Retirement and a new life in Mexico provided a much needed opportunity to dig through our stuff and get real about what to keep and what to get rid of. As we prepared for the big move five years ago, we had many garage sales, gave memorabilia to family and the rest to Goodwill. And I thought I was already a minimalist. NOT!
Our son and his family hauled off furniture we didn’t need.
Part of the problem was that we were very unsure about what we would need. It took us two years to begin construction of our house. We also had never lived in a tropical region. People told us not to bring rugs to a humid climate. We did anyway and didn’t regret it.
A lot has changed in three years.
I bought a fancy portable sewing machine because I wanted to make my own clothes and wasn’t sure I could get one here. I was wrong, Not only are there many lovely sewing machines sold here, I have hardly touched the one I brought.
A new fence. The trees have really grown.
Other people suggested that we get a storage unit and bring things gradually as we needed them. That might work for some, but it was a “hell no” for us. We were burning bridges and wanted nothing to weigh us down, especially a storage unit.
Even our bodega got a makeover. The only thing we store is kayak equipment.
Our intention for a new life was minimalist living in a much smaller space. Packing, transporting, unpacking, storing, maintaining “stuff” takes its toll and has a price. Today, five years into living in Mexico, I find that I have had to go through my plastic bins and get realistic about the yarn, fabric, books, videos etc. that were once so important to me. On my last visit to Texas I schlepped back precious pattern books to give to friends. It was time to get real, there will be very little knitting or crocheting in my future.
Truthfully I still own too much. Here’s some websites you might find interesting. Poco a poco, little by little… DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
It is hard to let go of”stuff” because we attach memories to them…or are afraid of being “judged” by others if we don’t have a lot of stuff. I’m struggling a bit with that right now…know I need to get a move on downsizing and getting rid of stuff, but can’t quite seem to get there! Patience is not my greatest virtue!!!
LikeLike
Maybe try getting a buddy and setting weekly goals. We had a friend who was selling her house and we had joint garage sales. It was way more fun. One drawer/closet at a time.
LikeLike
Good job on continuing to downsize and declutter! It truly is an ongoing process, as it is all too easy to start accumulating “stuff” again, especially when in one place for awhile. Been there, done that, and it’s about time for another round for us as well. 🙂
LikeLike
Absolutely. It’s an ongoing challenge. My MIL does not understand how I can love something but not need to own it.
LikeLike
Good for you, working on my wife but we have a grand baby in Austin , we live in McKinney Tx, I kep telling her they have airplanes there and we could afford to send her frequently. Never give update
LikeLike
We rarely saw out kids when we lived in the States. We can’t pop over to babysit which has its upside and downside.
LikeLike
Oh my, how timely for us! As I write this, there’s a storage unit in front of the house here in Austin, TX USA and another one off-site. We are moving to Akumal, MX with what we can fit in an SUV. Most important? Ourselves and two dog children. Sentimental stuff has been set aside or digitized. Estate Sale contract has been signed.
Back in my early twenties, I traveled the country thinking that everything that I owned needed to fit into the back of my car. Over the course of my lifetime, I’ve accumulated stuff. It’s time to let all that go again and feel young and free. 53, meet 23!
LikeLike
So true! We’re in the final weeks of our move to Guadalajara. We’re coming from Vancouver Island, a long ferry ride and two borders away. We’re not driving and moving costs are astronomical, so we have pared down to four medium-sized moving boxes and three smaller ones to ship via courier. We’ll have four suitcases and carry-ons. That’s it!
Now that we’re near the end, it’s very emotional to let go of the “heirloom” sweaters knitted and crocheted for me by women I loved. But truth be told, I haven’t worn them much, just admired the artistry. So I’ve taken lots of photos and am trying to re-home them with friends.
Sometimes I feel like the pioneer women must have, as they made their way across the plains, throwing out the china and grandma’s hutch to lighten the load for the oxen. But the story is about the destination, not what we bring there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, I have grieved. Mostly I have let go of who I thought I was and allowed myself to change and bloom. I am painting which is wonderful. It’s journaling in a different way. Bravo for seeking an adventure. I’d love for you to keep in touch.
LikeLike
The wonder of downsizing! We did that when we moved to Turkey. eBay was a boon. Now we’re back in England, we’ve busy upsizing! Will we never learn? 😀
LikeLike
It’s like my weight, always creeping up unless constantly monitored.
LikeLike
Oh, I need to downsize. I have w-a-y too much stuff! I’ll check out the websites you suggested.
LikeLike
It’s quite freeing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes yes yes yes
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️❤️❤️ glad you can relate.
LikeLike
Thank you for this!! I am inspired to have “less” 🙂 see you next month (hopefully) xo
LikeLike
It’s my own never ending story.
LikeLike