can keep if I want. What I havent used by the end of season....goes.

[MelanieM]

Peela, that's a great idea! I have been pretty ruthless with my clothing lately, but I still feel like I'm looking at some things I don't like to wear. I think I need to do another pass through.

 

Speaking of another pass through... I seem to declutter in waves, where I can release a large amount of stuff then go back a month later and release that same amount again! (And it isn't that there has been replacement stuff, because we don't purchase much.) I think there's an internal judging going on that weighs things on the better/worse scale, and then when all the 'worse' bits are gone I can start over with the same scale on the new pile. Or something like that...

 

I wonder if I'll ever get to the point where I just can't declutter anything further. I suspect I'd have to be living from a backpack. lol!

[MelanieM]

Here's another interesting voluntary simplicity project: http://www.littlebrowndress.com/

[MBM]

We downsized a long time ago. Small house, one old car in great condition, low property taxes. <--- all good!

 

If I own too many possessions, I feel lost in the clutter. I admit I like an occasional nice thing, a cashmere sweater, for instance, but it has to be the sort of thing I can wear happily every day. And, I'm content with clothes from places like Kohl's, too.

 

My husband on the other hand, is a squirrel and hides things in his armoire and desk. He does allow me to toss away collections from time to time -- *good stuff* like corks, string, freebies, etc.

 

We've been able to travel as a result, which I prefer, but I still try to do that as frugally as possible, too.

[LisaS]

I too have the less is more attitude. My husband and I have been trying to simplify for about 2 years. It makes things like cleaning the house easier too. I will be thrilled when my kids jump on that band wagon someday too:D.

[Peela]

Speaking of another pass through... I seem to declutter in waves, where I can release a large amount of stuff then go back a month later and release that same amount again! (And it isn't that there has been replacement stuff, because we don't purchase much.) I think there's an internal judging going on that weighs things on the better/worse scale, and then when all the 'worse' bits are gone I can start over with the same scale on the new pile. Or something like that...

 

 

I can really relate to this....I have been decluttering for years, its seems..lately, I am REALLY decluttering- much more ruthlessly than ever before...yet I can see already that once this layer is sold off and given to charity- and its going to take me a few weeks to sell allthe books I want to sell....I can see there is definitely going to be another layer to go...and then another and another.

 

I am actualyl quite surprised that so many have responded on this thread...and so many of you all are so far ahead of me. It might be that the "wave" of anti-consumerism is spreading across the U.S. like a plague, and it hasnt quite reached Australia yet, to the same degree. Or, I have been living in a box.

[Peela]

Here's another interesting voluntary simplicity project: http://www.littlebrowndress.com/

 

 

Oooh, I like that idea. I have been thinking how I would like to just wear.. not necessarily the same actual item..but a certain style, all the time, like soft loose long cotton pants and a tunic top (OK, I am thinking Indian punjai here but with a shorter and more tight fitting top, and more stretchy material)...just have a few of each in different colours and perhaps even different fabrics- warm for winter, cool for summer. Something that looks nice and fits well...but simple and pretty and plain. So...I would wake up in the morning and say...should I wear my blue outfit or my peach coloured one today, or perhaps I could mix and match?

Just dreaming...but I do have something in mind like that. Perhaps I will get around to it one day. I do like her thinking and it is an inspiration to do something rather radical like that.

[Lucy in Australia]

and it hasnt quite reached Australia yet, to the same degree. Or, I have been living in a box.

 

You're not living in a box. It definitely hasn't reached Oz yet. I am quite the oddball amongst most of my (schooling) friends because of my constant desire to get rid of "stuff". They're all still into aquiring things. It's odd, too, because we see eye-to-eye on nearly everything else...

[MelanieM]

Oooh, I like that idea. I have been thinking how I would like to just wear.. not necessarily the same actual item..but a certain style, all the time, like soft loose long cotton pants and a tunic top (OK, I am thinking Indian punjai here but with a shorter and more tight fitting top, and more stretchy material)...just have a few of each in different colours and perhaps even different fabrics- warm for winter, cool for summer. Something that looks nice and fits well...but simple and pretty and plain. So...I would wake up in the morning and say...should I wear my blue outfit or my peach coloured one today, or perhaps I could mix and match?

Just dreaming...but I do have something in mind like that. Perhaps I will get around to it one day. I do like her thinking and it is an inspiration to do something rather radical like that.

 

Once again, you are speaking my language! I definitely like to stick to a uniform of sorts. My only problem is that I'm not sure exactly what the uniform should be! But what you describe... oh, that would be perfect! If you know of a place to get such an outfit, please do let me know! Or even a pattern... I have a neighbour that does sewing for hire. :D

[Stacia]

I think there's an internal judging going on that weighs things on the better/worse scale, and then when all the 'worse' bits are gone I can start over with the same scale on the new pile. Or something like that...

 

I can totally identify w/ what you're saying! :iagree:

[swimmermom3]

A few years ago I was reading everything I could find on voluntary simplicity. I remember reading Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin plus printing off everything I could find on the internet. As much as I loved reading about those people who have accomplished it, I found it much harder to put into practice. I feel as though our entire society is against living simply! I haven't given up, but I haven't given it a lot of energy in the last couple years. The thing is that we do live simply compared to many people. But I still want more simplicity. Not poverty. Just simple. Room and time to breathe and just be - if that makes any sense.

 

Reading your post maybe was the jump start I need to get going again. Things have been accumulating....

 

I appreciated Elgin's book for the intellectual challenge but found Cox and Evatt's book, 30 Days to a Simpler Life, to be more helpful with the day to day issues of simplifying.

 

I just read Radical Simplicity, which I don't really recommend. (It was hard to take him seriously after he related that 4 wild ibex told him to "Break free the chains of domestication!" Isn't it funny that Himalayan ibex would speak such good English?) And he advocates one child families, and it's a little late for that here!

 

What I want to focus on (besides the decluttering and getting rid of things) is to start replacing disposable things with permanent solutions. As my children get older, I want to put my money into travelling and having experiences, not stuff and the maintenance thereof.

 

My BIL and his partner are minimalists. Their Christmas gifts to our kids have always been along the lines of experiences: tickets to the children's theater, the symphony, a membership to the zoo. These gifts are much appreciated and have opened new doors to us as a family.

 

This is a real problem in our society. It is frequently cheaper to buy an new item than it is to repair or refill an old one. A few examples, two days ago I went to Target to get a new head for my electric toothbrush. The heads are $5 a piece but only come in packages of six. A totally new unit was only $12. I buy the replacement printer cartridges for my printer at Sam's. They come in a package of two B&W and one color for $45 dollars. The printer itself was $40 and it came with cartridges. It cost $800 to repair my microwave. I could have bought a new one for $300. When you are living on a budget sometimes you can't afford to make the choice that is best for the environment and society. You have to do what you can afford. Where is the logic in this?

 

Not only is there no logic, there is no satisfaction in solving a problem for yourself and saving money.

 

Once again, you are speaking my language! I definitely like to stick to a uniform of sorts. My only problem is that I'm not sure exactly what the uniform should be! But what you describe... oh, that would be perfect! If you know of a place to get such an outfit, please do let me know! Or even a pattern... I have a neighbour that does sewing for hire. :D

 

Years ago, I read that French women often have just a few items in their closet that are of very good quality and design, then they accessorize. Think how simple that would be.

 

ETA: Peela, thank you for starting this thread. I feel as though it's been months since I have done something that feeds my soul. This is a topic that has moved in and out of my focus for years. Each time I take steps in the direction of simplifying, I feel a renewed sense of peace. It's also interesting to see on each cycle how my concept of "simplifying" has evolved.

Edited August 27, 2010 by swimmermom3

[ccmom]

Yes!! I always feel so much better when I get rid of "stuff".

[Supertechmom]

We recently moved into a new house with a dining room and breakfast nook and I am steadfastly refusing to purchase a second table even though my husband insists the kitchen looks odd with the empty space. I simply can't see the need for two eating spaces 15 feet apart.

 

 

 

We squeezed the dining room table into the eat in kitchen and allow the kids to have the dining room as one big empty square. THey lay out train tables, roads, build large projects or just run around in a circle! IT's been god send even if people do look and say "what are we going to do there?"

 

I backed into this idea from Flylady:D She has one line that I've never forgotten and I ask myself every single time I go shopping, "DO I love it enough to dust it every week?" (or take care of it or display it or put it away every time) IF the answer is no, it stays on the shelf.

 

I've saved myself many many times from clutter with that question. My home is positively bare compared to most but it is filled with what we love and cherish. iF you see it around here, you know it is a cherished possession and not just another thing. My sis is constantly after me to decorate ( and she thinks we are too poor to do it ) . She just doesn't understand that I have decorated.:001_smile:

 

I know need to go through all the clothes and closets again as they are out of sorts but all the other areas are still "orderly"

[MelanieM]

Ok, I'm thinking you'd be living a pretty simple life in this space.

[MorganClassicalPrep]

Today I freecycled 2 bags of stuff and threw away some random knick knacks that were hanging around collecting dust.

 

Yay me! :lol:

 

Hopefully this productivity can continue tomorrow. My goal is to get rid of 4 bags of stuff, either trashing it or freecycling it.

 

Thank you thread, for your encouragement. :D