The Pursuit of Less

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THE PROBLEM

Stuff.  I’ve begun to loathe our “stuff.”  It’s weird to me, that we work hard to acquire more/better/bigger but then, it begins to take over, and our precious time is spent cleaning, organizing and moving our stuff.  I’m on a mission to find the happy medium between the walls caving in and complete minimalism.  

I may be particularly vulnerable to having too much stuff because, well, I can’t say no to a good deal.  I just can’t.  It’s an addiction, really.  I am drawn to Target’s red clearance stickers, my car automatically turns when there is a garage sale sign, and I’m REALLY good at justifying why I have to bring said deal home with me.  The great weather in CBus the last few weeks, though, has me on a major purging spree.  I’ve begun to look at my “stuff” a little differently since joining Facebook selling walls.  I know, I am a little late to the party on this one but the whole concept of a local garage sale online has provided me the motivation to purge like never before.      

THE SOLUTION

Selling walls can definitely be entertaining at times (who really wants to buy used underwear?!) but they can also be a great way to find new homes for gently used items. Selling on these walls is a similar addiction to finding great deals, except this way it is something my husband and I can agree on.  People who have a need for the item that is taking up space in my basement actually come to my house to take it away, and bonus – they give me money!  Crazy addicting!

I’ve had the best luck posting things related to kids and moms, and I try to keep in mind that I should be pricing my items at garage sale prices because my goal is to purge, not to make a fortune.  I really like Facebook for this type of thing because it is all local and I don’t have to worry about tax or shipping.  It is a super easy process and gives me the instant gratification I need to continue my pursuit of less.  I’ve also found that I donate more than usual because if an item doesn’t sell, I immediately put it into my donation box and take it to a local charity such as Basement Blessings or The Free Store.  I love that if I can’t make a little extra money for my family, I can help another family in need.  It’s a win-win-win situation!

MY NEW MINDSET

I’ve come to think of my local selling walls as my basement.  I know that if I ever really need something, I can post an ISO “in search of” and viola, often someone right around the corner has what I need at a great price. It’s good for me, and good for them.  Along that same thought process, I can help someone else find that great deal, and at the same time, help to create the community feeling that seems to be missing these days.  I have met some really nice, like-minded people through the world of Facebook selling walls, and for that I am grateful.

My husband is excited about my newest addiction because he is a complete minimalist.  We are working together to find the happy medium between my shopping addiction and his desire to live in a cabin in the woods.  (Maybe we don’t need to have a closet full of gifts for that “just in case” party that we haven’t even been invited to yet.  But maybe we could keep one box of Christmas decorations.)  It is a struggle, but I am slowly beginning to love the light feeling of living with less.

NORTHERN COLUMBUS RESOURCES

For those of you in northern Columbus, consider checking out some of my favorites: Mommy’s Yard SaleFrugal FriendsSelling Ohio, Lewis Center Trading PageLewis Center Steals and Deals, or Lewis Center Steals and Deals – Clothing and Shoes, Delaware/Powell/Lewis Center Frugal Friends, Worthington/Polaris Area Buy/Sell/Trade.  All are very active pages with lots of great families looking for great deals.

What are some of your favorite selling walls in the Columbus area?  Comment below!  Best wishes on your spring cleaning!

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Jen
When Jen is not trading sarcastic jabs with her husband or hanging out with her kids, she can be found bargain shopping, digital scrapbooking, or *gasp* sleeping. She lives by the Golden Rule and tries to teach her kids to do the same. Jen is a school counselor and loves being an advocate for kids. She is mom to two awesome girls: a rule following, empathetic-beyond-her-years 5 year old and a spunky and sweet 1 year old. She has been married for ten years and has lived in Ohio forever. She was born and raised in the Cleveland area and established roots in Columbus 15 years ago. Her basement is full of "stuff" Including deals too good to leave at the store and childhood memories. She is a recovering people pleaser and a current Pepsi addict. She loves people watching but hates cleaning the bathroom. Jen is hopeful that Columbus Mom's Blog can help families in central Ohio connect while also creating that lost feeling of community that she craves.

1 COMMENT

  1. I’m with you, Jen! I’ve been on a majoring purging spree of all our “stuff” this year! I just open closets and go “ugh… what is all this???” I’ve seen the kids buy/sell pages on FB, but never thought about this for all of my stuff – I think I just found my new addiction! Thank you for sharing 🙂

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