Well, it is done. My life is once again packed up in boxes. It took an entire van load to pack it all up.
It’s official: I have too much stuff. Once I get to Hawke’s Bay (August 31), I will be going through all those boxes and getting rid of stuff. Somehow I need to get it down to about two suitcases of stuff to take to Melbourne.
Although there will be a few boxes left at my parents because it is stuff that is not going to lose value over time and I will use it once I come back to New Zealand. Which I do plan to do at some point. It will be things like my kitchen bakeware, stuff that I can’t exactly take to Melbourne, but I don’t want to get rid of either. I love my bakeware. If I could take it with me, I would. But it will probably be cheaper just to buy some cheap stuff from Target or wherever it is you go to find these things in Australia.
But this probably is largely caused by another problem – shopping addiction. I have decided that I will not buy anything unless it is an “OMG THAT IS SO COOL I MUST HAVE IT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IT” item. These are few and far between, but hopefully it will stop some of my more extravagant purchasing (like putting $400 down at City Chic in one shop. Yes, it has been done.)
This will be hard, but it is all about minimilist living while I am in Melbourne. If there is a book I want. I can’t buy it in paper back. As much as I would love to. I love the smell and feel of a good book, there is nothing else like it. But I cannot build a collection like I have here, so the first thing that I will probably buy is a kindle or iPad. Just deciding which one to get will be the difficult part. Jebus.
Any ideas on how to cut down on the amount of stuff in my life is appreciated. Especially clothes. I don’t know how I am going to manage getting rid of the clothes. Or possibly the shoes. OH GOD. I will probably start a new form of income in the next few weeks and that will be coming from Trade Me sales. JOY.
But for now, I am in Wellington till Friday. Man Piece and I were thinking of a general catch up with people on WEDNESDAY starting at the Fork and Brewer from 5pm and maybe going for dinner somewhere.
Currently lazing at said Fork and Brewer with a cider. Unemployment is currently in it’s bliss stage, but this is subject to change whenever and however.
Lisa Likes Stuff 
The solution to your shopping issues is simple now that you are in a relationship – all purchases must be approved and authorized by your man and commander whom you must love and obey. 😛
I used to work in women’s retail and it wasn’t uncommon for women to spend at least $200 per week there on clothes. I think if you stick to some really good basics and then each season maybe buy 2-3 key pieces to keep things fresh. A friend of a friend did this and she always looked amazing and I NEVER saw her wear the same outfit twice. Pack of some of your clothes and each time you come home have a quick sort through them and then take some back and give others away.
I have a weakness for paperback books. I (like you) love the smell of them and for me they are something tangible that I can hold etc. One thing that has saved me so much money over the last couple of years is really utilising our local library system; especially if I am trying out a new author. I suggest joining a library and perhaps you can get either paperbacks or kindle versions rather than paying for them.
After 3 weeks of doing garage sales I realise just how many things we buy on impulse and then end up giving them away, selling them or throwing them away. Perhaps if you are tempted just leave it a week and then see if you still want it.
🙂
Ness
That is some really good advice, Ness. I might have to do that with my wardrobe and get rid of everything else.
I’ll definitely look into the Melbourne library. I used to love going to the library during my holidays from uni, but recently I haven’t done it as much. It might be a really good place to go to get some writing done and get me out of our apartment while I search for a job. But I do think I will need to get something like a kindle. As I said, I can’t make up my mind between a kindle and an iPad. It will probably end up being a kindle, just because it is cheaper.
I have so many little knick-knacks, I just don’t know what I am going to do with them. I think the bin is looking quite appealing.