Sometimes we are forced to consolidate our furnishings in order to move into a smaller space. However, when looking over a wide range of personal belongings, we always seem to find items we never knew we owned. We also start to ponder which items are necessities and which ones we could afford to discard.
We created a list, in no particular order, of 10 items we could live without when moving into a smaller home.
- Collection of Action Figures: If collecting all the Power Rangers action figures is your hobby, then who are we to judge. However, when your living area is sparse, sometimes the figurines have to go in storage or on, gulp, Craigslist.
- Microwave: Last week Geoff wrote about living without a microwave. With over 100 comments, we can assume it is a hot topic. Personally, not having a microwave as a convenience, would force me to finally learn how to cook.
- Fine China: Reserving expensive dinnerware for special parties and events is a great idea in theory; however, when you are trying to make the most out of cabinet space it is not the most practical.
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer: We bought the 5-quart stand mixer and promised ourselves that we would be whipping up cakes and other desserts more often. Well, we are no Betty Crocker and the high-powered mixer is stored in the cabinet, while we make use of a much smaller hand mixer.
- Espresso Machine: We personally don't drink coffee, but we have friends that really enjoy having an espresso maker in the home. When living in a small space; unfortunately, it is all about sacrifices.
- Multitude of Picture Frames: Last month we wrote a post title, Creating a Balance when Displaying Photos in the Home. We gave suggestions for how to enjoy personal photos, without overwhelming a living area with picture frames.
- Collection of CDs: Most would agree that they would prefer their music stored on the computer vs. a CD storage piece.
- College Textbooks: We used to be guilty of keeping old college textbooks for the one occasion we may want to reference something we learned in class. However, once we discovered we could sell our books on Amazon.com for a decent amount of money, we no longer hang on to our old college textbooks.
- Clothes You Never Wear: Do you save a particular shirt or outfit for that one special party that you may never attend? We have a rule when it comes to our wardrobe. If we don't wear a particular article of clothing once in the last 6 months, then we have to remove it from our closet.
- Large Stereo Equipment: To conserve room in our apartment, we purchased a Bose iPod dock to replace the large speakers, audio receiver, and CD player.
What are some of your furnishings that you could give up in order to maximize living space?
(Images: Flickr member meddygarnet via Creative Commons)
Find Your Style: 20 Classic to Contemporary Kitchens to Add to Your Inspiration Board
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Shaw's Original Fir...
How To Make Perfect Bacon in the Oven
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
I love that little Wall-E photo so much. It makes a great metaphor for getting rid of our stuff.
Something to add to the list: too many extra sets of sheets and towels. How many sheets and towels does one household need? This is a good area to cut back. And donate your old ones to an animal shelter.
I think the first question one should ask is: What do I like to do? I like to listen to music, I hate the sound of compressed digital audio, so the stereo equipment and CDs are staying. I like to read, so the books and bookcases are staying. However, I was able to part with many knickknack collections, no problem, don't miss them, as well as many kitchen gadgets that were never used.
Dunno about stuff I can give up, but I Must Have that Wall-E action figure. My God that's cute.
pens. I know they don't take up a lot of space, but how many pens does one person really need? Probably not more than 2 or 3, but most of us likely have dozens.
Also, I seem to have a lot of 12v wall adapters and I don't know how I got so many. If I can't find a device that needs one, I discard them.
Getting rid of college textbooks is like found money. There are a lot of websites that will cut you a check for just packing up your books and shipping to them free of charge. It's a lot less work than having to find a buyer for an individual book. I used TextbooksRUs.
Wall-E is awesome, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that photo.
A filing cabinet - I just realized that it was only 1/4 full, and that the other 3/4 contained stuff that could go in a drawer in a dresser, so I donated the filing cabinet to a charity resale shop and bought file boxes to put on my bookcases (which were custom made and aren't going anywhere - and I reread my books constantly, so they're not going anywhere, either).
Every six months, when I rotate my wardrobe (tiny closet), I go through what I haven't worn during the season. Special occasion clothes (formal-wear) stays if it still fits, but if I haven't worn a sweater, shirt, etc... during the season, it goes to charity.
And I just gave away my iPod dock, because I just use my computer for music, these days.
And I just donated my beloved knock-off Wassily chair to make way for a sofa (my first big sofa - I've always had a love-seat and chairs) that allowed me to rearrange my apartment into a less cluttered plan, despite the fact that there's larger furniture. More seating, bigger furniture, but it feels like a bigger apartment.
Go figure.
Wall-E!!!!!
Thanks Scoot for the link. I've been trying to find a way to get rid of my college textbooks!
Also, I have to say books take up the most room for me. While I love reading, I've decided to keep only the books I really love and rid myself of the rest. They take up a lot of storage space (I once had about ten boxes full...I'm now down to four), and although I love looking at them and admiring them, it's not useful or practical to keep storing all of them.
I now borrow most books from the library and only buy the ones that I use regularly (cookbooks) or ones that have totally moved me.
Throw pillows. We had like 4 extra ones that were jammed into our cedar chest. In theory, they would go on the bed each and every day when it was made. How often does the bed get made to that extent? Hah.
We donated our pillows and we can actually use our cedar chest for *gasp* linens and blankets!
And that textbook one is so true! We still have one shelf full of them, but it used to be 4, and my husband's still in school so I guess that's justified (c;
But yeah, sold like 3 shelves of books and turned them into about $400. Do it now!
I will be more than happy to take your stand mixer off your hands! :)
I'd like to toss in a vote for "old craft supplies". If I can't remember what craft I bought it for, then I don't need it. If I grabbed it because it was "cool" but never found anything to do with it, I don't need it. And, eventually, I had to accept that the paints had to go to. If I can ever afford to move into a place with the space and airflow needed to use them, then I'll be able to afford new paint, to.
Also, old nail polish. Why did I think bright yellow nails would be a good look on me? Those can always be donated to neighborhood 6 year olds.
The microwave stays tho. My apartment is so small I can't open the oven (wall in the way) so for now, it's my main source of food!
The last 6 months for your clothes?? I'd never have winter stuff!
I totally agree with Sparkle. I will happily relieve you of your stand mixer - aka - Space Eater. Heck, I'll even pay you.
I'm with Sparkle. I would gladly take your mixer off your hands.
First thing I usually get rid of is all the junk that I kept because "You never know, you might need it at som point", old electronics (and computer parts) that I upgraded but did not re-sell and video-gaming systems that I like to have around but don't play that much anymore.
Not sure if I could ever live without my espresso machine or my full size stereo thou !
I have to say I dont agree with the espresso machine one, lots of espresso machine have a small footprint, mine takes the same space as my toaster, which is less space then a regular coffee machine, so for me it's a win/win situation: I have better coffee and it takes up less space.
I've had some shedding issues recently:
Old Cookware: After investing in a couple pieces of high-end cookware that I've always wanted, I realized that I already owned a cupboard full of cheap, old, dented, peeling cookware - some of which hadn't been used in years and were over 20 years old! The old stuff went into the box that the new came in and into the recycling bin - and now my cabinets are far less cluttered! Hint: Some cookware manufacturers actually will accept old cookware for recycling - They give you a label inside the box for shipping to a recycling center.
Dishes: I had an 8 piece place-setting of plain white china - When was the last time I hosted a party of 8? Ever? This is in addition to the 4 place settings each of Wedgwood china and Heath Ceramics that I've been saving for "Special Occassions". Guess what - Today is specal. The white stuff is now gone and we're using the Heath for daily use from now on. (I'm working on actually using the Wedgwood - Maybe Sundays?)
Cookbooks: When was the last time I looked for a recipe in a book? When I want something I now look online and bring the laptop into the kitchen. I'll bet alot of these can go...
Towels & Bedding: I have bedding that's still in the packages and a stack of towels I haven't used in months! I sense a linen-closet purge coming on...
Magazines: These are a big issue for me - I get 3-4 subscriptions a month and they just keep piling up. I'm trying to read more online, cancel more subscriptions and get rid of issues that are more than a year old.
Catalogs: Seems that they pile up faster than the magazines! Fortunately, I don't have any angst with throwing them into the recycling bin.
Vacation T-Shirts: I have a real hard time with this one. Seems like they're more than clothing, They're memories of fun experiences. Same with vacation necklaces - You know: Shells, whalesteeth, beads, carved Tiki Gods...
...but I rarely wear them when I get home. Maybe my Nephew would like them.?
Socks and Underwear: I simply have too much - That's all there is to it. Time for another purge...
Things I Happily Got Rid Of:
Electronics - I don't need most of that. Get rid of all the old computer parts, floppy disks, cords, and manuals.
CD and DVD cases, no question. Hard disks die, so put the CDs and DVDs in a couple of carrying cases.
Kitchen equipment. I only need a handful of pots and pans, and the rest were tossed. Same with the extra cups, dishes, utensils, and food I never, ever eat.
Furniture. When I moved into my own place, I got rid of about half of the furniture I owned and didn't need.
Things I Would Never Toss
Books. Over 20 boxes of books went on to five bookcases, and they are totally worth it.
Good list, but I totally disagree about china. We use our wedding china and silver every day, for every meal. We don't have any "every day" stuff. If you wash the silver regularly (we put it in the dishwasher), you don't need to polish it. And the china holds up fine -- it's meant to be used.
If you have to choose between china/silver and everyday stuff from Ikea, use the good stuff. Trust me. It really adds to quality of life.
Wall-E!!!!!!
Wall-E is adorable. But remembering the Wall-E movie, where he had his rotating rack of trash.... I mean treasures!.... well, sometimes I feel like that. Except without the convenient rotating rack.
I second the dishes comment. How many coffee mugs do you really need?
Please send me your KitchenAid stand mixer. Ha, ha.
No really. Send it to me.
Thank you very much.
"When living in a small space; unfortunately, it is all about sacrifices."
I don't think living in a small space is about sacrifices...it is about priorities.
If you love your expresso in the morning, or adore displaying your power ranger collection...you find a way to make it work.
I'm a Uni student and just got my first place, so don't really have that much stuff around to toss-out ... My kitchen, for example, has one frying pan, one pot, two plates, and two cups; one sheet set, and two towels.
That said, I'd happily get rid of all my electronics -- cell phone went last year! The only thing I'd want to hold on to is my computer!
Books, though - those have got to stay! I have about 1000 of them, stacked on the floor due to lack of shelf space, and they aren't going anywhere. I await the day when I can build my own library!
OK, with so many people asking, PLEASE reveal where to find the cutie patootie Wall-E!!!!!!
@Jess2nola, very well said.
Under bed storage, and for that matter a bed tall enough to really use it. The underside of my bed provides provides ~34 cubic feet of storage that no one else ever needs to see. Drawers are nice but they limit space. I use storage boxes,and I made the frame platform high enough to accommodate them. Since I don't use a box spring it is normal bed height.
I took the 100 Thing Challenge (A Guy Named Dave). I cleaned out my dresser, nightstand, closets, kitchen, bathroom and living room, file cabinet and computer armoire. The only way I can further reduce is to get rid of books and CDs and my significant other! I now have a Kindle so any new books are put on that which has already saved the space 100 books would have taken up. My next purchase will probably be an iPod or MP3. Then my CDs can go. Game plan for this summer is to get rid of an expensive treadmill, and some outdoor furniture and a grill we don't use. I'd like to get rid of someone's motorcycle too but then I'd have to move before he killed me so guess it can stay a while longer . . .
Who keeps a KitchenAid in a cupboard?
Board Games, jewelry, old cell phones, extra tools and paper.
Agreed with Jess2nola. If you love it, you make room for it. I agree with the book, electronics, linens, and kitchen gadget suggestions tho!
For everyone asking for the Wall-E source, I found this incredible Wall-E photo gallery on Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/meddygarnet/sets/72157612056162899/
Check it out, you will fall in love with the photos.
There's a difference between kitchen gadgets and kitchen tools. A kitchen tool, such as a KitchenAid, comes in handy for several things. A kitchen gadget is a one-trick pony.
I use my stand mixer way more than I use my microwave and not just for baking. Pancakes, whipped cream, etc. etc.
I got rid of a whole load of now-surpassed electronics. We had one personal cassette player, a discman, two mini-disk players and 3 iPods between the two of us....and my SO NEVER listens to music yet insists that one day she might need the cassette player and it was a very good one and blah blah blah.... All gone now except the iPods!
As the daughter of a former cake baker and caterer, the KitchenAid Stand Mixer is a must =) It was my favorite wedding gift, it sits proudly on the counter, and gets used at least once every two weeks. But we are blessed with an abundance of counter space in our current apartment, I can definitely see how this item would not be worth its footprint in most homes.
My college campus had some pretty sweet buyback programs around, so I was definitely eager to get rid of all the textbooks, but clothes I never wear are definitely my pitfall. I always think "I might wear it someday!" or "So-and-so gave me that, I should keep it." Those items will just continue to take up space and make me feel guilty about adding clothes I really *do* like to my wardrobe. I think it's time to phase them out!
@bepsf: tshirt quilts are a functional way to remember things - your nephew might like one even if you don't think you'd use it!
My biggest problem is cabinet space in my kitchen, but as I cook for 32 girls fairly often, I need the kitchenaid, the plates, the glasses...all that. But they all fit still, which is great!
I'm phasing out stuff every so often and have some stuff in 2 boxes awaiting me to donate them, but I will need to do more purging as well as I have old computer parts that are now obsolete that weren't the last time I did a PC parts related purge a year or 2 ago when I went through my storage locker, only thing is, I think I got rid of one 35mm range finder with a broken shutter as I was going to see how much to get it fixed for B&W photography. Oh well.
Things I"m not getting rid of are LP's (except for those I dislike and/or are duplicates), CD's, DVD's and am slowly weeding out my VHS cassettes but many of them need duplicating first (stuff I had recorded) to DVD so I can get things organized.
But I agree, live in a small space, it forces you to purge every so often. :-)
I always wanted to get a bit of my investment back when getting rid of things, so I'd hoard for yard sales that I never had time to run, or took stuff to consignment shops that keep half the price... I lately learned that the more you donate to charity, the easier it gets! We have a great new thrift store nearby (Savers, a national chain that supports a regional charity for each store: ours is The Epilepsy Foundation.) They are now my primary recipients of anything worth something. (Sadly, though, they are also the source of NEW treasures I can't live without! ;^) )
What happened to all the comments on this one?
sorry I must have had a hiccup with the site yesterday, none of these comments were showing up.
Yeah, SherryBinNH, if you think about it, what is more valuable, your sanity and space in your home, or getting some compensation for your stuff?
It can be a hard decision to make, but once it's gone, you don't miss it! You are free to enjoy your new breathing room (c:
Depending on your line of work, it's worth it to save some textbooks. There's info in my 3rd year MatSci books that you can't find on the internet.
But the proper place to keep them is at work. Out of your house, stored where you're most likely to need them, look smart to your coworkers. Esp. when you pull them off the shelf, turn to the right page and the info is highlighted.
Personal favorite was the moment I discovered the CEO and I had different editions of the same text, 20 years apart, and highlighted almost identically.
Now, books on DaVinci psych, mysogenist plays, old issues of Real Simple...I sense a weekend project coming on...
My dad bought a bunch of CD sleeves and put his CDs and CD booklets in there... He doesn't 100% trust a computer to forever hold his precious music collection, so he keeps them in these. I swear he fit like 1,000 CDs in a space that would normally hold 200!
I saw that picture and just had to read the post. Such a cute photo!!!
Great article and thread. Wow. I need to get rid of a lot of dishes and kitchen equipment I don't use>> I actually have a George Foreman grill? I already donated the blender.
Plus I have been through many cameras, computers, phones, blackberries in my short life and they always give you extra stuff & different cords. I save them, because "you never know". They gotta go.
I agree with the rule, if you use it it can stay, if you don't use it it has to go.
This will make me use my beloved "good dishes". I love them. Why not use the good stuff. What are we waiting for.
We just finished our third floor renovation, and lost our attic "storage" space... We realized that everything we had stored up in the attic, we really didn't need.
De-cluttering is such a freeing feeling!
View some of our renovation posts on Bright, Bold, and Beautiful
http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/
Moving into my first apartment without roommates taught be to a minimalist.
When I now have a living room and dining room to fill instead of a bedroom, I realize I don't need much which now leaves my apartment looking bare, but airy and clean.
I agree that CDs are useless- they are all stored in my itunes. I've also sacrificed a lot of clothes and shoes. College textbooks will be my next task.
A lot of my books went on Amazon, really good clothes and houswares to Kijiji, and boxes of knickknacks to Salvation Army. However, I'm stuck with a matching pair of tub-chairs (one dusty pink, one pale blue - both with bedsheet slipcovers) that my mother gave me, from my grandmother's house when she moved to a nursing home. They don't really fit my style or space, but guilt has me living with them - or around them, which is probably more accurate!
Maybe someone said this already, but after years of frustration with one after another, I stopped using an electric coffee maker and now rely exclusively on my Bialetti "Moka Express." It sits on the stove and thus doesn't take up any counter space. The one I have only makes two cups at a time so when I have guests I also use a French press.
Another totally useless thing in my opinion is a tea kettle. I can boil water just fine in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.
The concept of paring back is one I love and try to do often. What we keep is directly related to what we use/value the most. I use my Kitchenaid stand mixer often (yesterday was the last time I used it), and my Jura Capresso E8 espresso machine sees action 1-2x/day. Thanks for the post to get me thinking about another paring back and recycling/repurposing!
@ pinky speedway - I keep my Kitchen Aid in the cupboard. I had a roommate who kept hers out and it was always greasy and grimy with a dusting of crumbs.
But it's not something I could rid of, personally.
i'm just going to say it will be a cold day in he** before i get rid of my kitchen aid mixer! it was one of my first "grown up" purchases. i don't use it on a daily basis, but when i bake, make bread, or any variety of things i thank god i have one. (@Britomart, i had a roommate who NEVER cleaned mine off. i'm a bit of a neat freak so the crumbs and stuff aren't a huge problem)
i think it goes down to what a person really enjoys. i know people who would look at me like i had an arm growing out of my head if i told them they should get rid of stereo equipment.
confession time my big thing that needs to go is magazines. i subscribe to about 5 magazines because i got a deal on amazon ($1 a piece). i hardly read most of them (why did i feel i needed to get US magazine?), and when i do it's just flipping through till something grabs my eye. i need to purge those badly.
When my mother sold her triple decker Victorian home in 2006, I was renting from her and each apartment was 1200sf.
We have to contend with 2400sf of stuff plus the basement.
Thirty-seven years living there, we put out so much because it would have been a small fortune to pay to put things into storage. I moved into a 900sf brownstone Paris apt. but then found a 1208sf colonial a year later.
The downside of downsizing can be later needing some of the same items that were donated which was the case for me because at the time, I didn't think I would find a home that I could afford. So downsizing seemed like the best option at the time.
One thing I would downsize now is my office area. I have a huge open modern 1990's computer desk with a desktop computer, flat screen monitor, all in one printer, and cordless phone on it.
It would be space effective to get a desk that closes up into a cabinet but not a roll up desk. Also, replacing the desktop with a larger screened, turbo laptop computer would be more space efficient with the added ability to be able to use it in other parts of the house and to be able to close it up and put it away.
I want to let you all know that I enjoy your posts and I enjoy the viewing the many homes that are posted.
sunsmile_99 - thank you for the compliments. I truly love reading readers' feedback and comments on my post. The comments are usually pretty insightful and interesting.