In preparation for our cross country move last summer, we rid ourselves of many of our possessions over the preceding months. I would have to say that we don't miss any of it.
Things that come to mind that we enjoy not missing are:
- TV
- Microwave
- Toaster oven
- Vacuum cleaner
- Bedroom furniture (dresser, night tables, lamps)
- Old print photos
- Computer printer
- Jewellery
- Gaming system
- Film camera
Is there something that you used to have (and may have thought to be essential to a "good" life), don't have any more, and enjoy not missing?
When we got married 23 years ago, we decided not to have a TV and have never been tempted to change our minds! I'm not keen on using it, but having a dog and carpets, wouldn't fancy giving away the vacuum cleaner!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
DeleteLife is indeed improved by not having a TV in the house. Our new home has no carpets, and Linda doesn't shed (much), so we have not had to replace the vacuum we gave away before we moved here. Now I clean up with a broom and dust pan. No electricity required.
It does sound good, not needing a vacuum. However, I'm fond of our carpets. Kidderminster, where we live was a carpet town - that was the main industry and source of jobs. globalisation and cheap imports, and carpet firms moving their machinery to cheaper job markets, such as India and Portugal have virtually finished it off and there are mainly just very low paid unskilled jobs, here, together with just a very few small carpet firms clinging on, making quality carpets. Our carpets are very good quality - made to last - so we'll keep them. Extra insulation value too!
DeleteCharlotte,
DeleteGlobalism has been great! For the rich owners, that is. Most of Canada's manufacturing has moved offshore as well. Our economy has been going down the tubes ever since as a result. But hey! The world has thousands of billionaires and that is what is really important. How else would be keep track of who is "winning" in this global competition for corporate craziness?
It's been eight years since I've driven a car. It would be helpful at times, but I really don't miss having a car. Also my computer printer died a while back and I haven't seen a need to get another one.
ReplyDeleteMiss Marla,
DeleteI have a love/hate relationship with motor vehicles. I look forward to the day we do not need a car.
We gave away our computer printer years ago when we realized how much it cost us to keep it in ink. We also have not missed it. When we need to print stuff out we go to the public library and use their printer. I can do almost 200 sheets for the price of one ink cartridge - that is as much printing as I am likely to do in a decade or more.
I no longer buy/read fashion magazines. There was a time (back in the '90's), when I subscribed to five - yes, FIVE - fashion magazines. Recently, my sister gave me a few copies she brought from work, and I leafed through them one evening. I was honestly puzzled at whatever attraction they had ever held for me. I could not remember that previous self who had religiously read those magazines every month (and then gone out and purchased a lot of what I had seen in them.) My priorities and beliefs in what constitutes a happy life have changed so radically since those times that I put the magazines out in my recycle bin without any qualms. I think this is called growing up (and hopefully, growing wiser.) It isn't just about saving money by not buying the stuff I saw in those magazines - it is about recognizing what is truly important and meaningful in my life and moving on to a different phase in my life. It's also about learning that I can make things that I want, rather than running out and buying them in a store. And I've learned, by moving beyond things I once that I absolutely HAD to have, that I can wait to purchase something to see if I really want/need it. Most times I've found that I don't. There's a real sense of freedom in that.
ReplyDeleteSophie
Sophie,
DeleteMagazines are the worst. I remember a time when magazines were about the topic they represented. Then over time every magazine became all about buying stuff. Pages and pages and pages of slick advertising for things that no one needs.
You have obviously developed some excellent strategies for fighting your consumer training. Making your own stuff, weather it is clothing or food or whatever is a great way to get off the shopping addiction. Waiting is one of my favourite strategies. Over time my desire for something I think I need simply melts away and I quietly move on.
Thank you for sharing your experiences that are sure to help others in their quest to cut back.