Comments on: My Little Secret to Living with Less

By: Sharon "Tinycamper"

Sharon "Tinycamper" — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:08:03 +0000

I learned about getting rid of stuff when I attempted to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2003. My initial pack weight was 53 pounds. By the time I actually got on the trail, I had it whittled down to 23 pounds including food and water.

When I got back home, I was appalled at all the “stuff!” It forever changed my perspective on what was really necessary and desirable.

Fast forward a few years. We now have a tiny 78 sq. ft. camper that we use for weeks at a time. Our only disappointment is coming home to the big house!

Someday we want a tiny house to come home to!

By: Jasmine

Jasmine — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:30:34 +0000

I love your journal! My boyfriend and I are in the process of remodeling a 11′ fiberglass scamp trailer (room enough for a full bed, small kitchen, and a closet). Maybe a step further than Grandma. We are moving to Alaska, and this will be our lightweight home for at least 6months out of a year. We have finally cut out a new floor for it. I was just wondering…. what kind of insulation (if any) and wall-covering did you use? We are considering the double foil bubblewrap type and maybe car headliner material. Did you build cabinets? Any suggestions/advice for us? I hope you are enjoying your trailer!! I really would love to hear more about it!

By: Angie

Angie — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:56:52 +0000

I dream of the day when I am not held hostage by my “stuff!” How freeing it would be to downsize in a big way. What an overwhelming process…

By: My secret to living with less | This Tiny House

My secret to living with less | This Tiny House — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:51:14 +0000

[...] If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!The Small Living Journal has just published an article of mine where I introduce my (not so) secret to living with less. [...]

By: Claudia

Claudia — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:10:00 +0000

Your grandmother was a smart woman! Thanks for sharing this inspirational article.

By: John Williams

John Williams — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:34:22 +0000

When I realized stuff was draining me of energy, time, freedom and money, I found E-Bay. I have sold tons of stuff to others and reaped not only the monetary rewards from the sale of weighty energy, time robbing things but the FREEDOM of living a fuller life with less. Until you do it you cannot realize how much life has to offer without things bringing you down. My only regret is that I have unloaded my things to others and have added to their weight in life.

By: Hillary "Tinyhouse"

Hillary "Tinyhouse" — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:45:50 +0000

Thanks again for the compliments. I agree that so much stuff can be a complete energy-suck even when it’s not your stuff! Anita – what a powerful story, the tornado taught you a great lesson. I’m eager to hear more about it.

Yes, and compassion… how to teach compassion?

By: sunshinepgh

sunshinepgh — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:51:02 +0000

I saw this on Tweetdeck and had to check it out. Very nicely written and I agree 100%. Possessions have ruined many lives. I have obsessive hoarders in my life and just being in their presence sometimes sucks the energy right out of me. It really concerns me when so many people have so, so much unnecessary material things while others are suffering and going without basic needs.

There is too much waste in this country and not enough compassion! How can we open people’s eyes to this situation? I’m working on a proposal for a non-profit organization that takes on new meaning to “Love thy neighbor”. But until then, how do we open up people’s hearts and free them of the thinking that possessions make the person?

By: Maria Isabel

Maria Isabel — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:08:50 +0000

Absolutely align! And would like to add that I believe the clutter surrounding our environment such as in our homes and vehicles, may be equal to the extra we carry on our bodies.
Clear the Space!

By: Anita

Anita — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:23:41 +0000

My “downsizing” came as the result of a tornado hitting our house (Greensburg, Kansas – May 4, 2007)
I always used to think how horrible it would be to be hit by a tornado, but once it happened I realized my family was all ok and the rest was just “stuff”… not much that I miss other than photos.