Minimalism / Obsessive Compulsive Spartan - my experiments

neesha · Post by **neesha** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:09 pm

Last few months ( years ?) I am trying to cut down on my possessions. I can't remember the starting point. My guess is, it may have started with a painful housemove (although I have moved 10 times in last 12 years both nationally and internationally). But now, since past few months I feel I get some kind of tremendous happiness to get lots of things out. I was definitely never a hoarder but last month I wanted to see if I am on the opposite end of the spectrum - obsessive compulsive spartan (is that how it is called ?). Although, plain white walls and bare flooring please me much and the idea of fitting everything I have in one suitcase/backpack delights me to my hearts content I don't think I am obsessed with it (may be not just yet).
When we moved into the recent house we didn't have any furniture and for some reasons furniture purchase got delayed. This delay probably created the necessary pause for me to think and question - "Do I really need it ?"........
So no TV, no couch, no chairs, no beds, no coffee table...... how am I going to live ? What about the children ???? Some TV programs are educational . They need to see some programs at least so they don't miss out in school discussions.
A big debate in my mind .....
Well, but if I have to move I don't want to carry bulky things around. But why do I want to move if it is a trouble. Well I like to move it keeps me fresh. Probably (after leaving my parents' home) the maximum I have lived in any house is 2 yrs (unless my memory is fading). But then that is why it is time to settle down. Now that I have children it is not the same. Yeah, but so far after a certain amount of time in a house I start feeling suffocated..... I have to move. Ahh.... moving is not painful, moving with too much stuff is painful. So the search for portable equipments began.
DP was very interested to get a projector for long time ..... Children found a way for their favourite TV programs. They started watching them on the 4 plus macs we have. DP was happy to get a nod for the projector he wanted for so long. In came the projector and out went the TV idea. It has no completely replaced the TV but we as a family have changed. We don't miss TV that much.
Living room is still empty.... apart from 4 rattan conservatory footstools from the previous house (which DP never took interest to sell). Brought a nice square glass table (low height) from ebay to match the footstools. Now, this set serves as couch/dining/activity and study table.
It was time to move to other rooms ......
Bedrooms were mostly full of wardrobes and drawers (clothes and clothes and clothes) ...... that really need to be sorted.....

BeeAndButterfly · Post by **BeeAndButterfly** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:23 pm

Yes,really makes a difference the the upkeep of the place. The lesser you have, the lesser time spent to keep them in order. I keep eliminating (throwing/chucking) old clothes etc. Another side effect of this for me has become reluctance to go on casual shopping sprees. Usually put in quite a bit of thought before purchasing stuff that is expected to last for a while.

boca · Post by **boca** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:57 pm

beeamma;362554I keep eliminating (throwing/chucking) old clothes etc.

"eliminating/thowing/chucking"? I presume and hope that you meant donating. :)

Neesha, there is a member "spartan" in this forum. After reading your thread title, I thought you had some info on Spartan's "obsessive compulsiveness". :)

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I am not attached to my iPad. No obsessive compulsiveness for me. I am ready to discard it for the next version. :)

Sid · Post by **Sid** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 9:04 pm

who is DP?

... another extra item maybe, in the house ;)

j/k

BeeAndButterfly · Post by **BeeAndButterfly** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:00 pm

boca2blr;362558"eliminating/thowing/chucking"? I presume and hope that you meant donating. :)

:) For the most yes. However there are objects that I'd rather throw in the trash e.g. non-stick pans used ages ago that have lost their coating at places.

Still trying to figure out what to do with old computers (10+ years old).

Desi · Post by **Desi** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:06 pm

beeamma;362569:)
Still trying to figure out what to do with old computers (10+ years old).

Look for a computer repair shop in yellow pages or Google near your place. Many of them will take old computers, printers, faxes and other electronics for free for recycling.

Old-Spice2 · Post by **Old-Spice2** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:20 pm

sid_earth;362559who is DP?

... another extra item maybe, in the house ;)

j/k

I guess DP is Dear Pati. Of course, right item to dispose off...no better recycle!

dbs · Post by **dbs** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:53 pm

old-spice2;362574i guess dp is dear pati. Of course, right item to dispose off...no better recycle![/quote]

we exchange anything - bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your husband along and get a wonderful bargain?

Froogle · Post by **Froogle** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:56 pm

beeamma;362569:) For the most yes. However there are objects that I'd rather throw in the trash e.g. non-stick pans used ages ago that have lost their coating at places.

Still trying to figure out what to do with old computers (10+ years old).

Your city should have re-cycling center and one probably close to your resident. They accept old computers/monitors and other electronics. This way one is sure that it is going to be re-cycled. A phone call to city hall or city office can get you needed information.

mindOrHeart · Post by **mindOrHeart** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 11:28 pm

Costco has a trade in program for electronics. If you are a costco member you could use

http://costco.gazelle.com/