Cluttered Life? Minimalism Can Bring A New Start
Materialism vs Minimalism – How Did We Get So Cluttered?
Most images featured on this site are generated by MidJourney AI based on prompts created by the site owner.
Materialism leads to a cluttered environment. Consider a dose of minimalism for sparse living. Leave a legacy of simplicity.
Welcome to today’s blog post.
In our ongoing exploration of lifestyles after retirement, today’s discussion pitches materialism against minimalism. It shows the profound impact of our living environments on daily life and well-being, particularly as we age. The imagery at the beginning of this post paints a stark contrast between old and new, cluttered and sparse. The first picture shows an elderly man sitting in a cluttered Victorian-style reading room, his life surrounded by books and treasures collected over a lifetime. However, the accumulation hinders his ability to maintain the space, leaving him overwhelmed by the very possessions that define his traditional lifestyle.
The pictures below the first two show the minimalist approach. Particularly, it is depicted through streamlined, accessible living spaces. Clearly, it foster ease of movement and maintenance. It also underscores the benefits of being proactive about lifestyle choices. Choices that anticipate and welcome changing needs with age. Consequently, these contrasting visuals serve as a powerful prelude to a deeper discussion. Whether we choose to be proactive in creating manageable, comfortable living spaces. Or find ourselves irresponsive, bound by a past that increasingly dictates our present and constraints our future.
A Cluttered Lifestyle Is Not For Us Seniors
Less Is More. Less Is Better.
To clarify, this blog is not intended to promote a specific style or trend. Nor is it aimed at selling the concept of minimalism as a mere style or fad. Instead, we embrace minimalism because it aligns well with the needs and preferences of our lifestyle as seniors. Since I have designed and built period houses for nearly five decades, I certainly appreciate their beauty and charm. However, experience has taught me that as we age, maintaining a conventional home can become a daunting and financially onerous task.
Therefore, my aim is to present viable options that can prolong our independence. They should also enhance our quality of life in our golden years. Minimalism is just a tool. I advise that you use it wisely.
This post is dedicated to advocating for simpler, un-cluttered homes. Whether they are new, renovated, or existing. We encourage a decluttered lifestyle to ensure our homes are safe and useful. In addition, we offer suggestions of simplifying our lives by ceasing the accumulation of non-essentials. And by organizing effectively, we can make our living spaces more manageable and secure. On top of that, identifying and mitigating potential hazards within the home is a crucial step towards creating a safer, more comfortable living space for us seniors.
Notably, the idea is to make use of every square inch of our living space for utility and enjoyment. Moving out of our homes into an apartment or retirement home will not solve our problem of holding on to things we don’t need.
What Kind Of Legacy Do We Want To Leave Behind?
The items we accumulate may not truly represent who we are. Often, we acquire things because we genuinely think we need them. Or we are simply compelled to buy and buy. However, the possessions we keep don’t always convey our true selves to the world. In contrast, astute collectors often possess a deep knowledge of their acquisitions. Regardless of the true value, people tend to admire and respect the collections of serious enthusiasts.
On the contrary, the vast majority of people who purchase items and store them at home do not place significant value on these objects. Nonetheless, these items occupy considerable space in our homes. We have emerged from a century dominated by materialism and hedonism, holding onto things we will likely never use or even see again.
Conceitedly, the belief that the things we keep will one day be cherished and utilized by our descendants seldom materializes. If we don’t appreciate these items now, it’s improbable that our children or grandchildren will either. The fact is, many of us are actually aware of the true value of the items stashed away in our homes. Sadly, it’s rare that these things will ever yield a windfall, contrary to what programs like “Antique Road Show” might suggest.
When discussing legacies, we often refer to lifetime achievements, virtues, wealth, and even fame, but seldom to the mundane items we’ve accumulated over a lifetime.
Alarmingly, the volume of possessions in our homes that keep them cluttered can sometimes be overwhelming. We keep putting off organizing, inspecting, and tagging them for easier access when needed. But, if managing this task now seems daunting, consider the burden it would place on our children or loved ones. If they aren’t prepared to undertake this massive task, what will become of these belongings in the end?
Materialism And Hedonism In The 20th Century:
During the 20th century, there was an unprecedented rise in materialism and hedonism. This trend was fueled significantly by the mass production capabilities introduced by movements like the Bauhaus (1920s) and Henry Ford’s assembly line. Significantly, this era popularized “design for the masses”. And it celebrated the cult of personality around figures such as Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, Ford, Chrysler & Chevrolet.
In addition, the commercialization and aggressive marketing strategies were exemplified by Tiffany’s association with the iconic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1960s). They capitalized on the allure of the celebrity lifestyle to sell products. Critically, this period marked a shift where consumer goods were not only about utility. But also they are about the statement they made about one’s social status and identity.
The Power Of Commercials And Advertising:
The effectiveness of commercials in shaping consumer behavior is profound. For instance, the historical advertisements outrageously convinced generations that smoking was stylish and safe through the rugged imagery of cowboys and endorsements by doctors. Similarly, modern marketing strategies continue to play on these cues. Yet, as we move through 2024, there’s a growing call for a more conscious consumerism. Perhaps it’s time for a “cold turkey” approach to resist impulsive buying habits. And reconsider our consumption patterns.
For further insight, read the following article regarding what our children and grandchildren will think of us. As hoarders of things?
Goodbye materialism: exploring antecedents of minimalism and its impact on millennials well-being: Click here to read article.
Cleaning Is The Single Most Daunting Chore In The House. Keep It As Simple As You Can.
Proper Storage Can Save You Hours Of Looking For Things In The House.
How To Deal With A Cluttered House :
General Advice –
Often, we tend to put things away the easiest way, namely, piling them on top of each other somewhere out of sight. Then when we actually need the things we bought, we cannot find them. The impulse is to buy them again. Clearly, a cluttered home does not happen overnight.
Sort and Categorize –
This is the work that most of us dread and causes us to procrastinate. But, emphatically, in the long run, this work will save you a lot of time and efforts. To begin with, go from room to room. Layout all the stuff on a flat surface. The, sort them into five categories : Keep, Sell, Give Away, Creative Re-Use, Trash. Granted, the sell, give away and trash items can overlap or be uncertain. Leave them in different piles until you find out more of where they will go.
Regrettably, things you consider are re-sellable may not sell and need to be given away or trashed. Likewise, things to be given away may not find recipients and have to be disposed of at the end. This process is mind-numbing and tedious work. So take your time. Do one room at a time.
Take Steps To Decide What To Do With The Stuff –
Keep reading to see what you can do with the things you want to clear out of your home. In short, the destinations of the things will determine the categories you designate for the items and the way to pack them.
Keep, Sell, Give Away, Creative Re-Use & Trash –
Interestingly, there’s an unofficial consensus that things made 30 or 40 years ago are of much better quality than the same things made today. Carefully examine your possessions for hidden value before disposing of them. If in doubt, get them evaluated by an expert appraiser.
Keep :
By all means, for things that you will keep, devise a way to store them so that you can retrieve them readily. Regardless how well made these things are, if you cannot retrieve them when you need them, they are of no use to you. Interestingly, an article on how to store stuff in your home for easy retrieval was put out by one of the largest self-storage companies in the U.S. Click here to read. If you are planning to set up a storage room, make sure you draw up a diagram showing where you are keeping your stuff. Then, pin the diagram on the door. Update it often.
Sell :
Click here to read “Sell Your Stuff”. Basically, there are three ways to sell your stuff. They are : by rummage sale, through vintage stores or online.
If you have used clothing and jewelry that are of recognizable brands, sell them through reputable vintage clothing stores. Check on Google for reviews of theses stores (see images below). However, heavy bulky furniture are harder to sell these days. You may contact the better furniture resale stores who will surely be asking you to send in pictures of the items first.
If you have tons of used books, contact used book sellers in your area and ask what kind of books they are interested in.
For your information, to sell your stuff online, read this Forbes article first. In Toronto, you can also try Kijiji. Additionally, Facebook Marketplace stands out as recommended. Read these Reddit opinions first. Be wary of selling one on one. For example, a Reddit member suggested doing a transaction inside a local police station or in a public place with lots of people around.
Give Away :
Firstly, ask your friends and relatives if they want the things. you are disposing. Then, In the Toronto area, click here to get a list of places where you can donate your stuff. Keep in mind they won’t take everything. Tell them what you have to offer first.
Creative Re-Use :
Transforming old items into new uses is a creative challenge that can turn waste into useful or artistic pieces. While the internet offers countless upcycling ideas, implementing them can be a fun and environmentally friendly project.
There are many “trash to treasure” type of articles online. Exercise your own discretion. Nevertheless, some are quite useful. Read this one. Then, if you are interested, search the internet for others.
Trash :
While finding a perfect solution for the disposal of unwanted items remains challenging, several sustainable options can help mitigate the impact on overflowing landfills:
Recycling: Generally speaking, recycling materials like paper, cloth, and metal reduces waste and conserves resources. Click here for what’s recyclable. Therefore, sort your recyclable garbage carefully for the city pickup. Otherwise, you may need a bigger volume garbage handler. In any case, make sure you find a private garbage collector that is conscientious and efficient.
Responsible Disposal: When items that cannot be recycled, repurposed, sold or donated, disposing of them is the last resort. And they will become landfill which is detrimental to the environment. So please treat it as the last resort. If you have enough stuff to throw out to fill a large bin, check reviews of “garbage bin rental” companies in Homestars. Cross check them in Google. Then call them up and check prices. Compare cost per cubic yard and weight limit. And finally, ask about sorting requirements, types of garbage allowed, surcharges and extras that may end up as surprises.
Leave At Curb: Also, note that the City of Toronto will take your old furniture. Call 311 and find out when and how. Incidentally, on our street, if we put out anything metal, electronics, tools and equipment by the curb, they will most likely be gone overnight. Someone will take them and sell them for cash.
Surrounding Ourselves with Stuff Just Won’t Work
Granted there are certainly some essentials that we still need. However, it’s important to take a hard look at all the things we own. In fact, how often do you actually use these items? Do they hold any real value for you or anyone else? As we age, we often find ourselves lacking the strength and stamina to constantly move these possessions around. The image above may represent an extreme example. But, dedicating a significant portion of our cherished home just to store these things feels like an extravagant waste.
A House Is for Us to Enjoy- But Not A Cluttered House
When we think about what we want most from our home, serenity and privacy top the list. Joy and happiness follow close behind. Logically, the items we keep inside our house should be those we truly need or genuinely enjoy. Everything should have its own place and purpose. Our home should serve us, not the other way round. A house that demands excessive maintenance and drains our time and energy is not suitable for us, especially as we age. At the end, a dose of minimalism may do us good.
Consumerism / Materialism Today
Online Shopping
It is the most convenient way to shop, invented by high-tech companies to lure us to buy more and more. Conveniently, packages are delivered to your home almost immediately. Returns are accepted with no question asked. We have been doing this for thirty odd years. And now there are deep-discount online platforms to vie for the business.
To some, putting an end to this perpetual cycle to buy and hoard is to sell the house. Or put everything in storage or landfill. And move into an apartment or retirement home where storage for personal chattels is even more limited.
Ultimately, his blog attempts to raise the alarm before it’s too late and to offer options of how to stay put in our own home.
Steps To Take Now
The Breakdown Of How To Stay Put In Your Own House
Make Changes to your house to suit your age. Build a more Suitable House for old age. Lighten Up on personal belongings. Put A Check on buying unnecessary things. Take Good Care of yourself and your house. Live Frugally to prevent spending money unnecessarily. Know what’s out there that can serve us better than the Status Quo. Technology can provide us with prolonged independent living in our own houses soon. How all those responsible should start considering building more suitable houses for senior citizens in Existing Neighbourhoods.
Send Us Your Feedback. Ask Questions. We’ll Try To Help The Best We Can.
Click Here For HomePage
Go to our homepage and read about this website and get links to other pages. This is the most comprehensive site on the most preferred senior lifestyle.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website, including but not limited to suggestions related to home safety, lightening personal possessions, and house maintenance, is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
By using this website, you agree that:
- You are solely responsible for ensuring the safety of your home environment. Our recommendations are provided as general suggestions, and we encourage you to consult with qualified professionals (e.g., electricians, contractors, or security specialists) before undertaking any actions or making changes that may impact the safety or structure of your home.
- Any guidance on organizing or reducing personal possessions is based on general principles. Individual circumstances may vary, and we recommend seeking the advice of professional organizers or counselors if needed. We are not responsible for any unintended outcomes from following such advice, including emotional or psychological impacts.
- You should perform routine house maintenance only to the extent you feel competent to do so. For any tasks beyond your skill level, we strongly advise hiring qualified tradespeople. We are not liable for any injuries, property damage, or other issues that may arise from attempting suggested tasks.
- The website does not assume responsibility for any loss, damage, or liability that may occur as a result of using the information provided, and we are not liable for any errors or omissions in the content.
In no event will we be held liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of this website or the information contained herein.
Please consult with professionals where necessary and take personal responsibility for the actions you choose to implement in your home.