I tend to bop around different Subreddits because I incorporate many disciplines in my life: frugality, minimalism, homesteading, low impact, decluttering, preparedness, recycling, scratch cooking, repairing, gardening, etc... If I had enough money, it would be easy to buy more things to solve problems. I don't think I can live an honest and affordable lifestyle without considering different aspects.
My life can get complicated all on its own, so I try to simplify as much as possible. Even cutting back on visual noise such as bright colors and consumer packaging. I bought a three room house (526sf) and cut back on what I owned tremendously, but I still manage to squirrel stuff away in the attic or cellar if I get lazy. I wanted to live a truly SIMPLE life, I would take up Shakerism or become some sort of monk. But alas I cannot - I make a living using computers, and have pets, hobbies and interests that require 'stuff'. I also live in Maine where we have 5 seasons of weather, some of it rather harsh, so MORE stuff is required than living in a moderately temperate zone.
As I write posts on different ideas for my personal blog, I am trying to codify the rules I use when I am making decisions, they may be helpful for other people. Please feel free to share your own rules or ask any questions.
Best advice I keep in mind is William Morris (1834-1896): "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." I try to make sure the useful things are also beautiful as he did. Unlike many minimalists, I have art on my walls and refridgerator; I only require that it makes me smile to I look at it.
Stuff
Everything must have someplace to be stored.
Things in storage must be used on a regular basis unless for emergencies.
Don't keep things that do the same thing.
Research purchases as far in advance as possible.
Choose used before new where feasible.
Set up searches for items on ebay, craigslist and facebook.
Put off making a purchase until it literally costs not to get the item.
Choose vintage devices that work as well or better than new ones.
Choose non electric items where possible.
Choose US made items where feasible.
Homegoods
Clean and repair items regularly to avoid replacement.
Buy only white cotton bath towels or linens, as all can be washed together.
Buy base products such as vinegar and bleach, or concentrated cleaners where possible.
Paint mismatched furniture with white enamel to make the room seem bigger.
I also changed the door knobs to smooth levers because I am getting old.
I also changed any furniture draw pulls to smooth bin pulls, which are better for a small room.
Clothes
Clothes must fit in the storage space allowed.
It must fit and be in wearable condition.
Only shop when something needs to be added or replaced.
Items must fit in with other pieces of clothing in style and color.
Clothes must be worn once a year or donated.
Repair items as soon as possible.
Food
I always keep in mind Michael Pollan's advice: Eat food, not too much, mostly plants. Don't buy things your grandmother wouldn't have recognized as food. Avoid things with more than 5 ingredients.
Scratch cook nearly always.
Look for the earliest and simplest version of a recipe.
Seek out less expensive cuts of meat, fish or other products.
Buy fresh items in season, local whenever available.
Stock pantry items which can be used in a wide variety of recipes
Seek out the items with the least number of ingredients.
Look for traditional or 'heritage' products.
Avoid things with too much modern chemistry.
Buy the same products repeatedly, to avoid disappointment and waste.
Stock primarily ingredient pantry items, with almost no processed or semi prepared foods.
Buy bulk or dry goods with little packaging.
Recycling packaging as soon as possible.
Store as much as possible in wide mouth Ball jars.
Garden
Select varieties that do well in this particular garden.
Choose plants that produce the most for the effort and cost.
Use traditional wooden handled metal tools.
Use bamboo canes and natural twine for staking and fencing.
Use straw mulch to deter weeds and retain moisture.
Small batch can or freeze whenever possible.
I realize these are peculiar to me, I did cut out the ones that are VERY specific to me such as I avoid polyester and acrlic since I am allergic.
Submitted January 09, 2019 at 01:05PM by EraserGirl http://bit.ly/2QBwtee
