Simplifying Life

chalky_75

It is true that you only need or want something when you set foot in a shop. Stay away

MushyPeas

Well done Caterina, that all sounds really positive to be putting yourself first :T

ceridwen

Pondering Pandoras thread on how warm people keep their homes - and think I can see where she is coming from putting this question.

So - what is the simplest lifestyle we feel individually we could tolerate I wonder? There are things I regard as absolute necessity of the type that dont cost any money - but I'm wondering about the type that do cost money.
If the s..t hit the fan - whether on a personal level or to the economy as a whole - I am wondering what I REALLY couldnt do without being a total miseryguts.

In my case - well, we have established that includes a warm home. Thinking about what else I rate as VITAL is:
- a daily shower/hairwash (except for odd days when I am at home all day and not expecting visitors, so having a "slob-out" day)
- enough food (of a healthy type and including plenty of fruit and veg.)
- something to moisturise my sahara-dry skin
- plenty of interesting stuff to read
- a few changes of clothes (but nowhere near as many by far as I have)
- real coffee
- loads of bedding for my bed
- a radio
- a light to read by whenever I want
- a comfortable wide bed
- comfortable seating
- a cooker
- a fridge
- access to a washing machine

Think thats about it.

What is your "Vital - no matter what - list"?

Rowan9

I am new to this forum and just love it. I have spent much more time than is healthy reading through this thread and others in here.
I have been trying to down-size/ declutter with some success although my DH is a techno fanatic and has bought a new telly today. Ah well, we're all different but i try to do my bit!
Just saying a 'hello' to you all and hope to be able to post some more helpful stuff soon.
W

BallandChain

Hi WMF, welcome to the forum. I'm like you as I tend to do an awful amount of reading here rather than posting!

Ceridwen, it's funny you posted your 'vital list' as I have been looking at yurts and tipis to live in. Then I thought 'Uh oh, no washing machine, no shower and no toilet, I don't think I could cope living like that.'

If they could make yurts, etc with those conveniences I would be the first to head off into the blue yonder and try it out.

So my vital list also includes:

Having electric so I can use my electric blanket and laptop!

Heating and lots of it!

Food (This is weird I get really cold when I'm hungry, anyone else get that?)

Clothes

I think that's it.

JoJoB

BallandChain wrote: »

If they could make yurts, etc with those conveniences I would be the first to head off into the blue yonder and try it out.

So my vital list also includes:

Having electric so I can use my electric blanket and laptop!

Heating and lots of it!

Food (This is weird I get really cold when I'm hungry, anyone else get that?)

Clothes

I think that's it.

Solar power
gas lamps and gas cookers (caravanning websites are eye-openers for various gadgetry)
woodburning stoves/boilers
Laundrettes
Composting toilets

Admittedly it is something of a leap to go from all mod cons to the "off-grid" versions, but it is possible. And best of all, after the initial layout - no bills!

BallandChain

JoJo, am I glad you posted! I know this is gonna sound silly, there's me saying I'd love to live life simply and then the thought of using an outside toilet well, it just sends me running for them thar hills. (If you know what I mean!)

Seriously, I wonder if you can have an indoor composting toilet for yurts/tipis as I know you can have indoor ones for conventional homes. Also, yes laundrette you got me there, but any ideas on an indoor shower for tipis/yurts? I'm always thinking of ways around problems. You can get one of those portable showers that campers use outside, but I'd be too cold. Bbbbbrrrr!

The downside to yurts is there aren't any rooms divided off. Maybe some nice yurt maker would customise one for me!

I spent a lot of time looking at those sites and not so long ago I was seriously thinking of buying a motorhome but the trouble with that is if you want 'permanent' residence you have to pay to stay in caravan sites and then only for a maximum of 28 days even less.

needmoney

BallandChain wrote: »

JoJo, am I glad you posted! I know this is gonna sound silly, there's me saying I'd love to live life simply and then the thought of using an outside toilet well, it just sends me running for them thar hills. (If you know what I mean!)

Seriously, I wonder if you can have an indoor composting toilet for yurts/tipis as I know you can have indoor ones for conventional homes. Also, yes laundrette you got me there, but any ideas on an indoor shower for tipis/yurts? I'm always thinking of ways around problems. You can get one of those portable showers that campers use outside, but I'd be too cold. Bbbbbrrrr!

The downside to yurts is there aren't any rooms divided off. Maybe some nice yurt maker would customise one for me!

I spent a lot of time looking at those sites and not so long ago I was seriously thinking of buying a motorhome but the trouble with that is if you want 'permanent' residence you have to pay to stay in caravan sites and then only for a maximum of 28 days even less.

Now that wouldn't bother me as that's where I think toilets belong as long as they are covered and have a modern flush :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

We have a lovely motorhome but I couldn't live in it permanently I'd go mad with as you say no divided rooms to get myself away into. like a bit of comfort and privacy:D

So at the moment for me simplyfying my life is beginning to get the junk out of my house, sheds and head.

ceridwen

BallandChain wrote: »

Hi WMF, welcome to the forum. I'm like you as I tend to do an awful amount of reading here rather than posting!

Ceridwen, it's funny you posted your 'vital list' as I have been looking at yurts and tipis to live in. Then I thought 'Uh oh, no washing machine, no shower and no toilet, I don't think I could cope living like that.'

If they could make yurts, etc with those conveniences I would be the first to head off into the blue yonder and try it out.

Actually - I've seen photos of yurts with all sorts of mod cons - fitted kitchen, split level, the lot. I was astonished at just how nice some of them are - as I'd been sorta picturing an upgraded, differently-shaped tent. Bit like hotels I guess - dead basic to 7-Star level. Take your pick.

BallandChain

Oooooo I'll go and take a lookie. Thanks.