Moving Forward With Minimalism

[MinimalistMommi]

This is a new thread following on from the previous 'm' thread on Good Housekeeping!

All Minimalists or aspiring minimalists welcome!

[NarkyNamechanger]

Not currently a minimalist but love the process and thought behind it. Doubt it's something I could achieve due to my job but will lurk if that's ok? :)

[MinimalistMommi]

Welcome Narky - lurk away!
Here's the previous 'm' thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/good_housekeeping/1770220-m
It's a bit of a long read though, 38 pages

[NarkyNamechanger]

I did get through about half of it a while ago bit I admit I lost track after that!

[MinimalistMommi]

Easy to do Narky!

[JimmyCorkhill]

Hello Narky.
Am very chuffed with our efforts this weekend as we have been on a roll. Feel a bit silly though as everything bar one item I put on Gumtree has sold - why did I leave it so long . Lesson learned.

[MinimalistMommi]

Jimmy does clothing sell on Gumtree do you know? I've never really looked at the site.

[JimmyCorkhill]

I haven't tried clothes yet but there is a section for it.
I have gone off Ebay as it's such a faff and the Netmums nearly new site doesn't seem to be very active in my area. Gumtree though, seems to move REALLY fast. I have listed things very cheaply though as my aim is to shift it and use the money as a bonus. No idea if that's why my stuff sold.

[harrietspy]

Thanks for starting the next thread, minimalistmommi. I'm on hols and trying to get through my reading prep for new job in Sept in every spare moment - ie when dc are happily occupied elsewhere - but will check in with the thread when I can.

[buildingmycorestrength]

Jimmy, that is really good to know, not sure if it would be the same round here. .

Thanks for new thread, Mommi.

[Bluecarrot]

I'm back as dd goes back to school for 3 half days this week and then full time from next Monday.

I really spend too much time thinking about decluttering rather than doing it, but a house cleaning blitz last night has left me feeling v sore today around the bump ( 20 weeks pregnant tomorrow) Might be unrelated but its so sore I'm not risking it again!

This morning I sorted pre-pregnancy clothes abd they are sitting ready to be vac pac sealed and stored in eaves ( waiting a few days as ill inevitably find another item after putting bag away! Also packed some stuff for charity.

Tomorrow I'm going through the eBay stuff that isn't selling but I keep relisting as its free and v easy. Instead I'm going to take down the stuff that's not worth much and give away to charity or friend. Then I'm putting all the scrap paper into recycling. After that I'm going to put my feet up til
Dd comes home!

Tuesday ill be out so won't get anything done.

Wednesday - packing up kitchen equipment and putting it in "6 month storage" when it'll go to charity shop. Everything, except stuff used daily/weekly without fail, it going in the boxes.

[brightermornings]

I'm back to work tomorrow so less de-cluttering time. I have ideas though of what else I want to do. I've more or less given up ebaying I just don't think it's worth it anymore especially with the increase in postage costs. Also I found I always had a "pile" of stuff waiting to be ebayed.

[inthetide]

I'm looking forward to a lighter life and a more mindful approach to the craziness of Christmas, dare I mention it? I need to apply the same principles to my online activity and emails though. Damn MN for introducing me to blogs!

[delasi]

Ooh! Ooh! I want to join!

I haven't read the other thread so I'll slowly make my way, but I am determined to live clean and minimalist as much as I can. I've already cleared out what must be the equivalent of at least one skip surely more?! of clothing, shoes, books, DVDs, CDs, furniture, toiletries, knick knacks... the list goes on. Still have more to do but we're getting there

[buildingmycorestrength]

Hello lovely ladies, my DH actually helped with decluttering old cables last night. Total result. Anyone jealous? .

Have sorted a few shelves in the front room so there is more room for the things we do while watching telly. I now have a wee sewing cupboard...hurrah! Moved the battery recharger somewhere more sensible, moved DVDs up a shelf, got rid of a couple . and now need to go through a few bits that are left.

I am very very pleased with myself.

[ArtemisatBrauron]

Hello all and welcome to the newcomers!

I like the name MinimalistMommi, very proactive!

We had a minor hiccup yesterday with the caselogic things and the CDs/DVDs - DH decided he wanted to keep any CD/DVD which was in a "nice" box... the definition of nice increased to about 40 CDs and several large box sets of DVDs.
However, it is still far less than there once was so I let it go without nagging.
Usually I am a prime contender for the nag helmet award so this is a win!

[ArtemisatBrauron]

the thread name I mean MM (although I like your nn too !)

[JimmyCorkhill]

Just been thinking about the Christmas concerns people have been having. Due to money issues my DP and I gave each other NO presents at all both last Christmas and the one before (DD had pressies). We had told friends and family that we weren't in a position to do presents for them and so we had nothing from anyone! Strangely it was absolutely fine. We still had the whole food/telly/drink (not me as pregnant last Dec!) and it still felt like a Christmas should.

On our decluttering journey we have got rid of many previous Christmas presents - lots were unused, some were still in the protective plastic wrapping . Our finances are slowly improving. It's my birthday today and I got ONE present and you know what? I REALLY appreciate it. It isn't lost amongst lots of other gifts. I will use it (it's the tiniest ipod, I wanted it for running) and it takes up no room!

My DD1 got a 6 month membership card to a softplay for Christmas from my mum and it was by far the best gift she got. We're already thinking about memberships to attractions/trips out as gift ideas rather than more stuff.

[MinimalistMommi]

I'm jealous building!

I have the house to myself today as DH has taken DC on day out. Need to identify what decluttering to do and also what laundry to do. I'm baking bread rolls and and making veggie bean burgers for tea tonight too.

Re: name. Thank you Art

Sorry about the blogs inthe...can't remember ones I introduced to you now...

Welcome to all the newcomers to the thread!

brighter couldn't agree more about e.baying, but I do have some Mini Boden clothing which I could do with getting some money for...reluctant just to send them to the charity shop. Postage costs have really mess e.bay up.

[MinimalistMommi]

jimmy snap, me and DH haven't exchanged pressies for years. Christmas for us is about the food, decoration, cosyness and candlelight! We love burning candles mid autumn and through the winter.

[MinimalistMommi]

Happy Birthday jimmy
Will you have ?

[educatingarti]

Great new thread name MM! Welcome to all newcomers. Currently trying to de-clutter my brain enough to get started with work!!

[educatingarti]

Hmmm - Staples are offering a free "4 person wicker basket" if I spend £140.

Do you think that means 4 people could live in it? If so it could be a bargain...?

[BeCool]

Gosh we are here already!
Hello all!
I'm having a bit of a meltdown but looking forward to our glamping holiday starting Friday.

First I am trying to pack as minimally as possible, while taking enough stuff to keeps the DD's amused and clothing to cover all weather possibilities. This will involve taking lots of layers including a wet weather layer through to swimsuits, a hula hoop, a bouncy rubber cow, water ducks (for water fights) ribbons, fabric/sari's, paints and some dress ups.
Add paddock - should be lots of fun (holy cow I NEED IT).

Anything I'm forgetting?

[delasi]

DH and must already be major minimalists in the present area as we don't do them for anything (I know, check us out ). For birthdays we always go for a 'special' meal (read: dearer than I'd usually like!). DS isn't yet 1yo so no idea what we're going to do DC-wise

Today I have a goal for when I return from work: sort wires in living room, sort bags and bedding that are currently in the hall, remove footrest from kitchen (not sure how it got there ), get rid of old armchair. The biggest task is the bags and bedding so I really want to get that out of the way.

[MinimalistMommi]

del we also don't do pressies for birthdays, rest of extended family think we are cheap skates but I literally don't 'need' for anything material. I also request no birthday card from DH as I think they are a waste of money and they get recycled next day anyway. I do insist on a huge slice of though

BeCool we went off with our bell tent at the beginning of the summer and had a lovely time, after I'm remember how much time you spend on your knees and bending down to get stuff from floor of tent LOL. Have you got hot water bottles for adults? I also found a clip board useful for each DC for clipping paper too and drawing. We just took paper/felt tips/baby doll and stroller for five year old and some play silks and that was it toy wise. Couldn't cram anything else in. Have you to water pistols if the weather is hot? I also find a tray for each DD useful for eating meals off, keeps plates, fork, drink all together. They have sippy cups even though they are eight and five, stops drink being tipped everywhere. Has each DD got crocks or similar? Essential for camping field. Oh, and camping friends to go off and play with...