Monday 26 September 2011

Downsizing

I am in a decluttering frame of mind. I am paring down my possessions, downsizing, freeing up, clearing.

Last weekend I took over 500 books to Oxfam. My book collection was getting completely out of control and had spilled into every room. I have only kept what fitted into the 3 bookcases I have in the office and the lounge. Any new boooks will only be bought for my Kindle and one day I will replace the books I couldn't bear to part with as an e version and be actual book free and virtual book heavy.

I have asked for an Ipod for Christmas and I will then get rid of every CD and LP I own.

And then I'm onto children...

Only joking, EBD is going back to uni into a shared house (because as I predicted way back here in JANUARY she hasn't learned to drive and I can't/won't do a 60 mile uni run) but TBS and BBD don't show any signs of moving out.

Yet.

But I live in hope.

11 comments:

A Woman Of No Importance said...

I find your downsizing inspirational - You might be on to something there, BAGgie - I too have waay too many books and am a clutter-holic...

There, I've confessed!

Good luck with your endeavours - Have just decanted my beautiful son back to Uni, as you have with your daughter... I hankered after moving into his student area, as it is so sweet, replete with Yummy Mummies and boutique shops - It so wasn't like that when WE were students was it??! xxx

Mrs Worthington said...

500 books - wow. I am impressed. I have no more de-cluttering to do since moving house 18months ago. it is very therapeutic, particularly if you come across some or your ex husband things.

Nota Bene said...

If you downsize any more your clothes won't fit....

AGuidingLife said...

I regularly clear out but the other people I share this house with (they claim to be my family but I'm not agreeing with them on that right now) keep filling the holes back up with cd's, plastic tat and the piles grow and grow. I'm a minimalist get me out of here....you and me could be keeping the charity shop stocked for the next 12 months :)

Looking for Blue Sky said...

CDs yes, LPs NOOOOO! They're treasures...I still have boxfulls of dusty ones in the attic with vague plans to frame some of the covers one day....

Gigi said...

I have recently (and very reluctantly) parted with about the same number of books. It was a sad, sad day. I've yet to be converted to the Kindle.

As for the iPod - make sure they get you the one with the most memory....but I have a feeling that even then it won't have enough memory to hold all the music you want it too. So you might end up keeping some of those cds....

And @Kelloggsville? I LOVE that first line!! Mainly, because it sounds exactly like something I would say about my (so-called) family!

libby said...

A bit of a clear out is great now and again isn't it...but as you know, at my place I just fill up with clutter again each and every time.....I recycle...stuff goes in stuff comes out......ces't la vie......and I must admit your book mountain was quite something to behold...you must be loving the kindle then?

Troy said...

You may have seen the adverts for the music player (Brennan) that replaces all your CDs with a device the size of a paperback book. The website is:
http://www.brennan.co.uk/
I've been considering this for some time as an alternative to piles of CDs that are rarely played. I can't recommend it though as I haven't taken the plunge yet but you may care to take a look.
Maybe some of your other readers have one and can comment?

Ayak said...

I'm way overdue for a de-clutter. I do it fairly regularly but, like Kelloggsville, I have a husband who hoards and it drives me mad.

Anonymous said...

Lauren went off to Uni on Saturday, one down two to go.....!

How could you get rid of books? I still have every book I ever owned, with the exception of most childhood ones.

Helena said...

I had a bad case of empty nest syndrome during Ross's last uni year. Thought I'd love the space but it was heart-warming when finding little 'bits' of him about. He's back home and able to commute thanks to a new uni timetable. It's working out better all round, as he sees more of his gf and bandmates ect.

I'm dreading a total clearoot for when both my babies leave home, as they'll be taking a huge chunk of me with them. I'll especially miss our guitar and the any time song sessions...... and the noise of strumming and humming from the toilet.

You're right, though! Declutter is a fabulous thought and life should smooth itself along the minimalist road far easier for it. I admire your determination. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to swing a cat!

I don't miss the lack of CD's at all (apart from the signed ones, of course!). The iPod is a marvelous convenience - bit riskier to loose, mind you, and my sis swears by her Kindle. I'm not so sure if it'd psychologically help me fall asleep at night, then again I'd be scared the ruddy thing would slip from my hold as I was nodding off! I'd still take a book to travel with though - easier on loss or spillages. In my case anyhow...!

Good luck!