My dad is selling the storefront we sold and serviced appliances from. Talk about downsizing......
Downsizing: Have You? Are You? Planning To?
- Thread starter frigilux
- Start date
Help Support :
dynaflow
Well-known member
my stuff
the funeral home is already adding a hitch to the hearse Im taking it all with me
its a joke at work cremate me bury in my fav electrolux
the funeral home is already adding a hitch to the hearse Im taking it all with me
its a joke at work cremate me bury in my fav electrolux
twintubdexter
Well-known member
When I was liquidating before I moved I donated tons of stuff to City of Hope. The company I worked for (OSH) helped sponsor a charity golf tournament and I liked working with them. It got to the point all I had to do was say my name and they were there the next day for pick up. I gave Dale's near-new Town Car to the SPCA.
Here in the Desert we have Revivals for donations. Their proceeds go to help HIV patients here in the area. I will start to box things up and get them ready for pick up.
And dynaflow...I here ya. I need to remember downsizing will be automatic for me in the near future, I mean they're going to have enough trouble cramming my remains into that niche in the wall, let alone any of my stuff. I suspect at my current weight some of me might get flushed.
Here in the Desert we have Revivals for donations. Their proceeds go to help HIV patients here in the area. I will start to box things up and get them ready for pick up.
And dynaflow...I here ya. I need to remember downsizing will be automatic for me in the near future, I mean they're going to have enough trouble cramming my remains into that niche in the wall, let alone any of my stuff. I suspect at my current weight some of me might get flushed.
Hmmmm... perhaps my ultimate revenge on my estranged brother, Jack, would be to will ALL the washers, dryers, dishwashers, mixers, blenders, toasters, coffee pots, fry pans, deep fryers, and rotisseries to him with the condition that all items must be preserved and maintained... Chris would probably be relieved!
rpms
Well-known member
As Florence from the Jefferson's said, " I aint cleaning that mess up".
angus
Well-known member
It must be that we are entering that age group where we start to look ahead as well as behind us. I have started to think about this as well. I guess I am just getting past the acquisitive stage of my life - I look around now all the time and ask myself "how often do i really use that"? My biggest challenge is clothes and tableware. I still have dozens of glasses and dishes that I simply had to have and are still in the bags. Also one of my best friends in his mid 60's continues to accumulate all kinds of things to the point where his two car garage is packed with clothes, tablecloths, gifts he purchased and wrapped in anticipation of new babies, birthdays, weddings, etc... While his house is meticulously clean, every room is stuffed to the point that when he has company he needs to spend hours moving boxes and shopping bags out of the dining room. The main living area of my house is nothing like that because I hate obvious clutter.
I just need the time to devote to systematically going through every bin in my crawl space and attic to rid myself of much of my past - am I really going to use my college text books anymore or those bags full of neckties from when I started my career in 1980? And let's not forget the old aquarium, boxes of 78rpm records that were my parents'. Amazing, what was I thinking?
Point is, I also look around my house and think that at some point, I will need to deal with all this. From an emotional level, I have to imagine that it is incredibly liberating to get rid of that much stuff. Probably the only categories where I would keep things are table linens and most of my everyday Fiestaware and other "tabletop" items. I do still entertain several times per year and host some holidays.
In short, you just reach the point where you decide that enough is enough...
I just need the time to devote to systematically going through every bin in my crawl space and attic to rid myself of much of my past - am I really going to use my college text books anymore or those bags full of neckties from when I started my career in 1980? And let's not forget the old aquarium, boxes of 78rpm records that were my parents'. Amazing, what was I thinking?
Point is, I also look around my house and think that at some point, I will need to deal with all this. From an emotional level, I have to imagine that it is incredibly liberating to get rid of that much stuff. Probably the only categories where I would keep things are table linens and most of my everyday Fiestaware and other "tabletop" items. I do still entertain several times per year and host some holidays.
In short, you just reach the point where you decide that enough is enough...
Hoarding is part of human being. no matter if we're keeping only that college jacket from the 70's or a 10.000 sq ft warehouse.
The big question I'd love to know the answer is "when it's too much?".
I believe that, to answere that, we have to be cold blod. I'm changing some of my habits and even my washing machine collection is getting downsized. Why do I really need 14 washers and 4 dryers? Am i starting to dislike my collection? NO! I still love them but now I can see the thin line between a nice collection and hoarding. I'm selling them and I'll keep 4 washers and 2 dryers at the most.
The same happenes with dishwashers.... ok, they countertop models and we needed 3 to handle all the dishes but.... I got rid of one and I just discovered I didn't need it and now i have more free space in my kitchen.
The same happened with a closet full of bed linen. Come on, There are only three beds in my apartment, why do I need more than 60 sheets? Ok, they are beautiful, hand made, blah, blah, blah, bought by my mom over 60 years ago. I gave 2/3 of them to my sisters among with blankets, duvets, etc...
Cleaning and organizing became easier. My closet is half empty now.
I discovered that doing it all at once is hard so, for me it wasn't the best idea. I created a plan and I'm following it. Every saturday i MUST get rid of 20 items, no matter what.
Doing that, I've found treasures in my house that I didn't remember I had. I was thinking of buying new glasses for daily use, I found a box of crystals from my mom's wedding. They are FABULOUS! Will they break someday with use? Yes, they will! But at least i had the pleasure to use them. It's better to donate them or find them broke in a box, unused.
After a few months doing that, my house is getting more comfortable, looking better and honestly, even feeling fresher than ever.
The big question I'd love to know the answer is "when it's too much?".
I believe that, to answere that, we have to be cold blod. I'm changing some of my habits and even my washing machine collection is getting downsized. Why do I really need 14 washers and 4 dryers? Am i starting to dislike my collection? NO! I still love them but now I can see the thin line between a nice collection and hoarding. I'm selling them and I'll keep 4 washers and 2 dryers at the most.
The same happenes with dishwashers.... ok, they countertop models and we needed 3 to handle all the dishes but.... I got rid of one and I just discovered I didn't need it and now i have more free space in my kitchen.
The same happened with a closet full of bed linen. Come on, There are only three beds in my apartment, why do I need more than 60 sheets? Ok, they are beautiful, hand made, blah, blah, blah, bought by my mom over 60 years ago. I gave 2/3 of them to my sisters among with blankets, duvets, etc...
Cleaning and organizing became easier. My closet is half empty now.
I discovered that doing it all at once is hard so, for me it wasn't the best idea. I created a plan and I'm following it. Every saturday i MUST get rid of 20 items, no matter what.
Doing that, I've found treasures in my house that I didn't remember I had. I was thinking of buying new glasses for daily use, I found a box of crystals from my mom's wedding. They are FABULOUS! Will they break someday with use? Yes, they will! But at least i had the pleasure to use them. It's better to donate them or find them broke in a box, unused.
After a few months doing that, my house is getting more comfortable, looking better and honestly, even feeling fresher than ever.
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your stories and future plans concerning downsizing. I hope more members will chime in. Several commonalities run through our reduction experiences---age, for instance. The urge to jettison everything that isn't needed is a very strong one for me right now, and one that I've not experienced before. It isn't an ominous or foreboding feeling, but more like a..."Hallelujah! More unnecessary stuff goes out the door" feeling.
I'll admit to not having completely shaken the vague feeling of losing some touchstones of personal identity. The recording studio, the huge music collection, all the restaurant/catering equipment were a part of who I am. Everyone who comes to the house is taken aback that it's all gone, which leads me to believe those things were part of how others identified me, as well---which is only natural. Many of us at AW are 'the guy with all the vacuums', or mixers, or washing machines to our friends and acquaintances.
The music is all available via iCloud, of course, but I'm of a generation that is used to seeing physical manifestations of one's possessions. Were I, say, 12 years old, it probably wouldn't seem a bit odd that books, magazines, music, films, and photographs need only exist virtually.
On the other hand, significant downsizing is a wonderfully liberating, almost joyful experience; a massive unloading of excess baggage. No regrets whatsoever!
One suggestion to those of you considering taking the plunge: Don't get bogged down by the dread of having to go through every box in your basement/attic/garage. If you haven't needed anything from that box for the past 3-to-30 years, you don't need it!
Please....just don't take any of it to whirlcool's house; he already has too many people dumping their stuff on his doorstep.
[this post was last edited: 9/1/2014-11:33]
I'll admit to not having completely shaken the vague feeling of losing some touchstones of personal identity. The recording studio, the huge music collection, all the restaurant/catering equipment were a part of who I am. Everyone who comes to the house is taken aback that it's all gone, which leads me to believe those things were part of how others identified me, as well---which is only natural. Many of us at AW are 'the guy with all the vacuums', or mixers, or washing machines to our friends and acquaintances.
The music is all available via iCloud, of course, but I'm of a generation that is used to seeing physical manifestations of one's possessions. Were I, say, 12 years old, it probably wouldn't seem a bit odd that books, magazines, music, films, and photographs need only exist virtually.
On the other hand, significant downsizing is a wonderfully liberating, almost joyful experience; a massive unloading of excess baggage. No regrets whatsoever!
One suggestion to those of you considering taking the plunge: Don't get bogged down by the dread of having to go through every box in your basement/attic/garage. If you haven't needed anything from that box for the past 3-to-30 years, you don't need it!
Please....just don't take any of it to whirlcool's house; he already has too many people dumping their stuff on his doorstep.
[this post was last edited: 9/1/2014-11:33]
No regrets at all!
I miss some of the things I've got rid of but, that's the part of life. Good memories!
An yes, the mini twin tub washer made in china was cute but, thinking "cold blood", that Tupperware-looking machine is a crap. I have a "mini" hung on my laundry room's wall to wash small loads so, why would I waste my time with it?
The second and third and fourth to go were the Enxuta Sollo, Mueller Diva and the Electrolux LT60.... Good Bye! They were good machines but again, too much footprint for too small capacity. I almost never used them.
The next to go, soon, will be the Brastemp Baby Mondial, for the same reason. I'm using it more now, only to say goodbye.
The same I did with the detergent collection. I had dozens of boxes and bottles of several detergents and other laundry additives bought or sent by friends from all over the world. I'm using them all! Thinking of the friend who gave each item or the nice trip i did when I bought it. When it finishes, it's over. I still have the friend, I don't need the detergent to remind me about him or her. I won't donate or throw away any of them but, I'll spend a long time without buying.
And yes, I'm feeling great!
Next to go, this week, the last dryer sheet Steve send to me from Roanoke. And I'll open the second box.
I don't really use dryer sheets often but now, I'm using them on every load. Poor waxy dryer. Whatever, for a few months, my home "smells" like Steve.
I miss some of the things I've got rid of but, that's the part of life. Good memories!
An yes, the mini twin tub washer made in china was cute but, thinking "cold blood", that Tupperware-looking machine is a crap. I have a "mini" hung on my laundry room's wall to wash small loads so, why would I waste my time with it?
The second and third and fourth to go were the Enxuta Sollo, Mueller Diva and the Electrolux LT60.... Good Bye! They were good machines but again, too much footprint for too small capacity. I almost never used them.
The next to go, soon, will be the Brastemp Baby Mondial, for the same reason. I'm using it more now, only to say goodbye.
The same I did with the detergent collection. I had dozens of boxes and bottles of several detergents and other laundry additives bought or sent by friends from all over the world. I'm using them all! Thinking of the friend who gave each item or the nice trip i did when I bought it. When it finishes, it's over. I still have the friend, I don't need the detergent to remind me about him or her. I won't donate or throw away any of them but, I'll spend a long time without buying.
And yes, I'm feeling great!
Next to go, this week, the last dryer sheet Steve send to me from Roanoke. And I'll open the second box.
I don't really use dryer sheets often but now, I'm using them on every load. Poor waxy dryer. Whatever, for a few months, my home "smells" like Steve.
firedome
Well-known member
What a great thread...
and one that touches a bit too close to home for some of us. The inclination to hoarding has been a struggle at times... for some reason it's comforting to be surrounded by the things that make us "happy", and neuro-biological research has demonstrated that endorphins play a key role in the why, every time a new item is accumulated, it makes one temporarily "happy". The significant word is "temporarily". It has to be repeated over and over, to lesser effect over time.
Having rooms full of thousands of vacuum tubes and audio stuff at one time became so oppressive that getting rid of most of it was indeed a "liberating" experience. It's been a continuing struggle to avoid the same tendancy with the accumulation of dishwashers, ranges, consoles, cars, outboard motors, vintage boats, books &c &c ... you name it. Winnowing out, with a view to reduce sheer quantity for quality, by concentrating on just a very few of the most desirable items, has been one way to deal with what can be come a debilitating problem... just watch TV.
and one that touches a bit too close to home for some of us. The inclination to hoarding has been a struggle at times... for some reason it's comforting to be surrounded by the things that make us "happy", and neuro-biological research has demonstrated that endorphins play a key role in the why, every time a new item is accumulated, it makes one temporarily "happy". The significant word is "temporarily". It has to be repeated over and over, to lesser effect over time.
Having rooms full of thousands of vacuum tubes and audio stuff at one time became so oppressive that getting rid of most of it was indeed a "liberating" experience. It's been a continuing struggle to avoid the same tendancy with the accumulation of dishwashers, ranges, consoles, cars, outboard motors, vintage boats, books &c &c ... you name it. Winnowing out, with a view to reduce sheer quantity for quality, by concentrating on just a very few of the most desirable items, has been one way to deal with what can be come a debilitating problem... just watch TV.
whirlcool
Well-known member
Thank Eugene for the reminder to others!
If anyone even mentions bringing something over to us, we tell them then they have to leave with something of ours!
If anyone even mentions bringing something over to us, we tell them then they have to leave with something of ours!
I got rid of a lot of stuff when I moved house 10 years ago, and I vowed that I would not allow stuff to accumulate in this house. I have been pretty good about it. I used to buy vintage stereo equipment but stopped doing that; I figure I have enough backups, and I don't need anything else. I probably should give away some of that even. Books seem to accumulate, but I periodically fill some bags and put them in a book drop. I used to be horrible about keeping magazines, but now I practice a read and recycle policy, although I have kept some that I like to reread.
I guess my largest accumulation currently is my fragrance collection. I do prune it occasionally and give away the ones I don't wear, but I do wear everything I keep. Yes, they are frivolous, but they don't take up much room, and they bring me pleasure, so I don't fret about it.
I guess my largest accumulation currently is my fragrance collection. I do prune it occasionally and give away the ones I don't wear, but I do wear everything I keep. Yes, they are frivolous, but they don't take up much room, and they bring me pleasure, so I don't fret about it.
washernoob
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2010
- Messages
- 1,446
Last October I went from 75 vacuums to 2. An old compact C8 and a Tristar. Was due to moving out of my parents and into an apartment. It was a difficult task and a lot of machines sadly saw the dump rather than someones collection.
twintubdexter
Well-known member
Just one more Downsizing "off topic" comment
I'm always thinking of moving to some place smaller and less expensive. I spend a lot of time with many friends in an old, upscale mobile home community around the corner from me in tony Rancho Mirage. Originally this park was intended for wealthy individuals. You had to furnish them with a certified listing of your assets to be considered. Lesser movie stars had "bungalows" there. This was way back in the 1970's and apparently they wanted to keep the riff raff out. Anyway, while attending a Labor Day BBQ at their multi-million dollar clubhouse I stopped to look at a mobile for sale, 3 bedroom, 2 bath 2000 sq ft for $27,500. Space rents can vary greatly due to factors that I don't understand but they aren't outrageous. Of course your rented lot could always be sold out from under you.
I suppose the Mexican tile kitchen is an acquired taste but to me it's fun. The very nice KitchenAid dishwasher was great although my friends said they'd dump it...obviously they don't appreciate quality. The built in toaster was a nice touch too. I will probably stay where I am but adapting to mobile home living would be one way of downsizing, especially my budget.[this post was last edited: 9/4/2014-13:48]
I'm always thinking of moving to some place smaller and less expensive. I spend a lot of time with many friends in an old, upscale mobile home community around the corner from me in tony Rancho Mirage. Originally this park was intended for wealthy individuals. You had to furnish them with a certified listing of your assets to be considered. Lesser movie stars had "bungalows" there. This was way back in the 1970's and apparently they wanted to keep the riff raff out. Anyway, while attending a Labor Day BBQ at their multi-million dollar clubhouse I stopped to look at a mobile for sale, 3 bedroom, 2 bath 2000 sq ft for $27,500. Space rents can vary greatly due to factors that I don't understand but they aren't outrageous. Of course your rented lot could always be sold out from under you.
I suppose the Mexican tile kitchen is an acquired taste but to me it's fun. The very nice KitchenAid dishwasher was great although my friends said they'd dump it...obviously they don't appreciate quality. The built in toaster was a nice touch too. I will probably stay where I am but adapting to mobile home living would be one way of downsizing, especially my budget.[this post was last edited: 9/4/2014-13:48]
Loading…
www.trulia.com
danemodsandy
Well-known member
The Word "Trailer"....
....Is supposed to apply to a living unit capable of being towed behind a passenger vehicle.
If you are able to tow one side of a 28' x 80' manufactured home, chances are very good you're not behind the wheel of an Impala.
....Is supposed to apply to a living unit capable of being towed behind a passenger vehicle.
If you are able to tow one side of a 28' x 80' manufactured home, chances are very good you're not behind the wheel of an Impala.
twintubdexter
Well-known member
Removed the T word comment...did not mean to offend anyone.
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Not Offended At All....
....It's just that the word "trailer" is not applicable to today's manufactured housing. It hasn't really applied since not too long after Tacy and Nicky Collini had their misadventures with The Long, Long Trailer, LOL.
....It's just that the word "trailer" is not applicable to today's manufactured housing. It hasn't really applied since not too long after Tacy and Nicky Collini had their misadventures with The Long, Long Trailer, LOL.
I desperately NEED to thin out / downsize my washer/dryer collection! It's large enough that it will completely fill a very empty two car garage from wall to wall and no space to step past the door. You know somethings got to be wrong somewhere when I walk in my garage where everything is and say "this is an absurd mess, I really need to get rid of half of this"
Kevin
Kevin, I can help you getting rid of some appliances in a few months... ROFL
Starting by the Maytag twin tub
Starting by the Maytag twin tub
I am familiar with one very nice mobile home park in an expensive area west of LA. It's gated and full of protected mature oak trees; the homes there usually go for between $250,000 and $400,000 including a 4000-5000 sf lot. Most of them are from the '70s, a few have been replaced with newer models but this is complicated by the oak trees which cannot be given a major pruning or cut down without a report by a licensed arborist and approval from the local municipality. Residents love it because they get a detached home and lot for no more than they'd pay for a condo in the same city.
I know one older couple there who inherited a 1500 sf mobile home and moved from a 5000 sf house. They had to do a lot of downsizing but given that one can inherit without changing the tax base they are saving a vast amount compared to their big house, not to mention far less upkeep. Still, quite a lot can be stuffed into 1500 sf if you're dedicated . . .
I know one older couple there who inherited a 1500 sf mobile home and moved from a 5000 sf house. They had to do a lot of downsizing but given that one can inherit without changing the tax base they are saving a vast amount compared to their big house, not to mention far less upkeep. Still, quite a lot can be stuffed into 1500 sf if you're dedicated . . .
