Preemptive downsizing

I am not about to retire, and we don't plan on selling our house for at least 5-10 years. But while everyone else seemed to be lugging new stuff into their homes, we've been dragging things to the curb for pick-up. So far, we've had two charity pick-ups and one Freecycle giveaway in the last three weeks, for a total of probably 40 cubic feet less stuff in the house, and we've acquired less than 5 cubic feet of new stuff. That doesn't count the old papers, calendars, craft supplies and other odds and ends that went out with the recycling or the trash.

Here's how I see it: when we do decide to move to a smaller place, I don't want to find myself trying to reduce our 8 rooms of belongings by half over a few harried months. (Not to mention the basement and garage. Eeek!).

Here's a simple way to start: If you buy something new, get rid of two old things. Or three. For more great ideas, check out Gretchen Rubin's Eight tips for preparing for a real (or virtual) move at The Happiness Project.