Make Your Apartment Safer With More Space

 

As people age, the realization of not owning a lot of unnecessary clutter and stuff becomes apparent. I know this because I have been downsizing for a number of years now. Other people are always talking about getting rid of their stuff. Stuff that you do not use often, if at all. The fact is that one day you might end up having to move to a smaller place and your stuff cannot go with you. If you are attached to certain items but know you will not use them again then there is no reason to keep them. I would rather see my things go to someone who really wants or needs them than to a landfill. 

Many older people might be moving into a senior community due to being disabled. If that is true, you really do not want to fill it up with clutter and things you will never use again. Just get rid of them. Living in an apartment you soon discover that free space is at a premium. If you fill it up then you have no room for things that may be more important some time in the future. Like walkers, wheelchairs, mobility power chairs or scooters, exercise equipment, large recliners, foot stools, tray tables, hospital beds, etc. I know the thought of that is the last thing you want on your mind but it is important to consider. If you live a long life it is a very real possibility. 

 

I have a large collections of knickknacks, framed photographs, little decorative items that take up space. Space which I need for the things I use daily. I need open spaces in my apartment due to my mobility issues with walking. I find in order to make things easier I need to get rid of more things now. Cluttered tables, shelves, floor space, dressers, etc. hinder you now. Things I said I would never do, I do now. I wanted an easier life and now I have it. I still need to make some changes. Changes to my apartment so it is easy to maintain and live in. 

Open space to use a walker or wheelchair is important!

Cleaning around clutter is time consuming. I do not have a lot of clutter as I got rid of so much stuff already. I cannot stand for long periods of time to be cleaning off shelves, dressers, tables or counters. This week I have started tackling this problem. Boxing up things I need to donate to someone who will use them. I have to do a job like this little by little. Otherwise I would be giving up on it and never make any progress. 

One area that I know from having taken care of others myself is that clutter that accumulates around your recliner or bed. That is because you spend a lot of time there and have the things you really use nearby. For me it is my glitter gel pens. I have many, many colors. That makes for a lot of pens around my recliner as I like to color in adult coloring books while I watch my television.

 

If you don't want to get rid of certain things, like the gel pens, organize them. Put them in something that will hold them but you can move them quickly if need be. I repurposed plastic food containers and glass jars to contain the gel pens according to color. Then the containers are in two large plastic containers that I bought meat in. This way I have them nearby but can pick them up and set them somewhere else easily. 

Copyright © 2021 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2021  Kathleen G. Lupole

A Peaceful Spot

Right now in this period of the quarantine due to the Corona virus, I have been taking this time to do things that I may not always have time to do. When I moved here two years ago, I had written down my goals. I had definite plans on how I would achieve them. I have done a number of them, but have much more to do. My daily life has not really changed that much due to being in quarantine. I am basically a homebody. I like to be home and never get bored. Matter of fact, my days seem to fly by too fast! Sometimes I get started on a project one day and then don't get back to it for a few more days because I got sidetracked. I hate when I do that, but that's life. I am sure everyone does that.

Wearing my mask!

My apartment, like me, is always evolving. It is a work in progress and will continue forever......or at least MY forever. I realized I had too much clutter. It may not seem like clutter, but too many family photos, too many ceramic knick-knacks (made by my Mom long, long ago), too many books and DVD's. This is one of the things I am working on. It is hard when you have to deal with the sentimental side of objects. I chose not to get rid of them, but they don't have to be displayed prominently taking up precious space. I put some of them in curio cabinet where I usually only had my cat collection. At least they are right here and I can see them and they are protected and not getting dusty.

I am not exactly a minimalist either, but probably halfway between that and a Bohemian. The Boho style usually involves a lot of clutter as decor items. I don't want that look. That means a lot of time and effort spent dusting and I definitely don't want that. I like a free and airy style in my home. Plants bringing a bit of nature in is a comforting element. My pet house rabbit has more than a few items that take up some of my space. I don't mind. He is worth it. I keep analyzing my space trying to  figure out how I can make room for a recliner. I would really like one so I can put my legs up.

Living in such a small space is not difficult or uncomfortable. As long as I keep it orderly and uncluttered. I feel a cluttered home is stressful. My prior home I had named "Peaceful Forest" as most of my readers know. It was quiet, as far as sound goes, but not peaceful at all. The stress of living in a home that had no order will get to anyone eventually. I call my home now, "kat's Studio" but I should call it "kat's Peaceful Studio" or "Peaceful Spot". Living in an apartment building with a lot of people you would think it was noisy. It is very quiet. Some days when people are going out I might hear them talking by the elevator but not very loud. I can go for days of not seeing anyone unless I go downstairs to get my mail or to the laundry room.

A close friend of mine had a problem with her stepson after her husband had died. She told him not to come to her house as it was her sanctuary from the world. She told me she never allowed negative energy from anyone in her home. I can see that now in my own home. There has never been any negative energy here and never will. It is my peaceful spot.

Copyright © 2020 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2020  Kathleen G. Lupole

Updated 2021

Tidying Up Cleaning Up My Clutter

For the last couple of weeks I have been going through my things trying to tidy up what I have so it is useful and not just boxes and drawers of stuff. I understand that it is hard to do this, especially at my age (almost 66). Over the years I kept so much that I just moved it from one house to another. Once it is packed away, forgotten. Of course, when I moved here to Peaceful Forest Homestead in 1999, I knew much of my belongings would be packed away for a time. Indeed, they were, but still are not being used in any way since this house is limited in what I can use or do. Today I am planning on going through my cupboards and seeing what I absolutely need. If I don't use it, it will be put in the group of things that I do not want anymore. It is not an easy process and you must be hard on yourself and your possessions. Just remind yourself how much you will appreciate the outcome of this effort. Someone else might be dying for this very item and when it goes to the local thrift store in your donation bag, it is an answer to their prayer.

I won't be getting rid of my doll for sure!

Do you feel bad about that expensive pair of shoes you bought and never wore because they didn't fit exactly right and were too uncomfortable to wear? I know for myself, I got a pair of shoes at my thrift store for free, a number of years ago. They had never been worn. They fit me perfectly and they were a good brand, Talbots. I wore them as my good shoes until recently. I need to replace them soon. The trouble is all those new shoes I have bought the last couple of years, are unworn. I  have not been able to wear them at all. My feet have changed or something, as I got older, but each shoe had some issue that made them uncomfortable. I am going to give them all another chance and then if I still don't care for them, I will get rid of them. Maybe they will be an answer to someone else's prayer!

All those books you have stored on your shelves but never even look at can be re-homed too. They take up precious space that can be used for something more important that you use often. I know for me I have books that I have not read yet and keep thinking some day I will read them. Will I or will they still sit without even being opened? It is rare these days for me to open a physical paper book unless it is  cookbook. I am going to write every month on my calendar whether I opened any of those books. If I did not.........out it goes! My cookbook shelf has been weeded out over the years and I sold those books on eBay. But now the ones I have are ones I use and will be using them even more in the near future. Now I know what you are thinking, that since I eat low carbs what good are those old cookbooks? I love to redo a recipe from my old, before low carbs life, to make it into a good low carbs recipe. I am also going to make many recipes into a recipe for my Instant Pot. I will be using it much more very soon.

As you take things out of your home you will find other things that you thought you lost. It is amazing all the stuff I have found when I was removing things I did not need nor want. Living in a small space makes you remove even more of your belongings. Remember too, many of your family members will not want it either. If they are the ones going through your things after you have died, do you want them to be the ones who decide where your things go or to just put it all in a box to take to the dump? I am making those decisions  right now, because I am not leaving my belongings to anyone. It will all be sold in an estate sale and what money comes from it will be put in an account for my son or for his burial, since he is disabled and I am responsible for him. Not leaving anything to chance. Or to end up in the landfill if it is one of my most beloved items.

Copyright © 2018 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2018 Kathleen G. Lupole

I write this blog based on my experience living an off-the-grid life. Some of the links you may click or products I recommend may or may not compensate me for including them in my post. Be sure to read my disclosure page if you are concerned about that.

Start Selling Your Clutter On eBay

Earrings I am selling on eBay

One of the activities I have been doing is trying to sell a lot of my own possessions on eBay. I just have too much stuff! Many times though, I take pictures and get it all ready to list and then my sentimental side takes over. Back in the box it goes. I know though, that eventually it will have to go in a listing. I am surprised that more people do not do this. I see posts on different forums and Facebook pages about how everyone has so much clutter and don't know what to do about it. I say, "take the bull by the horn and get started on eBay!"

Christmas Coasters selling on eBay

So where does one start? First make sure you already have an eBay and PayPal accounts! Very important first step because you cannot sell or buy on eBay without it. Yes, PayPal is very safe to use and I feel safe and secure using it. They have protected me many times over the years. Yes, you will have to connect your bank account to PayPal, but if you do not want to do that, open a new bank account just for online transactions. Transfer money into that account when you plan on buying something to make sure it is covered. Simple!

Camera Lens for my old camera sold on ebay

Now to sell on eBay the first thing after your account that you will need will be feedback. So get to work buying some cheap items in order to get some. My best advice on this is to buy things you need. Like shipping supplies. You will need various types of shipping supplies to send your buyers packages to them. Use them to get your feedback built up by making separate purchases over a period of time. If you buy a lot of stuff from one seller at the same time, it will only count as one feedback. You want more than that. Stock up on bubble mailers, bubble wrap, poly mailers, boxes, tissue paper, fragile labels, etc. You will also need a digital scale, a label maker, labels to go with it and of course, a printer, paper and ink for it. That could take awhile acquiring that amount of supplies. But if you want to make serious money on eBay, you will need it. Plus it will give you more feedback.

Lot of vintage crocheting needles I sold on eBay

The reason feedback is so important is because buyers won't buy from someone with less than 100 feedback. And if they do, they will be nervous about the transaction. To make them feel comfortable start your sales with small cheaper items until your feedback is up to 100. I know for myself, when I buy on eBay, I always check the feedback if they are less than 100. Sometimes I buy, sometimes I don't.

Copyright 2016 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright 2016 Kathleen G. Lupole

What Does Simple Living Mean To You?

What does simple living mean to you? I have been reading a variety of websites and books that proclaim the "simple living" philosophy. The nuts and bolts of most of these books and sites is to get rid of everything you own, except only the things you need to live. So I am asking my readers here, is that what you think it is?

As for myself, I do not own a lot of things. Having moved more than a few things and going through divorce makes you lose things you had. So you end up with less. Then moving into a smaller house that did not have electricity at the time, made me get rid of things I used to have, and then had no use for.

Much of my things are of either necessity or sentimental value. What about you? My next question is how do you rid yourself of the sentimental items? Or do you? And do you have to? Some of mine, I have decided to keep and some, I will get rid of. The only reason I am getting rid of them is that is the only way I can be sure they are going to a home that wants them. If I sell them on eBay, then someone paid money for them so they must want and value them. Right? Not so, when they are inherited by family members who do not.

Copyright © 2012 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2012  Kathleen G. Lupole

Too Much Stuff!

Photo Credit: Sam Mugraby

I posted a question on a bloggers' site asking people there that if you had to leave your house suddenly, and could only take 5 items - not people or pets, what would you take? If you have ever worked in a nursing home, it becomes apparent that many of the people who move there cannot bring all their stuff with them. Usually they have to share a room with one or two other people and share a tiny bit of closet space. All those things that seemed important to you at one time, now seem to lose that place in your life. If it is not something you can use on your own, it is highly unlikely you will be keeping it in your new home.

Many residents would move into their new room and have boxes of stuff. Soon enough the aides would go through those boxes and they, not you, actually make the decision on what goes and what stays. After all, they are the ones who will be taking care of you and that includes your stuff. Even your clothes get eliminated. Now I have no immediate plans, if ever, of moving into a nursing home, but it gets you to thinking about all that stuff you think is important.

My own mother never had to move into a nursing home permanently, when she finally was put in one, she died the very next day. I still to this day, believe she did something to cause that to happen once she found herself in that situation. She had told me once that if my father died before her, she knew how to cut off her breathing, and that is what she would do. Her death was due to her not breathing, and the nursing home said they did not have the right type of oxygen for her. So they rushed her to the hospital and it was too late. We took the life support off her. Didn't mean to wander off the subject.

I said I would take my computer, camera, Bible, my herbal and Peterson guide books and purse. All my photos will eventually be on my flashdrives that I use in my computer. Everything that used to take up much space has now become smaller and more compact. That is why I have been getting rid of so much stuff. Many of my books are now for sale on Bonanzle and I am not going to hang onto stuff anymore. It is just stuff. Doesn't mean that much to me or anyone else.

Maybe it is from my parents always moving and us having to leave behind our things that made me hang onto so much stuff over the years. But I have weaned myself of that now. Now I want everything clean and easy to care for. Organization to a clean, uncluttered house and life, is the real key to success. I am lucky that my husband is in complete agreement with me on this matter.

Copyright © 2010  Kathleen G. Lupole

Cutting My Clutter Back!

Happy Fourth Of July! When you work at home, it just never seems like it's a holiday. It's like every day seems the same as any other day. Or maybe I don't appreciate holidays any more. When your children are all grown up and on their own, then holidays don't seem so special. Unless you are one of those people who like to celebrate for any reason. But I don't do that anymore. I liked making holidays special for my son while he was growing up. Now, I don't even see him on a holiday.

I have an extensive collection of music cds. So since I decided to simplify our life and get rid of useless things, I have made a page on my website for used cds and I am going to sell them there. When you get to a certain point in your life you start thinking about what will happen to all your stuff when you die. I have a son who is disabled and lives in a small apartment. He doesn't have the same tastes as I have and probably would not appreciate my collection of music. So my plans right now, are to empty my house of all my extra things. I have a store on eBay and am in the process of selling off other things, such as books, knick knacks, household items, etc.

The other way to simplify that I am in the process of doing, is to replace all aluminum cookware and plastic (such as Rubbermaid, Tuppleware, ect.) with glass. I have come to the conclusion, that neither one is good for you. So I can make room in my pantry by getting rid of them, plus it will make me a little money also. I always loved my Tuppleware bowls. But I had put all the plastic tops in a container that had a top on it. And when I went to get one, all I could smell was that strong plastic smell. That can't be good for you!

For eating meals, I have decided the only dishes worth keeping are the Graniteware plates and bowls. I keep them in the top of my warming oven, so when you are ready to eat a meal, they are already warmed up. And we have way too many glasses, mugs, plates, plastic bowls and containers. It is best to store leftovers in the refrigerator, right in a wide mouth canning jar. They take up very little room and the top fastens securely.

I have no cupboards in my kitchen. I had them taken out. If everything is kept in the pantry on open shelves, you can see what you want to get in an instant. I am not very tall, so I always had the problem of not being able to get things out of the top cupboards without standing a stool. It don't matter how tall you are if you must get something out of a bottom cupboard, way in the back! All that is wasted space. Whatever you keep there, you sometimes you even forget you own it. It's too much trouble to find and get out.

But now it's time to cut all that excess back. There is only two of us living here. And only very rarely does anyone come to eat with us. I never do fancy entertaining. A Thanksgiving or a special Birthday might be it. And then it would only be three more people at the most. Usually, if anyone comes here for a meal, it's a outside meal cooked over a open fire. My plans do include having a outdoor kitchen. But almost all my cooking is done in cast iron pots anyway.

Talk to you tomorrow and hope you have a safe fourth.

Copyright © 2005  Kathleen G. Lupole