Stuff, Stuff, Stuff!

Bus life is going to present some tight living quarters. Going from a 1500sqft. home (plus, essentially, a three car garage) to a tight little space, we are expecting to be a bit of a challenge. We have it easier than you may think, as we will be storing some of our household furniture, necessities and beloved possessions until we move into our "brick and mortar" home. However, our upcoming transition has still gotten us thinking long and hard about what we truly need and want in our lives. So, I am having a blast clearing out our garage, cabinets and house in preparation for a huge yard sale. We have accumulated so much "stuff" over the past years and much of it we never (or rarely) use.  Granted, some of it I do enjoy looking at - like my pristine collection of vintage Limoges - but I would much rather pass them on to someone who will actually use them. Oh, and of course, make some cash in the process.

This road to freedom from clutter has come over time. I wish I could say that we transformed overnight and that we are forever free from our yardsale/fleamarket/thrift store tendencies, but it was a longer trip and will likely continue on - with a few "flea market find" speed bumps along the way. I mean, doesn't everyone need 5 vintage mexican serapes and several Pendleton throws?!  But, seriously, my blanket obsession aside, we can proudly look at ourselves (and our stuff) and say "we've come a long way, [baby]".

So, now gracing our "sell" pile are much of the vintage tableware, [some of the] handmade pottery, quirky knickknacks, multiple kitchen gadgets (who really needs 4 potato peelers?), and so many other items we (or, honestly, someone else) thought we needed or would actually use but never [or hardly] did. Even our two year old has jumped in on the fun and is happily offering some of his things either for simpler, higher quality items (which will likely last longer and contribute to a creative mind instead of take away) or just to clear out the clutter in his own space.

Now is where I get to tell you about the awesome books that helped us come to terms with our pack-rat ways and transition into a less cluttered lifestyle (yes, read into those words...that means activities, responsibilities and possessions). I won't overwhelm you so here are a few to whet your palate: "The Simple Living Guide" by Janet Luhrs, "The Joy of Less" by Francine Jay, "Living Simply with Children" by Marie Sherlock, and "Your Money or Your Life" by Robin, Dominquez, Tilford.  I should mention, too, that most books about the consumerism monster will probably do the trick too (at least give you a jump start).

Now, before you start getting all nostalgic on me about your own prized vintage heirlooms, your giant box of beloved stuffed animals from the 1980's (who still has a Popple? I kinda wish I did...), or your collection of 5 spatulas and 6 slotted spoons (a plastic one, a metal one, wood, and maybe bamboo and silicone too?); know that when it comes to simplifying I think the proper motto is, "to each his [or her] own". I won't tell you to get rid of your curio cabinet of Precious Moments or your ten notebooks of High School English papers.  But, I might encourage you to ask yourself why you like having them around (especially if the curio cabinet is in the garage or some storage building costing you $30 a month). This is just so you may discover why they really are so important and what place they still have in your heart (we could all stand to truly appreciate the things in our lives a little bit more). In the end, the ultimate goal is to surround ourselves with what (and who) truly reflect our desires and passions.  Embrace those people, things, activities which compliment your life as you want to live it...and the rest, well, sell it (or just let them go).

[Note to my family: Sorry to say, but the last sentence does not apply to you, concerning us; you are all stuck with us whether you like it or not. We like YOU, so at least, we hope you will consider still keeping us around... <3 Oh, and, yes, we really did appreciate the gift you worked so hard to pick out for us but is now in our yard sale pile. Truly. Really, it's the thought that counts. But, please don't get us a new one...]


Warmly, Marissa