Simplicity (less clutter) and Frugality (Stockpiling)

**Telephus44** · 08-01-2007, 07:42 PM

I have been re-reading the TWG lately, and this thought has crossed my mind, and I wondered if anyone else felt this way.

One of the things we have been trying to do for the past few years is declutter. My home is easier to clean, I can actually find things, and I honestly think it looks better (and bigger) when it's not filled with "stuff" - knick-knacks, things we've outgrown or don't need, or just anything that doesn't make us happy (yes, we follow Flylady).

As I'm re-reading the TWG, I noticed that there are a lot of suggestions to re-use things that I would just toss - for example, the windchime made of juice can lids or the potholders made out of blue jeans. I find myself thinking, who needs another windchime? I already have two potholders, do I really need to make 10 more from my old jeans? If I gave them for Christmas presents, do my parents, aunts, uncles, etc. really need more potholders? A rag bag - I cut up an old pair of pajamas and use those for rags, but I certainly don't need as many rags as I have old clothes. I only have two sets of curtains and I have 10 pillow cases, so I don't need to sew any more out of old sheets.

I guess I just start to wonder - if I re-use all of the worn out or used up items for other purposes (like above) instead of throwing them away, that seems to be "frugal" but it just keeps more clutter in my house. I feel much better throwing things away, but when I'm reading these ideas I almost feel kind of guilty.

And yes, I do re-use some things - but only when I have an immediate need. If I need a glass jar to catch grease in, I'll save the pickle jar - but I don't save each pickle jar when they're empty, only if I need one right then.

**TreasureFinder** · 08-01-2007, 08:04 PM

That's the reason I didn't buy the TWG after looking through it; it just seemed to be a list of cheaper ways to get things I didn't need. I guess everyone has to decide for themselves whether simplicity or frugality makes them more comfortable. Or a little of both.

**Radish4ever** · 08-01-2007, 08:20 PM

I think it's best to just get rid of the STUFF that's making you miserable by just being there! (I know that I'm CONSTANTLY stressed over the amount of stuff I have in storage ..... even though I don't see it daily! The clutter is annoying too!)

**babymakes5** · 08-01-2007, 08:24 PM

What is TWG?

**auntie2many** · 08-01-2007, 08:26 PM

I have the TWG, but I have only read it once because I feel the same way that you do. No, I don't save styrofoam meat trays, juice lids nor do I sew and make things like pot holders out of old jeans. Some old clothes go into the rag bag for cleaning, but if I don't need it and it is too ratty for anyone else to use, then in the trash it goes.

The only thing that I stockpile are some good grocery store bargains, but not rooms full like some people have. Too much clutter whether it be food or junk makes me uneasy.

auntie

**many houseapes** · 08-01-2007, 08:29 PM

Have you considered giving your 'worn out" items and empty containers on freecycle?I hate to throw away something that I know has a little bit of life left to it.lol I keep some ice cream buckets for storing flour,etc. but when we start to have an over abundance of them, I offer them up on freecycle...and people actually take them. Old ratty clothing - I make rags out of them...we go through rags like crazy, so there isn't a build up problem there. I have read TWG and she also says that its okay to keep a certain amount of items for reuse, but when there is an "over-stock" its time to limit yourself to avoid the clutter.Also, My son is still eating baby food and until a month ago,I had been throwing the jars away until.....by accident, I saw that people were selling their babyfood jars on ebay....and people were actually buying them to use for crafts,etc. So, I decided to list mine on craigs list and I have 100 6oz. jars boxed up in the garage.........someone is coming to get them all for $10

all you need is a little wd40 & a rag to get the glue off of the jar.

**TreasureFinder** · 08-01-2007, 08:38 PM

What is TWG?

The Tightwad Gazette

**Cricketlegs** · 08-01-2007, 08:49 PM

My motto is ~~~if your "stuff" makes you unhappy the get rid of it.

I am currently re-de-cluttering lol!

**baxjul** · 08-01-2007, 08:51 PM

I save alot of things because of dd and her friends, and their need to do crafts. We also go through rags very fast, so I save them also. I guess it is just whatever your preference is. My house isn't cluttered with stuff though.

**claimsgirl66** · 08-01-2007, 09:14 PM

Funny you bring this up...was on my mind this week too!!

I agree. It is a fine line between being ready for a rainy day, and having a lot of clutter. I just went thru and got rid of some margarine/yogurt type containers as I had to ask myself how many containers did I personally need...I have over a dozen, more than enough for me to freeze and store food!!! So I cleaned out the cupboard and took some to the recycling bins. Your message is timely as today I also got some boxes from work with the intent of going thru and decluttering this month when I am on vacation. If it is something of value, I will see if my daughter needs it, or post on freecycle, then sort the rest out for trash, try to give to goodwill, or the recycling bins.

Funny how much stuff we accumulate.

**FrugalMomof3** · 08-01-2007, 09:14 PM

I agree with you, if I dont need it I either freecycle it or throw it away, old shirts I do use as dust/cleaning cloths but they also get thrown out after a while.

This month I have been stockpiling already, we have enough food to last us a few months should something happen, KWIM? The only things I would need to go out an get regularly would be milk, bread and eggs but we're stocked up to the ears in stuff.

**redhead68** · 08-01-2007, 10:36 PM

I've read TWG, but I didn't find it all that helpful. I'm much more inclined to see how much I can live without. I don't stockpile much of anything, and I'm constantly decluttering what remains. There are very few things I've regretted giving away.

For inspiration, I occasionally peruse the photos at the following site...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/happyja...7600025082938/

I just love her sense of style, and I'm inspired by their creativity. Check out the coat closet to see what I mean. Enjoy!

**Cricket1** · 08-01-2007, 11:03 PM

I'm right there with you, Sarah. It would make me absolutely CRAZY to be saving up juice lids to make a windchime!! I just read a book on simplicity and raising kids and the author suggested saving things like toilet paper rolls (empty) so they could create things. I think it's a great idea, however I'm totally unwilling to have empty cardboard tubes rolling around the house!!

**IntlMom** · 08-01-2007, 11:12 PM

I like the frugal tips and ideas in TWG.....BUT I HATE STUFF!!! I am SO not a "stuff" person. I have to clear my hubbys stuff periodically. I go through his junk and get it to goodwill or take it to the dump before he has a chance to notice....we have been married for 15 years, and he has yet to ask me for anything that I have gotten rid of. He just notices that the place looks clean and doesn't have stacks of papers and "stuff" on the kitchen counters that everyone else seems to have. hehehe

**latierra84** · 08-01-2007, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by redhead68

I've read TWG, but I didn't find it all that helpful. I'm much more inclined to see how much I can live without. I don't stockpile much of anything, and I'm constantly decluttering what remains. There are very few things I've regretted giving away.

For inspiration, I occasionally peruse the photos at the following site...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/happyja...7600025082938/

I just love her sense of style, and I'm inspired by their creativity. Check out the coat closet to see what I mean. Enjoy!

i love this apartment and i cant believe how great it looks, and functional all coming in at under 400 square feet! it looks like something out of an ikea catalog.