The first thing we did as we committed ourselves to a smaller footprint was to start looking at all the
stuff we had accumulated. We began sorting it into one of four categories:
- need it and want it
- need it but don't want it
- don't need it but want it
- don't need it and don't want it
We immediately started posting things in that last category on Craigslist and preparing for a yard sale. The things in the first category - those things we both needed and wanted (clothing, beds, our bicycles) we prepared to take with us when we moved. We went through every drawer, every closet, every shelf and with each thing we encountered we asked ourselves if we needed it. In the kitchen we decided we did not need service for 12, and reduced the number of dishes and glasses to less than half. In our new house we have no more than four of anything. Four large plates, four lunch plates, three cereal bowls (the fourth broke!), four juice glasses....you get the picture. The four of us are living in 825 square feet. There's not alot of room to store things we aren't using every day. (And no, we aren't doing alot of entertaining at the moment. But since I have four of three different sizes, my total plate quantity is 12...entertaining would still be possible. )
If you are not quite ready to start deaccessioning your belongings, there are some great resources available to help you start thinking about the benefits of less stuff. The
Northwest Earth Institute has put together a fabulous workbook for their
Voluntary Simplicity course. Designed to be used in a discussion group, it is also a great way for individuals to learn more about being intentional about simplifying your lifestyle. The workbook is a collection of essays and questions to promote thoughtful consideration of the ideas presented. I'll be assembling a resource list shortly. This one is at the top of my list.
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