Community Chat

[twinny70]

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@Laura14 wrote:

Oh and @chessylady, the strategy I have is a little bit at a time.  I take one small area and clear it.  If I feel like doing another, I do that.  If not, it'll be there the next time I get ambitious.  Eventually you're done!  

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My DH and I started doing one room at a time bit by bit several years ago.  We started with the file cabinet and shredded things that were over 40 years old.  Cancelled checks & outdated warranties etc.  It's so nice to go into the file cabinet and actually be able to find what we are looking for at a glance.

Then I did my closet and I can still see at a glance what's in there.  Then I did the large kitchen gadgets drawer.  How many of this & that did I need.  It is still organized.  Next was the kitchen junk drawer.  That was a MESS & now I am actually proud of how nice it looks.

I don't like clutter so decluttering is kind of a hobby for me.  The worst mess was the bathroom closet and under the sink cabinet.  They are in good shape and I plan to keep them that way.

Dusting is easy peasy for me and vacuuming is easy for my DH.

[RedTop]

I’ve been on the “less is best” train since 2012.   Every aspect of this house has been purged at least twice, but I never stop reviewing what’s here, and tossing things out.  

I recently added my clothes to my husbands closet, and turned my closet into a storage area for totes.   I don’t like to spend money on clothes and shoes, and have right sized what I have to only what I need.   

[Mom2Dogs]

I was decluttering before it was popular. 

[Carmie]

I stopped spending money when I retired.  I donated 23 large black garbage bags full of beautiful clothing and only kept a few nice pieces.

I wear jeans, t shirts and shorts.  I live in a bathing suit all summer long, so I really don't need much clothing.  I still have a closet full of items I seldom wear, they are my " for good" items.

When I think of all of the money I wasted over my working years on jewelry, clothing, shoes and handbags, I feel sick.  What was I thinking?

I finally figured out that material goods are worth nothing, never made me happy and took money I that could have been used elsewhere.

I plan to only buy what I actually need, not what I want on a whim.  So far I have been able too do this for quite a few years.  

[golding76]

Carmie,

"When I think of all of the money I wasted over my working years on jewelry, clothing, shoes and handbags, I feel sick.  What was I thinking?"

My thoughts exactly now.

[software]

A few years ago, when I made the decision to retire at 65, I went on a retirement budget.   Only spending for items I need.    I lived very modestly, paying off debts and now I'm reaping the rewards.

I wouldn't change anything for my retirement.

There is no "thing" in the world I want more than my freedom.

My health is better

All my relationships are better.

I'm content.

I regret nothing. 

Many of you can do both, retire & shop, but I can't and I won't.

I had to choose, and I chose retirement.  

[hsawaknow]

Going to be spending a lot less and not be using so many easy pays. They really add up if Im not carefull.

[GenXmuse]

It seems I spend less and less every year. I only have one body so I’ve really cut back on clothing. 

[morganjen]

Yes, if I ever want to retire, I need to start now.

[Luvitorleaveit1]

Spending less....yep, donating and clearing out closets yep, shopping in my bursting at the seams closets....yep.

The only thing I need to buy in the future are replacement undergarments.  Clothing I am set for several lives.