Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Not so much religiously though. I'm on the cusp of getting rid of everything in the house that is on a shelf, in a drawer, cupboard, cluttering a table or lying on the floor. What should I set as my cost to replace limit? As in, "If I find I need another one within the next 6-12 months I'll just replace it." $20.00? $50.00? I think $50 is too high. What are the rules? If I don't love it or if it doesn't have a specific purpose then it goes out. Anything else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyLittleWonders Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I have no idea, but I feel like going Zen too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiseOwlKnits Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 How about putting them in Purgatory for an amount of time. If you don't need them, they go to Goodwill. If you do, then you rescue it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 I have this book I picked up at the local book store yesterday. It has photos of Zen interiors. I swear there is one photo that has nothing in the room but a chair. That is so appealing right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 How about putting them in Purgatory for an amount of time. If you don't need them, they go to Goodwill. If you do, then you rescue it? :iagree:I like this idea. Maybe clean out the house entirely and put your stuff in storage for a month or two. The cost of the storage would be less than replacing things that you find out you actually may need once the Zen loses it's novelty and becomes a part of your life. Just a thought. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 If you haven't used it in a year (or 6 months) AND/OR you don't love it. For stuff you are not really sure of, you can box it and hide it and if you didn't miss anything in it in a certain period of time, then you can safely get rid of it. I dont have a replacement limit and i have never needed one. However I do play the 2nd hand market (hence the clutter:001_smile:) so I always know I can replace things cheaply. I have thrown half a dozen pairs of Thai fishermans pants in the last few months. Yesterday at swap meet I saw a pair that I really loved and bought it. DH was stunned to hear me say it was now my only pair. But I love THIS pair now, and dont miss the others at all. Go for it! I get ruthless and I really very rarely miss anything that i have got rid of. I call it "zen-ning". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 If you haven't used it in a year (or 6 months) AND/OR you don't love it. For stuff you are not really sure of, you can box it and hide it and if you didn't miss anything in it in a certain period of time, then you can safely get rid of it. I dont have a replacement limit and i have never needed one. However I do play the 2nd hand market (hence the clutter:001_smile:) so I always know I can replace things cheaply. I have thrown half a dozen pairs of Thai fishermans pants in the last few months. Yesterday at swap meet I saw a pair that I really loved and bought it. DH was stunned to hear me say it was now my only pair. But I love THIS pair now, and dont miss the others at all. Go for it! I get ruthless and I really very rarely miss anything that i have got rid of. I call it "zen-ning". Oh, funny. I've been walking around since Friday afternood telling anyone who will listen that I'm zen-ning the house very soon. Off the computer for a while. I'm taking every thing out of the living room and only putting back what is needed or loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I have this book I picked up at the local book store yesterday. It has photos of Zen interiors. I swear there is one photo that has nothing in the room but a chair. That is so appealing right now. :lol::lol::lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Off the computer for a while. I'm taking every thing out of the living room and only putting back what is needed or loved. Any chance of some before and after photos, to inspire us wannabees? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mejane Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 If it helps, I have never, repeat never, needed anything I've got rid of, and I'm a decluttering fool. I just make do with what I do have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry in OH Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 If it helps, I have never, repeat never, needed anything I've got rid of, and I'm a decluttering fool. I just make do with what I do have. I've not needed things until two moves later. Then I could really use the item I got rid of (because I never used it) when I lived in X state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 I found my SD card! Photos might be possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mejane Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I've not needed things until two moves later. Then I could really use the item I got rid of (because I never used it) when I lived in X state. That's when you re-buy. I'd never drag things around move after move just in case. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackenziefoust Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Money Saving Mom has a lot of great ideas about the Minimalist lifestyle. Just got this book at her suggestion Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 I've got some photos. The first two are of all the junk that has nt found a place in the living room. It was all in the living room when I started. Behind furniture, in the drawers of the end tables, hanging around waiting for someone to use it. The next two are different views of how it looks cleaned up/out. The dog is Baxter and the humongous cat is Prissy. I'll take a different view of the foyer before and a different view of the second parlor before then afters of each. We will see how much that motivates me. I'm going to grab a bite and then move on to the foyer and second parlor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 My rule is if I haven't used it in 6 months (1 year for seasonal items) and I don't love it or have a specific purpose for it, it goes. I also have never had to re-buy. I always have had something else that will work or was able to borrow it from someone if it was a single use need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Love the photos. The room looks great & peaceful. Looks like Baxter & Prissy are into the zen movement too. ;) :D As far as getting rid of stuff, I agree w/ Mejane. If you need something, you'll find a way to make do. You may replace one or two things, but I think it's more likely that you'll just learn to live w/out it, make do w/ something else you have, or borrow it from someone else. Of course, it's easy for me to sit here & say that when I need to do a massive amount of zen-ning at my house too. :tongue_smilie: I've been trying, though, for quite awhile now. We have gotten rid of so much stuff & I can honestly say I don't remember or miss any of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mykdsmomy Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Love the pics!!! What a beautiful home you have! Ok, what is in the drawers in your end tables? Do they accumulate stuff or do they have a purpose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WistfulRidge Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I actually meant to start a similar project today on DS's room... it is full of unbroken down boxes and some stuff that my brother didn't know what to do with so he left it with us. Our bedroom and the living room need it too, but not nearly as badly. It. Is. Driving. Me. Crazy. :glare: However, I woke up this morning feeling completely blah. So I'm resting, nibbling on saltines, and hoping it goes away so I can commence with zen-ing this afternoon :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam Wilhelm Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I love the pics......... do you think the dog is worried that he may be next? :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mykdsmomy Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I actually meant to start a similar project today on DS's room... it is full of unbroken down boxes and some stuff that my brother didn't know what to do with so he left it with us. Our bedroom and the living room need it too, but not nearly as badly. It. Is. Driving. Me. Crazy. :glare: However, I woke up this morning feeling completely blah. So I'm resting, nibbling on saltines, and hoping it goes away so I can commence with zen-ing this afternoon :) :grouphug: morning sickness is the worst! feel better soon! (saltines were my best friend when I was pg. Have you tried those wrist bands? I never did but have heard they work for some people) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsMe Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I don't like mimimalize to the point of stark and cold. Your after pics are wonderful! You've accomplished just that. I see everything and it doesn't make me go crazy. It also doesn't make me think about how you can dust it all or how you're lacking your dusting duties! Excellent! I love miminal living if I could accomplish it with a homey look. This year I have gotten rid of store-bought for some things done by family to put up instead and it really makes a difference. There's a purpose to what is on my walls. (Remember though you have to like it.) I've gone into wonderful homes...I bought a desk from a young couple with children a month ago and their house was beautiful. But it was all store-bought decorating. I love a story when I go into a house that isn't corrupted by junk. Keep going, you're on a roll. Then you can come to my house. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 How about putting them in Purgatory for an amount of time. If you don't need them, they go to Goodwill. If you do, then you rescue it? :lol::lol: My purgatory is a storage place 900 miles away. We literally have 20% of our stuff with us. I would really like the washer and dryer and maybe some more of my clothing. But I am a little afraid of when we get all the boxes that I'll not want to part with things. I'm liking the minimal approach, except for lack of bookcases. I refuse to buy anything we already own, so I did a makeshift bookcase the other day. I may need to borrow some of y'alls strength when we get our stuff. I purged a lot of decor stuff and I tend to keep what is from generations ago, family stuff. I am determined NOT to clutter this house. It's smaller than our previous home so I know I still need to purge. It will be like Christmas. :lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Doesn't it make you feel wonderful? Free? I love the feeling. The only time I ever regretted getting rid of something down the road, was the time I decluttered my curriculum room. Since then I box up unused curriculum (as long as my girls haven't outgrown it) and store it. Otherwise, I've never missed anything. I LOVE decluttering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry in OH Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 That's when you re-buy. I'd never drag things around move after move just in case. :001_smile: I declutter every move. I rarely re-buy. I just think, "oh, I used to have one of those." Then I find a substitute. Supposedly this is the house our children will grow up in. I have decided that if we move again, I am selling the house contents included. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I've got some photos. ~ snip ~ I'll take a different view of the foyer before and a different view of the second parlor before then afters of each. We will see how much that motivates me. I'm going to grab a bite and then move on to the foyer and second parlor. Wow! That's some clear! And it is quite motivating for me, as I'd hoped - so thank you very much!! I think to record the difference is good - even if it's only to remind you not to let it go back to the way it was before! The one major thing I struggle with in our house is space. It is small, even by British standards. And that's small. Sigh. Right now, moving is not an option. I need a lot of encouragement to do this Zen/minimalism thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Not so much religiously though. I'm on the cusp of getting rid of everything in the house that is on a shelf, in a drawer, cupboard, cluttering a table or lying on the floor. What should I set as my cost to replace limit? As in, "If I find I need another one within the next 6-12 months I'll just replace it." $20.00? $50.00? I think $50 is too high. What are the rules? If I don't love it or if it doesn't have a specific purpose then it goes out. Anything else? Actually, it sounds like you are going monastic. Your rules are pretty good. Just start there and get more brutal as you get better at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne J Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Please tell me I can toss most of the kid's ugly, cluttery toys as part of zen-tough-love parenting? Seriously, my house *was* zennish. Then I had kids and I can't find a clear surface in the house, even when it is all put away!! My problem is this--we have a 2 story house and the kids want toys downstairs. So, everything is toyland down here. How do those of you who have littles and 2 story homes do it? (BTW, at 2, my youngest can't navigate up and down the stairs on her own, so she *has* to have toys downstairs.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoyfulMama Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Great job! Keep going!!! Inspire us!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 I think it has gotten so bad because we've been here 16 months. It is one of the longest amounts of time we have lived in one house. Here are some more pix. Before and after foyer Before in the fire room. I've uploaded my max so I have to start another post to get the afters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry in OH Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Please tell me I can toss most of the kid's ugly, cluttery toys as part of zen-tough-love parenting? Seriously, my house *was* zennish. Then I had kids and I can't find a clear surface in the house, even when it is all put away!! My problem is this--we have a 2 story house and the kids want toys downstairs. So, everything is toyland down here. How do those of you who have littles and 2 story homes do it? (BTW, at 2, my youngest can't navigate up and down the stairs on her own, so she *has* to have toys downstairs.) My children's toys are supposed to be in the basement. They carry them upstairs all the time. I have a rubbermaid tote on the first floor to hold toys and there is a similar tote in each of their bedrooms. When any of the totes are full, they are carried to the basement, dumped, and returned to the proper room. Wicker baskets would be prettier, but we had the totes from our last move. The basement toy room/family room is tidied weekly. I don't spend a lot time down there, so I don't see the clutter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I think it has gotten so bad because we've been here 16 months. It is one of the longest amounts of time we have lived in one house. Here are some more pix. Before and after foyer [ATTACH]4461[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]4462[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]4463[/ATTACH] Before in the fire room. I've uploaded my max so I have to start another post to get the afters. [ATTACH]4464[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]4465[/ATTACH] Your place looks soooo cozy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 (edited) Clean room and my desk the cleanest it has been since I got it from my grandmother 5 years ago. Off to rehydrate then on to the dining room. I'm going to get those books taken care of on the book shelves as soon as dh comes home. He has to cull his. Edited February 7, 2011 by Parrothead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Sherry Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 If it helps, I have never, repeat never, needed anything I've got rid of, and I'm a decluttering fool. I just make do with what I do have. Now there's a thought worth considering. Come to think of it, I don't recall ever saying "Oh, I need xxxx that I got rid of." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Please tell me I can toss most of the kid's ugly, cluttery toys as part of zen-tough-love parenting? Seriously, my house *was* zennish. Then I had kids and I can't find a clear surface in the house, even when it is all put away!! YES!! CHUCK 'EM!!!! My problem is this--we have a 2 story house and the kids want toys downstairs. So, everything is toyland down here. How do those of you who have littles and 2 story homes do it? (BTW, at 2, my youngest can't navigate up and down the stairs on her own, so she *has* to have toys downstairs.) It's harder when they're little like that - but here's what we have done over the past year or so, starting from when DD3 was not quite 2yo: Upstairs, we have organised the two children's bedrooms thus - Big bedroom (shared by DD3 and one big sister): bunk beds one big chest of drawers for DD3 and one big sister's clothes hanging area for shirts, dresses, skirts etc for all 4 dc desks for independent schoolwork doll's house playmobil (HUGE box!) big girls' keepsake boxes some quilts, pillows and sleeping bags Small bedroom (shared by DS5 and one big sister): bunk beds two small chests of drawers for DS5 and one big sister's clothes small table and two chairs bookshelves for 0-8yo books (the remaining kids fiction books for older kids are in our room) box of lego box of wooden train track box of DS5's cars box of puzzles box of games box of dressing up clothes Downstairs, we have all the curriculum and school stuff, and all the non-fiction books. We also have a small wicker basket of special books and puzzles that DD3 can play with when I am doing schoolwork with DS5. Originally, when she was 2yo and DS wasn't doing any schoolwork to speak of, the basket contained a selection of books and toys which I rotated frequently. At any given time, there could not be more baby books and toys downstairs than what could fit into that basket. Over the year, I have gotten rid of SO MUCH stuff. The charity shops (goodwill) around here do very well out of us! It feels good to have fixed their bedrooms - it's the rest of the house that desperately needs to be decluttered! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zookeeperof3 Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Chucki, I want your house!:001_wub: Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 Chucki,I want your house!:001_wub: Kim It was built in 1890. All the wood is original. It isn't technically mine since we are just renting it. If it were mine the wallpaper would go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zookeeperof3 Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 It was built in 1890. All the wood is original. It isn't technically mine since we are just renting it. If it were mine the wallpaper would go. I have to agree about the wallpaper. Our house is a Queen Anne built it 1887, but we don't have all of that beautiful woodwork that you do. Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iona Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 YES!! CHUCK 'EM!!!! It's harder when they're little like that - but here's what we have done over the past year or so, starting from when DD3 was not quite 2yo: Upstairs, we have organised the two children's bedrooms thus - i have this problem too. we have the three boys in bedrooms upstairs and they spend most of their time downstairs. right now i have confiscated most of their toys because we had a "our room is too messy to clean up" event. all of their toys are in bins and stacks in our bedroom:glare: and spilling out into one of our family areas. I need to go through them and get rid of some/most of them. My problem is, I haven't designated good homes for things. The way our house is, I don't have an answer to: where do the books go, where is the living room/school rooms...there are several living areas that bleed into each other but are not well defined. I have moved the couches so many times, ugh. Oh and Parrothead, where is all of the stuff in the before pictures going? I imagine this huge pile of stuff on your lawn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flux Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Have you been to Zen Habits? I went through a "phase" nearly a year ago. Life derailed me for a bit, but I would like to get back to it as well. Ditto on the beautiful woodwork. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 Thanks for the link. I'll read over the site when I sit down for quiet time this evening. The dining room is done. I've got pix, but someone will have to say they want to see. It feels like showing off now. Dh took 4 contractor size trash bags out. Nearly one for each room I've done so far. He came home from work and was amazed. With the exception of moving the recliner to the fire room and the glider rocker into the living room nothing else has changed. Yet it looks so very different. I'll be getting into the kitchen in a few minutes. There isn't much clutter in that room. It has become a holding station now since it is the last room downstairs. Hopefully I'll be done by 6:30. I'll have to go back to the first post today and see what time I started.. My back is sore. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 The dining room is done. I've got pix, but someone will have to say they want to see. It feels like showing off now. Me! Me! Me!!! Do post.. Dh took 4 contractor size trash bags out. Nearly one for each room I've done so far. He came home from work and was amazed. With the exception of moving the recliner to the fire room and the glider rocker into the living room nothing else has changed. Yet it looks so very different. I'll be getting into the kitchen in a few minutes. There isn't much clutter in that room. It has become a holding station now since it is the last room downstairs. Hopefully I'll be done by 6:30. I'll have to go back to the first post today and see what time I started.. My back is sore. :001_smile: Well done! Sounds like you've got loads done! Be sure to celebrate.. and take care of that back! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gooblink Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 You work fast!! You've got a beautiful home, I love all that woodwork. Wait...I'm feeling inspiration coming on to tackle our front office. Oh, feeling passed. Maybe another day. I'm a minimalist spirit living with 3 pack rats (and 2 dogs) in an entropy house.:glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan C. Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 You go girl!!!! Way to go!!! I wanna see the other room too! I can't believe you did your whole house in one day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 Me! Me! Me!!! Do post.. Well done! Sounds like you've got loads done! Be sure to celebrate.. and take care of that back! :001_smile: Since you sound so enthusiastic. Two of the junk that got moved into that room and the junk that was already there. Then two views of a clean cleaned dining room. I never noticed how much my dining room set blends into the color of the wood until I looked at these photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 You go girl!!!! Way to go!!! I wanna see the other room too! I can't believe you did your whole house in one day! Oh, no hon, not the whole house. There are three bedrooms and a bath upstairs to tackle tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 Here's the kitchen. It isn't any where near Zen-like. As you can see there are no cabinets/cupboards except the pair at the left of the photo. Next to the stove on the other side is the 'fridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 but my dh has taught me that some things are worth hanging onto. As for a cost limit, maybe $25. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoyfulMama Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 Awesome job today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :hurray::hurray::hurray: (You deserve to show off - totally!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsMe Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 Wowser! So awesome. You got your home back! And ditto all that beautiful workwork and character. Love the house. NOT bragging. Keep posting. Gives us all a HUGE incentive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.