apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Yea! Yea! Yea! I just refreshed the page and ta-da! Here it is! Thanks Maxwell!

I'll post pics tomorrow after I take some tonight and actually get myself on flickr. This is perfect timing, I have off Friday and my plan was to re-arrange the living room and figure out what I need to make it a beautiful space. Three years of not really decorating is way longer than it should be!

Funny, I just got the Apartment Therapy book in the mail, not linked at all to this round of cure. Great timing. I'm in!

Wow, just having that picture up on my monitor brightens up my whole office. Nice.

and let the cures begin...

nice to start this just before a 3-day weekend, i have to say.

Yea! I'm so glad it's back. I'm ready to try it again!

Yay! So exciting to see so many people are on the same page!

Woo hoo! I'm in! Home office, you are SOOO getting cured.

Am reading.

Yay! Count me in! I have a mountain of paper decluttering/sorting/shredding/filing in my "here be dragons" storage room, and the rest of the apartment is going to get its REAL Cure after me Curing on my own over the summer. Yay!

I'm smiling.

Hmm, am I allowed to play in the Cure even if I live in a smallish house in the midwest rather than a tiny apartment in NYC?

Aha!

Good. The patio needs all the Curing it can get.

Hooray!
Thank you Maxwell.

Canadian Thanksgiving is this weekend--hey, at least the floors will be clean.

Sorry about the double post!
And heck yeah, Laura II--why not? You can keep me company--I'm doing the "deep treatment" on a 1200 sq ft home. Every space need flow: every space has breath, bones, a heart and a head. We just need to reinterpret these concept a little more braodly, but not much. Like small appartments, small homes need to accomodate several functions within one room. For example, in our living room we watch videos and dvd's, read, the kids play and work on jigsaw puzzles, we play the piano and listen to books and music. And it need to be able to accomodate four or more people at a time. Currently it doesn't.

The "dining room" is a hbby place, a sit down formal meal place, the computer and financial hub of the house.

The kitchen is the place we eat daily, bake--and also homeschool including science projects and artwork along with the math and spelling.

It is a heavily used home that needs loving up. So, that's why I'm doing the cure--though sometimes, a la Virginia Woolfe, I wish I was in a small 250 sq foot room!

Laura II, I live in a 1000 sq ft house in Norfolk, VA. Everyone's space needs to be cured!

yippee!
and I think I count at least three canadians (smallcitybeth, alana, and me) this time 'round.

Yikes, 69 pages in a week? I feel like I'm in college again! Maybe I will actually do the reading this time.

We now live in an 1150 sq ft townhouse in Phoenix, Arizona. That is a loooooong way from a studio in NYC, both culturally and geographically, but Alana's right that most of the Cure material applies regardless of where you live.

A handful of the lifestyle instructions are extremely Manhattan-centric, but it's not rocket science to adapt them to your needs.

Well how exciting - we live in a 950 sq ft ranch outside of Detroit with our dog. We've been there a year and it still needs a good deal of work; some of it has already been done, some of it has been put off for far too long, and some of it we won't have the resources to do for a while. Funny, though, we've found that even though it's a fairly small house, we have a 10 x 14 "dead room" and we only use a little corner of the basement to do the laundry. We never use either, and now the dead room has turned into a giant closet with all sorts of unnecessary stuff in it. That might be the thing that really needs curing - I don't want the first word that pops into my head when thinking about ANY part of my home to be "dead".

I'm inspired - finally just ordered the book and looking forward to getting my ever-enthusiastic husband on board.

I'll be a week behind y'all as I can't move into my new apartment until next Thursday :-{
HOWEVER I've already read the book and I can't wait to get started!

becca

Rock on!

Yay! I bought the book at the end of June, right after I moved into a new apartment. The thought of trying to Cure at the same time as I tried to unpack was a little too daunting, so I ended up only doing bits and pieces of the Cure (made an Out Box, organized papers, culled books, etc.). But now that the online Cure will be around for encouragment, I think I'm ready to do the whole thing!

I first tried to order the book at the end of June but Waterstones on the Kings Rd were spectacularly uninterested in my order. Ordered from Amazon 5 Sept and due for dispatch 9-25 October... Which seems quite a long time. I can enjoy reading your entries instead.

I'm in downtown Minneapolis--hence the skyway reference in my nickname--but I am addicted to ATNY, and I figure if Wende not from SF but AZ can be on, I can too. =)

All of these great, smallish places are fabulous inspiration for me to think about how to properly use my almost-mansion-sized small apartment (650 sq. feet...I'm gonna have to try for the next Smallest Coolest Apartment contest...after the Cure, who knows what's possible?!?)

Cathy, where in MN are you?
Lesley - how frustrating! I went on a mad dash about town to find mine to see what all the hubub was about the first time around, but I hadn't discovered the Cure until well after it was underway.

I'm in too... although I dread the 'clean the floor' step more than anything else. I guess it's good that it comes so early in the cure. Once it's over, things should be much easier? Ugh. Why do I have so many stacks of things?

I'm unemployed and a recent AT addict. I can't actually spend money on anything, but I'm looking forward to participating in the organization and cleaning bits.

For those of you without the book--do download the worksheet on "repairs." You'll find it extremely useful--as Maxwell says, just walk around and jot down anything you'd want to have fixed if you were selling it.

The tasks for deep treatment this week are:

Bones:
1. Make a complete list of repairs and solutions. (No, you do not have to get to them all in the next eight weeks!)
2. Vacuum and mop the floors.

Breath.
1. Take one item in your appartment/house and put it outside. (The biggest thing you can part with is best. You want someone to find it and be blessed by it.)

Heart
1. Buy fresh flowers

Head.
1. Sit for ten minutes in a part of your home that you never sit in.
2. Look into Earth friendly cleaning products.

hth

Kate - Not that far from you! I'm in St. Paul.

I've been looking for the Oct. Cure.

So glad it has finally started.

Am planning to do the one-room cure --- the cluttered MBR that sucks the energy out of me every time I walk in.

Ack, no way to get this book in Morocco. But I have noted steps posted by Alana (thank you!). But nothing I can do can change the horrible and crazy Moroccan tile (of the totally psycho kind) going off up the walls. Help!

Thanks Alana (& Skywaykate). Having now sailed through Heart and Head I'm attempting to chose a 'big thing' that is nicer than the unwanted stuff I routinely get rid of in this way. A scruffy portable TV with a new home in less than 3 mins is my personal best - unbelievably ancient blinds took only an hour. It would be nice to think the recipient felt blessed but it seems unlikely. I'm off to up my game.

I moved into a 950-sq foot house in August, bought the book in September, and am so looking forward to the group support of this round of AT--The timing is fantastic!

For those of you who don't have the book yet, or can't get the book (will amazon either the UK version or the US version ship to Morocco?) you might find it helpful to look at the previous posts and comments for the early part of the Cure. There's an "interview" and questionnaire to fill out in the first 69 pages (I don't think we're quite at the stage that Alana described yet), and the results of that questionnaire can be quite interesting and helpful on the rest of the journey. Perhaps Maxwell would be willing to post a version of the interview and questionnaire for those who can't get the book? There are also book excerpts, which were posted before the book was published, that may give you some help. The book is wonderful, and I hope you can get a copy somehow!

scb

Amber, Wende, SkywayKate, Cathy, Alana and LauraII: let's form a friendly "small house caucus!" I also live in a small house (1200 sq ft Greek Revival in Lansing, Mich, built in 1936) and love AT, but wondered if I was an impostor. ;)

My particular interest is the kitchen. It was redone in 1978 in almond. It's a tiny galley kitchen by midwestern standards, but the great thing about AT is its sense of scale.

I'm really looking forward to this!

LisaBabs - Awww...I'd love to join the "small house caucus", but I actually live in a 500 sq ft apartment!

I skimmed back over the first 69 pages yesterday, tweaked a few questionnaire answers, and took the little "house health" quiz. My place is currently around five. :-/ But that's up from the zero it was when I first moved in!

The small house caucus. Love it!

What I typed out occurs on p. 54. --Well within the reading assignment!

The instructions for doing the One room treatment are actually in an article featuring Maxwell someone linked to. I believe it was the Christian Science Moniter article in one of the open threads. Correct me if I'm wrong!

I'm certainly in, for round 2 in my case. The general treatment again, not the one room. I like that this occurs periodically, because then some things that I don't like to do get done at least twice a year. Also, I didn't get everything done last time, including all the repairs. The repairs I did get done last time were a huge relief. It's this constant low-level irritant to have little things not working right.

Cathy -- oops, I assumed Minnesota = small midwestern house!

Anyway, the only significant difference that I can see is that SHC members also have to deal with outdoors projects!

There's no way I will admit to my Cure score, but at least the yard, visible to the community, looks decent!

Alana, where in CA are you? Just spent the weekend in Stratford (sigh)...

Oops, sorry, Alana. I should have checked my book, instead of just going with my feeling that the things you listed sounded more advanced... mea culpa. (Guess I'd better re-read pages 1-69 again, what I read Monday night obviously didn't completely stay with me!) (And I've read it several times over the last few months, you'd think my retention would be better. Must be that "nearly 50" thing rearing its head.)

For all of you who - for what ever reason - do not have "The Book" - simply go to "archive" > "by feature" > "apartment therapy on..." and cruise those articles.
Most of the earlier posts form the core ideas of Maxwell's book.

I'm way out here on the west coast in a 1000sq ft two-level townhouse. I bought the book this summer and tried to start, but got distracted and I hope I can keep up with the pace. I didn't get past the first week last time, so let's hope I get further this time. It's just so much work to keep up with everyday.

LisaBabs -- I'm in!

Aaaaah, Stratford.

Fond memories, indeed. I used to live in that area of Ontario--and boy, do I miss it right now. The fall season is my favourite.

Nope, I live much further west--and north. I won't say exactly where, but I'll give you clues:

The trees are changing rapidly. Mostly orange and yellow--red occurs only sporadically on little bushes here and there.

In two weeks all construction involving foundations will stop. It'll be too cold to pour concrete.

It is a beautiful balmy 12 degrees Celcius today. (54 degrees fahrenheit for you Americans).

what serendipity! i was just about to "cure" my living room!

I am so in!

I'm in a 1200 sq ft house in NE Minneapolis, MN. I read the book not long after it first came out, and am looking forward to reading it "for real" this time.

Hi everyone! I'm gearing up for a deep treatment of my 500 sf california apartment. I'm planning a trip to big-box alley this weekend and I have two practical questions.


1. We need some cheap, modular shelving units for our mud room. They don't have to look good, but they need to be very sturdy and have adjustable shelves.

We didn't find quite what we were looking for at our local hardware store. Next stop is home despot. Where should we look afterthat?


2. Our bedroom is kinda gloomy in the morning, so I'm going put a lamp on a timer to see if that makes it easier to get up in the morning.

Does anyone know of a reliable brand? do they work with compact florecent bulbs?

I'm interested in the lamp-on-a-timer question, too. I've been considering it, because I tend to fall asleep while reading, and wake up hours later with the light still glowing. If it could turn itself off, that would be good...

Anna,
From my little bit of google research, it appears that CFLs aren't particularly compatible with *electronic* lamp timers. Both GE and the Michigan State Department of Energy say that using an electronic timer with a CFL will shorten the bulb life. I couldn't find a straight answer on whether mechanical timers (the kind with a dial instead of a digital panel) are compatible. I bet the timer manufacturer could provide a definitive answer, though.

smallcitybeth,
It looks like indoor timers for lamps are pretty prevalent. A lot of the ones I found online are an electronic variety (see what I wrote for Anna if you use CFLs) that plugs into the wall. You set it, plug your lamp into it, and you're good to go! Your local hardware would probably be the first place to look for one. :)

Just in time. My apartment is in need of change since boyfriend of 7 years and I just broke up and he moved out. I'm going to count that at the one big item I put on the curb to bless someone else with.
Karin in Studio of the South

I'm not sure if your timing is good or my timing is good, but I bought the book this weekend after reading the tips on this site for several months and am ready to implement the 8 week plan. My 500 square foot studio with gabled ceilings is primed for curing.

Karin--You go girl!

I've used timers on my lamps for ages. I like having the lights on in the house when I arrive home at night. And I like having them turn off on their own too.

I use the CFLs in at least one floor lamp with a timer and I havent noticed any problems at all. The bulb has been in there at least two years.
I know the longevity for CFL's is advertised at 5 years...but even if it died tomorrow, I'd be happy having used it for the reduced electricity usage and the convenience of a bulb that still lasted much longer than a normal bulb.

timers are cheap (around $5) and easy to find at any Target/Lowes/Home Dept etc

Yes, way to go, Karin!

I'm pretty much fresh out of large items to remove from the apartment, having been curing on my own for the past four months. I have an old, non-working TV that has to go, but I don't think I can count it (I've already replaced it with one that works), and I have a stack of LPs to give to the Symphony Book & Music sale -- guess they'll have to be my "Large Item". On the other hand, since early May, I have sent on to someone else the following items -- 6 foot high bookcase, 2 file cabinets (one 4 drawer, one 2 drawer), dresser, microwave, old desk -- maybe I can count one of those. I nearly sold my piano, but fortunately I came to my senses in the nick of time.

Hey, Beth. It all counts. I don't technically have a large item of furniture available, either.

I did a huge purge of stuff a while ago, too.

However, I do have one garbage bag full of clothes I can drop off (I keep one in the laundry room at all times so that stuff can be tossed when it comes out of the wash) and one "apple" box of books I need to schlepp around to sell to second hand book shops.

I take the instruction to "get rid of one thing" as Maxwell's way of encouraging people to "get their feet wet" with the idea of living with less stuff and more room.

If you've already waded in and have got your feet wet, then you're hardly taking your first plunge. In fact, you can probably give lessons to us!

Since we haven't a new thread yet, I'll ask here, now:

Has anyone washed their floors yet??
(I haven't).

Nope, no large items here either. And recently I did a kitchen "purge", packed up all the never used junky cups and never used plates and put them away/tossed them.

I've already learned a lot just from the process of taking pictures. First, our current landing strip is unworkable. Second, it's ugly. Third, the folding screen intended to hide it looks very awkward and is sucking all the life out of the room.

Since I'm working with a very limited area (living room/kitchen, all one room) instead of sitting in a little used spot, I've tried exposing a window that is normally hidden by a shade. All our stereo equpiment is currently in front of this window, but it really changes the feel of the room to have it be a window and not treated as part of the wall. Must think about this.

I think I'm going to wash my floors after I do some clothes shopping today.

I got the book a couple months ago, and already we're inspired - we've gotten rid of half our possessions (though we have more to go); Himself has fixed our windows and doors; we've hired a painter and electrician to start work shortly; and we buy fresh flowers regularly now (my favorite part of the week.) Already I feel the place improving: we live in a 98-year-old Seattle co-op that needs a ton of work, but I love the bones and our view, and we're committed to staying. So looking forward to inspiration and support. Gonna go wash my floors now.

Count me in! I read through page 69 today, I'm just about to walk around and make my repair list, I'm in the San Francisco area and have a 950 square foot ranch (I've dubbed it the 'Lilliputian Ranch') but in all honesty that much space is a luxury and it just needs to function better. I have far too many belongings for this space, some mine and some inherited from 3 households, so getting real about what works in this house (and getting rid of the rest) will be a huge part of the process for me. Looking forward to a cured home.

perfect timing!
Thank you.
My whole family is coming to our house for a "white Christmas" in the ski town where we live.
I feel like I haven't really done anything but laundry for the last 10 years. I already started myself last week, then logged on today and found the "official start" to The Cure is this weekend.

Thank you again. I'm psyched

I just bought a new apt....and own almost no furniture. Needless to say, I have a lot of work ahead of me! I should have the book by tomorrow....can't wait!

As for CFL's I found they don't work particularly well in lamps that have dimmers attached either (even when it's at full strength). You get that bug light buzzing sound.

Wow... I so need this! Is it too late to join?

jj -- I'm taking it upon myself to answer you that I don't think it's too late to join! We've only really got started in the last few days, so grab your book, and read to page 69, do the things it says, and you'll be ready for Maxwell's next post when it comes. Welcome to the "family"!

Anna in Santa Cruz,
We bought metal wire shelves at CostCo years ago--they have been great! I've split them in two, covered them with curtain material for a buffet, used them in the kitchen, garage, mudroom, etc. I like that they clean up really well, look sort of industrial chic and that we can move/add/remove shelves as needed. Recently I added a pole to hang winter coats out on one of the shelves in the garage! (Not sure why we keep the coats--we're in SoCal!) Love SC--I used to dive at the MBA!

I'm jumping in, a bit late. Just about halfway through the first part of the book.

I found your book a week ago in the library.Amazed at the helpfulness. Remodeled our 3 bdrm 2 bath 1960s house this year ( never did before) and put house up for sale Dec. 1. Learned the kitchen lacked heart, so put fresh fruit in basket, and 2 bright cookbooks ( in contrasting warm hues), free, and YES!! Have done most of the kitchen (week 1), finally confident to toss 2/3 of it.Speechless with gratitude and still reading, flinging at 64.

I'm joining in. I need more help than you can possibly imagine. I have a house and have lived in it for a long time and I kept thinking that one day I'd get a chance to do something to it and I didn't. It really has been affecting the quality of my life. I'm excited about this and will try to figure out how to post pictures.