Time for another downsizing update! This marks week 15 on our quest to simplify and downsize. It was our neighborhood garage sale, so we figured since the traffic was coming through anyway – that we’d have another garage sale.
We ended up earning $615 from the garage sale. We only did it ONE day and didn’t even spend the full day out there. It was good to get rid of “round two” of our stuff and we made enough to justify our time. I was pleased!
We also sold our stand-up freezer for $400. It was like saying goodbye to a dear friend. 🙂 Ha! But really, the freezer was one of the best purchases we have ever made. It allowed us to buy meat in bulk (and save!) and to buy meat or fruit on markdown and freeze (save!) and making freezer meals (to save time!).
That makes for a grand total of $1,015 this week, which brings our year-to-date downsizing earnings to $9.174.91.
We took another big load of stuff to the local thrift store. I’ve been sorting items out to give to friends and family members and making piles of other items to sell online via local Facebook buy, sell and trade groups.
We are almost there, my friends. We have about THREE weeks before we need to be out of our house. That’s 21 days until we finish this marathon. We can do this!
2015 Downsizing progress to date –
Week 1 update here – earned $548.16
Week 2 update here – earned $1,283.47
Week 3 update here – earned $432.40
Week 4 update here – earned $300
Week 5 update here – earned $395
Week 6 update here – earned $160
Week 7 update here – earned zilch, nada, nothing!
Week 8 update here – earned $645!!
Week 9 and 10 update – earned $715
Week 11 update – earned $3,280.88!!
Week 12, 13, 14 update – we sold the HOUSE (under contract), plus earned $400 from selling a couple high-end items
Week 15 update – earned $1,015
Year-to-date – $9,174.91
If you missed it earlier, here is why we are downsizing:
- We have plans to move this summer and instead of upgrading to a bigger, better house, we plan to dramatically reduce our square footage. We aren’t being forced to do this – it’s a choice. We want to spend less on our next “home” so that we can focus more on things we love and value – like travel. We are selling nearly EVERYTHING to do this.
- I want to own my stuff and not have it own me. Ultimately I only want to keep the items that a.) serve a purpose and b.) that bring me joy.
If you’re joining me for Project Downsize – I’d love to hear what you got rid of this week! Pick a goal for this week and share it here, please!
Charlene says
My question is why are you getting rid of your freezer and furniture?
mom4me says
I have really enjoyed reading about your downsizing project and have been totally impressed with your ability to earn money on the things you no longer need. I can’t wait to see where you end up.
Heather Clarke says
Hi Mom4Me – THANK YOU for your encouragement. It has been an amazing journey this year. I can honestly say we are happier than we’ve ever been – even though it’s been on of the most stressful processes getting ready to move. Focusing on the good stuff, eliminating the noise and clutter, and streamlining has been a life changer for us. 🙂 Thank you for following my site . . . can’t wait to unveil the next chapter in our lives!
Patty says
You must have — or should I say, have had — the best stuff in the world. I don’t think I could be $9000 for the entire contents of my house!
Patty says
get, not be; doh!
Heather Clarke says
Hi Patty – I think that selling stuff through the Facebook groups helped a LOT in terms of getting higher prices for things. When I sold things at garage sales I’d get a fraction of the price – but when selling in the FB groups I regularly got a higher price for things. I think that has a lot to do with it!
Robin says
I am DYING to know where you guys are going. I’m thinking something exotic like a houseboat? The last update saying you couldn’t take the BBQ where you’re going. I hope we find out soon!
Heather Clarke says
Hi Robin! A houseboat sounds amazing, for sure! I can’t wait to tell you all. Very, very soon – I’m thinking by June 10 or so. . . I just want to make sure everything falls into place and then we’ll be sharing the next chapter in our lives.
shannon says
I am impatiently waiting too!!! It had better be fabulous!
Emily says
I love reading your downsizing updates! It’s very inspiring. My family and I have been going through a similar decluttering journey after couponing for many years and having way too much stuff. It’s a wonderful gift that you’re striving to give your children more experiences/travel rather than material possessions. Best of luck with your upcoming move!
Heather Clarke says
Thank you Emily! Good for you for decluttering and simplifying. I do think couponing lends itself to over-purchasing – and of course everything in my house I got such a great deal on. Ha! But it’s only a good deal if we need it, right!? And we really NEED so little. Keep it up!!