Simplifying life

[faffi]

I was born in 1964, and over the years I have amassed a lot of stuff. It really began to go downhill about 20 years ago, when I allowed myself to own two motorcycles at the same time. Now I own 4, but only one is in perfect working condition, because I no longer find all that much joy working on old stuff that needs constant attention. Then there is the old cabin we took our from my wife's mother that also require time and effort, although the brunt of it was done over the past year.

But it is not just bikes I own too much of, there is also stuff around the house - hers and mine - that I/we do not really want or need anymore, not to mention my wife's insane wardrobe that, despite her giving away several sacks of clothes every year, is still expanding. There is also stuff left behind by our kids when they moved out that take up space.

However, we have finally, albeit slowly, begun the process of reduction. When I am done, I want to be left with two motorcycles; one for home, and one sitting at the cabin. I do not really need the latter, but I want one there, and transporting my "home-bike" cross country is not practical. I also want to get rid of all the clutter that I know will never be used again, as well as all the books I will never read again, plus all the paintings that will never hang on our walls again. And so on.

It feel liberating just thinking about it - I cannot imagine how good it will feel once all the stuff is gone!

[Bill W]

Its gotta be a age thing ( I'm 66 ). I bought my house 20yrs ago and what sold me on it was it came with a 4000s/f metal barn! Well its full of what I now consider junk so I am also downsizing. When I recently picked up a second bike I decided its time to get rid of my other toy ( pic ) which was a hobby of mine for over 30yrs and I don't even miss it or any of the others I've had. Funny how things/priorities change in your life.

[Perazzimx14]

I/we have been paring down for the last several years and it is true, less is more!

[SIR REAL ED]

Well said gents.

I think it is very much related to age and the realization that stuff can be burdensome.

"The owner of so many goods has no room left to ease his mind."  IIRC, Marcus Aurelius

[blu guzz]

Sometimes downsizing your living space forces this awakening.  5 years ago, much of our "stuff" did not make the move with us.  I have only missed certain tools that I knew or imagined I used to have in the old house.  Other then that, we have made things easier for our kids when we are gone.

[faffi]

Funny you should mention your kids, as I too have thought "do I really want my kids to have to go through all this stuff?" The answer is no. Not that there are any embarrasing secrets, it is just a lot of clutter. My mother in law's house is crammed with garbage to the point only a vivid hoarder can achive. When she goes, there will be many containers to fill... and I do not want to leave behind even a fraction of that burden.

[n3303j]

You only think you own stuff.
Stuff owns you.
It demands your time, energy and resources to maintain posession.

Joplin: "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to loose."

[John Croucher]

I, We, hired labor, flea market owners loaded out over 50 tons into roll dumpsters, plus many more tons and truck loads hauled off. Stuff We inherited.

I have tried to only keep and accumulate what is actually needed.  But still have stuff on 3 properties.

I recently drove a 1977 Mustang 2 home.  Another project.  I do have 3 fully functional motorcycles though.  A priority to me.

[Bulldog9]

I was born in 1964, and over the years I have amassed a lot of stuff. It really began to go downhill about 20 years ago, when I allowed myself to own two motorcycles at the same time. Now I own 4, but only one is in perfect working condition, because I no longer find all that much joy working on old stuff that needs constant attention. Then there is the old cabin we took our from my wife's mother that also require time and effort, although the brunt of it was done over the past year.

But it is not just bikes I own too much of, there is also stuff around the house - hers and mine - that I/we do not really want or need anymore, not to mention my wife's insane wardrobe that, despite her giving away several sacks of clothes every year, is still expanding. There is also stuff left behind by our kids when they moved out that take up space.

However, we have finally, albeit slowly, begun the process of reduction. When I am done, I want to be left with two motorcycles; one for home, and one sitting at the cabin. I do not really need the latter, but I want one there, and transporting my "home-bike" cross country is not practical. I also want to get rid of all the clutter that I know will never be used again, as well as all the books I will never read again, plus all the paintings that will never hang on our walls again. And so on.

It feel liberating just thinking about it - I cannot imagine how good it will feel once all the stuff is gone!

I moved every 18-24 months for almost 30 years. It was easy to keep things simple, even though during that time I did amass 7 motorcycles and 3 cars. At one point, I had them stored in 3 locations. For me at least, for the family, my wife was able to stay in our home in Alexandria since 2005. I was mostly deployed, stationed all over the country. WHen I was in the US, she would come and stay with me.  The glut in Alexandria is real............  And, with 4 kids and 3 siblings (hers) who can't keep it together, we have a 10x20 room in the basement STACKED with boxes of THEIR crap..........  Still, I have so much stuff. Heck, I have the MARANTZ receiver and turntable I bought in College. In fact, I am listening to it now 

I keep saying I'm gonna simplify, and cut down, etc. but I keep adding.............  But the lovely Mrs. Bulldog and I are looking at clearing the clutter and the truly unnecessary..... I keep looking at all the glassware/dishes (we literally have enough glassware to host a 100 person party) and she keeps looking at my boxes of parts and collection of motorcycles. My goal is to truly trim things down when I turn 70, cut back to a couple cars and motorcycles, and only keep the tools and junk I need.

[faffi]

You only think you own stuff.
Stuff owns you.

I seem to recall from a book about an indian tribe that quotet something like "if you own more than you can carry, your belongings own you".

[SIR REAL ED]

First world problems are the best kind to have!

[LowRyter]

I'd like to pare down.  Get rid of my '98 EV but keep the Sport & Duc.  Sell my Toy Hauler and DuraMax tow truck. Sell my Slingerland 5 piece trap set with Zildian cymbals.

Most of all would like to see the old crew get over themselves from - and politics from the past 8 years and bring back the fun old days. 

I'm pessimistic about how any of it will work out.   Will be 72 this spring.

[wirespokes]

Joplin: "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to loose."

Actually, didn't Chris Christofferson write that song?

[Clifton]

Thanks for this reminder thread.

I also have too much stuff which I need to reduce rather than burden my children with. My house is not that large but still there's all the furniture, clothes, a dozen boxes of picture albums, some older firearms, safe, etc.

 My real problem is the stuff in 3 different out buildings/garages, the shed, and 3 carports. *Lots* of tools that neither my son or SIL will use, most are in the motorcycle shop but there are also sets in the other two buildings for convenience.

 Just thinking off the top of my head there are 7 motorcycles with accessories, lift, a dozen different riding suits, jackets, etc. Also woodworking equipment (table saw, drill press, lathe, ban saw, joiner, etc)  2 chain saws, trimmer, 2 SXS's, ZTR mower, log splitter, garden tractor, compact utility tractor with backhoe along with 8-9 other attachments, stump grinder, generator, bicycles........ I need to get started.

[bronzestar1]

I was renting a 12x30 storage unit where I kept my '99 Jag XJ8, and a 10x10 where I kept the bikes.  Finally got tired of the rent increases, and decided to move to another storage location and consolidate everything into a new 12x30 unit.  Doing this was going to save me about $450 a month, so it was a no-brainer.  One never knows how much "stuff" one has until it comes time to move it!  I had "stuff" from vehicles I no longer owned, and once I realized how few things needed to make the move, I got rid of everything else on FB Marketplace (gave it away, and paid someone to haul away what was left).  I'll be moving stuff again in about a year when I retire from VA to NC for good, so I was keeping that in mind as well.  As was mentioned, it was kind of "liberating" to get rid of that "stuff", had no real emotional attachment to it anymore, and needed to close those chapters in my life!     

[n3303j]

Starts with the little things. Now if I replace a part I automatically dispose of the faulty one. No more hanging on to it because I might use it in the future. I'm 80 and the future is here and now.

[Motormike]

I've been ever so slowly getting rid of all my "takeoff" parts.  You learn pretty quickly what might sell on Ebay, and what is a waste of time.  After market exhaust...sell it!  Stock exhaust...toss it!  Aftermarket seat..sell it!  Stock seat...toss it, and so on.  I take a look at Ebay listings, and if there are more than three or four of what I have, I know there's really no point in trying to get any money for it. Almost all the small parts I've horded for years are going in the dumpster.  Anybody want a pair of stock plastic handgrips for a Harley Davidson? Or maybe some used Ducati clutch plates?  No?  Didn't think so.

[Huzo]

I need to get rid of multiple Guzzi T shirts that are too tight and go shopping for a bra. I have to go to Melbourne now on my Norge and I know I’ll have trouble doing up my riding pants…
It’s all getting too much.
Have to empty out the wardrobe.

[Bulldog9]

Funny you should mention your kids, as I too have thought "do I really want my kids to have to go through all this stuff?" The answer is no. Not that there are any embarrasing secrets, it is just a lot of clutter. My mother in law's house is crammed with garbage to the point only a vivid hoarder can achive. When she goes, there will be many containers to fill... and I do not want to leave behind even a fraction of that burden.

I have a detailed will with instructions....... ........... LOL....... But..... NONE of my stuff is Junk........... That's all my wife's stuff.........

Next spring when I unpack all my crap, and set up my retirement garage, I am going to sell ALL the extra/unused stuff, parts, etc. and will likely just mail it to whoever wants it if they pay postage.

But in reality I don't have too much crap. Moving every 2 years makes moving junk hard.  I do need to let a few things go, specifically the Breva 750, 1200 SPort, and XS750.............. .... ANyone wanna help? ;-)

[ridingron]

Actually, didn't Chris Christofferson write that song?

Actually Kris Kristofferson (K's not C's  ) wrote Me and Bobby McGee which contained the line the line "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to loose." I personally think Janice Joplin's version of the son is the best.

[ridingron]

A couple post made me think of this:

[faffi]

I've been ever so slowly getting rid of all my "takeoff" parts.  You learn pretty quickly what might sell on Ebay, and what is a waste of time.  After market exhaust...sell it!  Stock exhaust...toss it!  Aftermarket seat..sell it!  Stock seat...toss it, and so on.  I take a look at Ebay listings, and if there are more than three or four of what I have, I know there's really no point in trying to get any money for it. Almost all the small parts I've horded for years are going in the dumpster.  Anybody want a pair of stock plastic handgrips for a Harley Davidson? Or maybe some used Ducati clutch plates?  No?  Didn't think so.

People restoring back to stock will be interested in the parts you list, but they may be few and far between. FWIW, some think that they sit on gold and demand more for a crusty old part than NOS parts cost

[faffi]

A couple post made me think of this:

 

[blu guzz]

One roadblock to paring down may be your children who use your house as their storage unit.  Don't let your kids live too close to you.

[faffi]

One roadblock to paring down may be your children who use your house as their storage unit.  Don't let your kids live too close to you.

The worst offender lives on the other side of the country with his fiance. They are visiting for Xmas, and I hope they manage to fit most of their belongings in their SUV when they leave.