Comments on: Day 2: Decluttering and managing stuff http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html --- a combination of simple living, anticonsumerism, DIY ethics, self-reliance, and applied capitalism Fri, 25 May 2012 19:02:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: livinlite http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-37207 livinlite Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:40:28 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-37207 RE: Books Most libraries have a "Friends of the Library" store that sells used books cheap. They accept donations too. I have no problem buying a book from them for $1, reading it, and donating it back to them. I see it as a form of paying my dues and giving a little something back. Plus the old ladies who run it are pretty fun to talk to... They also serve as my de facto donation spot for books that the used bookstores won't buy. Another way I look at books and keeping them is to think: is this book a pivotal book in the development of my thinking/humanity? If so, I might be inclined to keep it and/or pass it on to a friend. If not, let it go... I have a small collection of poetry, some Zen translations, and some essential novels...Dostoevsky, Steinbeck, Salinger, etc. RE: Books

Most libraries have a “Friends of the Library” store that sells used books cheap. They accept donations too. I have no problem buying a book from them for $1, reading it, and donating it back to them. I see it as a form of paying my dues and giving a little something back. Plus the old ladies who run it are pretty fun to talk to…

They also serve as my de facto donation spot for books that the used bookstores won’t buy.

Another way I look at books and keeping them is to think: is this book a pivotal book in the development of my thinking/humanity? If so, I might be inclined to keep it and/or pass it on to a friend. If not, let it go… I have a small collection of poetry, some Zen translations, and some essential novels…Dostoevsky, Steinbeck, Salinger, etc.

]]> By: Kumar http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-36583 Kumar Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:26:45 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-36583 Its moving time, and I realized I got too much stuff which I didn't use in many years, mainly my textbooks. I listed them on amazon, and recycled the research papers (huge amount of paper) used for my PhD. Now in the process of selling my floor standing speakers and other furniture I acquired this year thr' craigslist. I feel liberated. I was foolish carrying all that junk over 600 miles in a uhaul trailer last year. Its moving time, and I realized I got too much stuff which I didn’t use in many years, mainly my textbooks. I listed them on amazon, and recycled the research papers (huge amount of paper) used for my PhD. Now in the process of selling my floor standing speakers and other furniture I acquired this year thr’ craigslist. I feel liberated.

I was foolish carrying all that junk over 600 miles in a uhaul trailer last year.

]]> By: FreeUrChains http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-26949 FreeUrChains Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:51:54 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-26949 When I moved out of my $695/ month one bedroom apartment with my girlfriend (hardly a place to park) to a $400/ month two bedroom (almost townhouse with an actual driveway!), we had to get rid of a very old wooden dinner table + 4 wooden chairs that I grew up with using in my dad's house, since our new place didn't have a dining room (we never used it or needed a room for one). We took it slightly outside the dumpster area when moving, and by the next morning someone took it! lol. Haven't needed a dining room table yet! We even have our own washer and dryer, and a bigger kitchen area. When I moved out of my $695/ month one bedroom apartment with my girlfriend (hardly a place to park) to a $400/ month two bedroom (almost townhouse with an actual driveway!), we had to get rid of a very old wooden dinner table + 4 wooden chairs that I grew up with using in my dad’s house, since our new place didn’t have a dining room (we never used it or needed a room for one). We took it slightly outside the dumpster area when moving, and by the next morning someone took it! lol.

Haven’t needed a dining room table yet! We even have our own washer and dryer, and a bigger kitchen area.

]]> By: Monika http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-25010 Monika Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:48:44 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-25010 Here a few thoughts that helped me let go of books (and other stuff): There were quite a number of books in my shelves that I didn't want to give away because they had been so important and valuable to me once, that had influenced me and helped me grow. When I realized that what had been the essence of these books was now integrated in me and in my life, I suddenly didn't feel like having to keep them anymore. No need to keep a book when you have given life to the thoughts in it! Furthermore, I was delighted with the idea of more people reading these copies and being inspired like I had been! Much better life for a book to be travelling and read several times than standing in a shelf quite uselessly... This works for other stuff, too. Imagine how you'd feel if you were the item and had to waste your life in someone's closet.(You don't need to be an animist to do this.) To me, Karen Kingston's definition of clutter has been a guideline during the past ten years: clutter is everything that you don't need or love dearly. I see that your definition is more rigid, as it wouldn't allow to keep something "useless" just because it's beautiful or inspiring. This is probably a question priorities, in any case should one restrict the number of "useless but beloved" items and then get rid of one when acquiring a new one. with greetings from germany, I'm glad I stumbled upon your website, thank you! Here a few thoughts that helped me let go of books (and other stuff): There were quite a number of books in my shelves that I didn’t want to give away because they had been so important and valuable to me once, that had influenced me and helped me grow. When I realized that what had been the essence of these books was now integrated in me and in my life, I suddenly didn’t feel like having to keep them anymore. No need to keep a book when you have given life to the thoughts in it!
Furthermore, I was delighted with the idea of more people reading these copies and being inspired like I had been! Much better life for a book to be travelling and read several times than standing in a shelf quite uselessly…

This works for other stuff, too. Imagine how you’d feel if you were the item and had to waste your life in someone’s closet.(You don’t need to be an animist to do this.)
To me, Karen Kingston’s definition of clutter has been a guideline during the past ten years: clutter is everything that you don’t need or love dearly. I see that your definition is more rigid, as it wouldn’t allow to keep something “useless” just because it’s beautiful or inspiring. This is probably a question priorities, in any case should one restrict the number of “useless but beloved” items and then get rid of one when acquiring a new one.
with greetings from germany, I’m glad I stumbled upon your website, thank you!

]]> By: André http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-22557 André Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:11:29 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-22557 An aside to the person who mentioned boots above: Army surplus can get you great deals. I've been wearing army boots for the last two winters, for a total of thirty bucks, and they're still in great shape. An aside to the person who mentioned boots above: Army surplus can get you great deals. I’ve been wearing army boots for the last two winters, for a total of thirty bucks, and they’re still in great shape.

]]> By: Sarah http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-22549 Sarah Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:20:59 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-22549 Another idea for getting rid of books: Check to see whether your local library system will take donations. Our county library has a huge annual sale to get rid of their own inventory and raise funds. They take donations of books in good condition to include in the sale. You don't earn cash but it's a fast no-hassle way to get rid of books, garner a small tax write off, and support the library system. Another idea for getting rid of books:
Check to see whether your local library system will take donations. Our county library has a huge annual sale to get rid of their own inventory and raise funds. They take donations of books in good condition to include in the sale. You don’t earn cash but it’s a fast no-hassle way to get rid of books, garner a small tax write off, and support the library system.

]]> By: Geek http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-21950 Geek Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:22:25 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-21950 Just signed up for freecycle, dropping a pair of skis first! Then on to the bazillionth desk in our apartment. (Seriously. So many desks). We've already ebay'd several laptops and computers (Mac geeks tend to collect them) and a video game with a steering wheel. Slow progress has probably gotten rid of 3 cu/ft so far. So many things. Sigh. Just signed up for freecycle, dropping a pair of skis first!
Then on to the bazillionth desk in our apartment. (Seriously. So many desks).

We’ve already ebay’d several laptops and computers (Mac geeks tend to collect them) and a video game with a steering wheel. Slow progress has probably gotten rid of 3 cu/ft so far. So many things. Sigh.

]]> By: Jessica http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-19487 Jessica Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:25:19 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-19487 Has anyone had any problems with FreeCycle rejecting their membership? I had been a member of FreeCycle with no problems. I got really busy and didn't have the time to deal with the mass volume of emails for a time, my yahoo account got partly shut down due to inactivity. I went to get it all re-set up and tried to re-join the FreeCycle group in my area and they rejected my membership. I sent them an email requesting to know why and if I had done anything when I was a member before that would cause them to reject me. No response. I can't be the only one out there this has happened to. Is craigslist my only option now? Any thoughts, ideas??? Has anyone had any problems with FreeCycle rejecting their membership? I had been a member of FreeCycle with no problems. I got really busy and didn’t have the time to deal with the mass volume of emails for a time, my yahoo account got partly shut down due to inactivity. I went to get it all re-set up and tried to re-join the FreeCycle group in my area and they rejected my membership. I sent them an email requesting to know why and if I had done anything when I was a member before that would cause them to reject me. No response. I can’t be the only one out there this has happened to. Is craigslist my only option now? Any thoughts, ideas???

]]> By: Steve in W MA http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-16612 Steve in W MA Sat, 25 Sep 2010 07:32:48 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-16612 I love my bread machine because I got it free on Freecycle. I would never buy one. Though I lost the little paddle that kneads the dough. being extraordinarily cheap and stubborn I will make a new one rather than get a new machine. I primarily use the bread machine for kneading, not baking, bread. However, it is also a handy little device for roasting stuff like chickens or vegetables. Fully temperature controlled up to about 425 F., and extremely small in surface area so it's probably more efficient that the big oven for small batches. I love my bread machine because I got it free on Freecycle. I would never buy one.

Though I lost the little paddle that kneads the dough. being extraordinarily cheap and stubborn I will make a new one rather than get a new machine.

I primarily use the bread machine for kneading, not baking, bread.

However, it is also a handy little device for roasting stuff like chickens or vegetables. Fully temperature controlled up to about 425 F., and extremely small in surface area so it’s probably more efficient that the big oven for small batches.

]]> By: Jeremy Day http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-14064 Jeremy Day Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:24:35 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-14064 Just wanted to let you know that you need to add "www" in front of freecycle.org to get the link to work. Cheers, jeremy Just wanted to let you know that you need to add “www” in front of freecycle.org to get the link to work.

Cheers,
jeremy

]]> By: Jacob http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-10999 Jacob Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:04:17 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-10999 @Steve - I think it was Harry Browne who argued for no shared stuff at all (this included the house). This avoids all problems. Given the situation, just deal with your own stuff (clothes? dvds? tools? toys?) for now. Surely, you will not be forced to keep that. @Steve – I think it was Harry Browne who argued for no shared stuff at all (this included the house). This avoids all problems. Given the situation, just deal with your own stuff (clothes? dvds? tools? toys?) for now. Surely, you will not be forced to keep that.

]]> By: Steve http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-10998 Steve Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:54:48 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-10998 What if your spouse won't let you get rid of stuff? You've written that you keep (semi?) separate finances from your spouse - is there a way that could be applied to stuff? What if your spouse won’t let you get rid of stuff? You’ve written that you keep (semi?) separate finances from your spouse – is there a way that could be applied to stuff?

]]> By: Muji http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-10985 Muji Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:55:49 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-10985 Regarding toast, a hot cast iron pan will also do the trick - like a grilled cheese minus the cheese. :) Regarding toast, a hot cast iron pan will also do the trick – like a grilled cheese minus the cheese. :)

]]> By: conpewter http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-10761 conpewter Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:39:54 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-10761 I know the posts about toast are old, but if you have a propane torch (I do a lot of plumbing) it can be used for toasting, after all, that's how they make creme brulee. I know the posts about toast are old, but if you have a propane torch (I do a lot of plumbing) it can be used for toasting, after all, that’s how they make creme brulee.

]]> By: Andy http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-10618 Andy Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:40:42 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-10618 Oh, I wrote a post about getting rid of clutter last year at http://martialsimplicity.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-to-get-rid-of-things-you-dont.html It's more of a "Think fast!" approach, maybe it will work for some people. It has helped me get rid of my clutter. ;) Oh, I wrote a post about getting rid of clutter last year at http://martialsimplicity.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-to-get-rid-of-things-you-dont.html
It’s more of a “Think fast!” approach, maybe it will work for some people. It has helped me get rid of my clutter.
;)

]]> By: Squirrel Most Frugal http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-7778 Squirrel Most Frugal Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:23:41 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-7778 Another option is to get a book scanner and scan books into a pdf on your computer. Then get rid of the book. Good for library books too. Technically, this is not legal, but if you keep it only for yourself, who will know? Another option is to get a book scanner and scan books into a pdf on your computer. Then get rid of the book. Good for library books too.

Technically, this is not legal, but if you keep it only for yourself, who will know?

]]> By: Alex http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-7227 Alex Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:24:02 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-7227 I have one quibble with this, and that's with gifts. I like to draw. A couple years ago I received an easel as a christmas gift (free), and sold it or gave it back (I can't remember) because I never used it, and now that I'm getting into painting, I feel sorry for letting it go. Now I have to shell out $300 for a new one. I have one quibble with this, and that’s with gifts. I like to draw. A couple years ago I received an easel as a christmas gift (free), and sold it or gave it back (I can’t remember) because I never used it, and now that I’m getting into painting, I feel sorry for letting it go. Now I have to shell out $300 for a new one.

]]> By: Jacob http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-7226 Jacob Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:52:35 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-7226 @Adam - The problem with books is smaller compared to others. However, think weight and storage. If you live in the same place all your life and you are not ultra minimalist, books are no problem. However, moving hundreds of pounds of books is a hassle. I am selling all the books I have I could otherwise get at the library (most). @Adam – The problem with books is smaller compared to others. However, think weight and storage. If you live in the same place all your life and you are not ultra minimalist, books are no problem. However, moving hundreds of pounds of books is a hassle. I am selling all the books I have I could otherwise get at the library (most).

]]> By: Adam Lucas http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-7221 Adam Lucas Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:32:12 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-7221 What's the problem with books? Here's a suggestion for saving money - stop buying expensive TVs, video games, laptops and gadgets ... and READ. Very cheap "hobby", I buy my books 'used' on Amazon.co.uk, usually 1p plus £2.75 postage (about $3.50 I think). Some books I hold on to or give away, the rest I have listed on Amazon myself. Yep, I have a library ticket as well - but the choice is a bit limited. What’s the problem with books?

Here’s a suggestion for saving money – stop buying expensive TVs, video games, laptops and gadgets … and READ.

Very cheap “hobby”, I buy my books ‘used’ on Amazon.co.uk, usually 1p plus £2.75 postage (about $3.50 I think). Some books I hold on to or give away, the rest I have listed on Amazon myself. Yep, I have a library ticket as well – but the choice is a bit limited.

]]> By: Working Rachel http://earlyretirementextreme.com/day-2-decluttering-and-managing-stuf.html/comment-page-1#comment-3229 Working Rachel Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:59:37 +0000 http://earlyretirementextreme.com/?p=1001#comment-3229 "Thinking more deeply about future purchases." All I've done so far is drastically downsize my books, but the sheer annoyance factor of getting rid of them has got me convinced that I never want to accumulate that many books again. I listed a few on Amazon, a few on paperbackswap (I finally stopped listing them on paperbackswap when I realized that I would be accumulating far more credits than I would ever need), took five boxes to Half Price Books, threw away a few that were so manky they were unreadable, and have a large stack to take to Goodwill or offer on freecycle. It will take several more trips to the post office to offload all of the Amazon and paperbackswap books, not to mention time and money spent packaging, addressing, and sending the books. Oh, and I still have a big stack of doubles from a series I collect that I want to sell in batches on ebay. Overall, far more trouble than I ever want to go through again. My previous rule for a book was that if I was quite sure I wanted to read it again, it was okay to acquire/keep it. This year, after realizing my book expenses were quite high, I've only purchased five books. However, I've acquired many others through paperbackswap or for free. My new rule will be that I only keep books I definitely want to keep again AND that are not available in the library. And it's time to stop jumping for every free book I'm offered. “Thinking more deeply about future purchases.”

All I’ve done so far is drastically downsize my books, but the sheer annoyance factor of getting rid of them has got me convinced that I never want to accumulate that many books again.

I listed a few on Amazon, a few on paperbackswap (I finally stopped listing them on paperbackswap when I realized that I would be accumulating far more credits than I would ever need), took five boxes to Half Price Books, threw away a few that were so manky they were unreadable, and have a large stack to take to Goodwill or offer on freecycle. It will take several more trips to the post office to offload all of the Amazon and paperbackswap books, not to mention time and money spent packaging, addressing, and sending the books. Oh, and I still have a big stack of doubles from a series I collect that I want to sell in batches on ebay. Overall, far more trouble than I ever want to go through again.

My previous rule for a book was that if I was quite sure I wanted to read it again, it was okay to acquire/keep it. This year, after realizing my book expenses were quite high, I’ve only purchased five books. However, I’ve acquired many others through paperbackswap or for free. My new rule will be that I only keep books I definitely want to keep again AND that are not available in the library. And it’s time to stop jumping for every free book I’m offered.

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