My "Tiny House Nation" Addiction

Gifting or donating stuff becomes a real challenge when nobody will accept your donation or gift, however, if that occurs , there's always the refuse complex that accepts anything you must get rid of, sooner or later. It's difficult to part with memories of objects, places or things , isn't it? Our reproduction rate is becoming less and less and eventually, small dwellings will be acceptable to most consumers IMO. 

I love that show and the tiny homes, but it's way  too small for me. I have downsized several times, but I'm finished for now. I wrote my book 'Downsizing Homes' a couple of years ago and lots of people find it helpful. It sells quite a few copies every month on Amazon. Boomers are often feeling overwhelmed when they look at the job of downsizing.

My cousin gave me a good work of advice when deciding what to chuck out... did it serve its purpose?  That really helps to let stuff go.

I've been working on downsizing my closet. If I don't wear it in a year, it's going to a local center for their nonprofit causes.

I don't think I can see myself in a house boat.  But to each his own.  When we get rid of stuff Wanda takes it to House of Mercy, a thrift store nearby.  They are always grateful.

Congrats on another wonderful, featured blog post Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP 

Tiny homes serve a greater need for many single folks, veterans and homeless.  IF you are survivalist, love camping or glamping, THEN tiny homes could work for you.

We had a 29ft vintage travel trailer for years that showed us what is actually needed versus wanted.

When Mom did her condo reno in 2017 she had 60 days of memories and no one wanted her big dark furniture in sunny south FL, so she kept it until she closed her eyes permanently. 

I have a friend wanting to sell her 5 acre ranch with plenty of collectibles that few have a hankering for in this day and age:  antique dolls..expensive dolls!  Just looking into her walkin closet will be a 5 day event she is not ready for.  She is 80.  She will never be ready and her son will fly into town and hire someone to take away all her memories and joy that living on her small farm has brought her for years.

Procrastination does not serve us.  Clear the clutter, one room at a time.😎   

I was just going through my closet this morning to get rid of clothing that don't fit since I've lost 2 sizess. It's funny when I wear these XL clothing how comforted I am in my excessive fabric. However, the need to purge is alive. I have a neighbor who tells me when my britches are too big LOL. I've got tons of hangars waiting for some new stuff. I was thinking 5 each of the basics when I hit the clothing stores!

We are starting to think about downsizing. I am looking at the boxes in storage that we brought into the house 28 years ago and they haven't been moved at all. They are first to go.

I so appreciate your post!  Am on my 4th estate type of sale where someone has either passed and/or going into independent or assisted living care.  Having seen the TONS of things to sell or donate provides real motivation for me to start that process now! 

I've not heard of that show but it sounds like you could be a featured guest!!  Good luck--I am slowing getting rid of stuff, as my husband's stuff sits in boxes.....for 30 yrs!

My grandmother used to say things were backwards. Young families needed the big houses - their grandparents didn't! 

I need lots of room because I have big feet and don't like cramped spaces, but.... yes, we have too much stuff.  It got worse after I inherited a bunch of my Mom's furniture and other "stuff."

I need to make it a project and just get rid of a lot of it, but since that isn't happening, I'm just remaining on the lookout each day for things that can go straight to the trash. 

Hi Patricia,
I don't have any plans to move into a Tiny House or any other house at this point, but I DO need to purge so when the time comes, it will be a much easier task. I have things in boxes upstairs I haven't looked at in years.

Great reminder post to toss or give away the things that are no longer useful. I emptied a storage after years of paying outrageous monthly fees. It felt so freeing. And, I never looked back with any regrets.

I have been watching that show too, and love it, I did purge when I moved the last 2 times and you'd still never know it.  I keep getting rid of stuff and paring down, finishing my quilt projects and make new ones to use up fabric.  I donated 6 large rubber maid totes of fabric to a local quilt group and 40 yards to a group making surgical caps and masks and still have an obscene amount of fabric.  I also donated 3 boxes of books.  I don't even think I made a dent. Back to the drawing board!!

My husband and I have been going through boxes and boxes of STUFF in the past few months.  Many are sitting my my office now and my challenge is in the next 90 days to go through at least one box a day until I am done!  Once I get these done I have a basement full of more things -- mostly my husband's things, so I'm hoping he will also take up the challenge and follow through.  Not sure we could ever live in a tiny house but I think they are adorable.

I love this post. I see I’m late to the party but I’m just reading it. So many good suggestions. I think the decluttering is an ongoing issue for me. I’ve been tryin but still have stop much stuff 

Patricia, although it does look very alluring, and easy to clean, I too think paring down from 3500 sf to 300 is just about impossible!

You are definitely thinking through the whole downsizing - de-acccessioning thought process

Pat, We hear the challenges our clients share when they finally attempt to downsize/declutter and I know I need to be more focused on that task. Good you are thinking of it as well.  That Tiny House Nation sure is an inspiration!

Every now and then we set aside some time and try to pare down our stuff. Why leave all our things for our kids to go through in the future? Yet, it is always so difficult to part with so many things that you know you will never really need again.