"Can we keep this?" "What worth does it have?" "What other uses can it perform?"
I've unconciously developed a merit system for everything we own. Everytime I pick something up to clean or straighten or use my mind becomes a ruthless chopping block for our posessions. I imagine my appliances, slowly ammased over long years, trembling in fear that they won't live up to my new standards. My kitchen has become the parts store in The Brave Little Toaster
. They probably sing tales of woe and horror when I turn the light off for the night. This change is going to be significant, drastic. I reminded the kids of the Ingalls and how like pioneers we'd be. Apparently, that was a poor choice since now they want to know when we're buying a wagon and horses. I'm trying to look at everything in a more than positive light. We're diving in with both feet and a hard prayer. But I need ideas, insight and inspiration. Here are some things I'm still unsure about
-keeping food for seven people by only using a small compact 4cu ft fridge
-how to bake without an oven
-what to stock up on in dry goods that are still healthful
-what essential homeschool things we'll need
So, I pose this question to you, if you had to downsize by 2/3rds, everyone has approximate 57 square feet to themselves, what is a necessity? what can you not live without? How would you do it?
5 comments:
sewing supplies stay, kitchen gear dramatically reduced, keeping the breadmaker since you don't have a stove. I imagine the homeschool supplies could be reduced b/c things like counting blocks and such could be gotten rid of in favor if using sticks or rocks. If you really needed something you could sew it. Most toys would go saving one or two nice sets and some games and of course the favorite stuffed animals and dolls. I would be willing to go through books and get rid of some of them.
baking- build a solar oven. yeah I gotta go feed my kids now.
I'm so sorry to hear this! My thoughts are with you and your family for a safe and happy transition.
If I were in the situation, this is what I would do: Electronics would be the first thing to go. I know everyone relies on them, but you don't have to. Usually they can bring in a decent amount of money if in good condition. Cut down to "just enough" clothes per person. Maybe 2-3 pairs of pants, 7-14 shirts (1 per day), and enough underwear to last a week. Children's toys would be drastically cut down to 1 or 2 favorites per child and maybe a few games - afterall you can encourage the children to use their imagination rather than require toys for playtime. I'm not sure what all you have as far as homeschooling supplies, but you could try combining things or writing down your lesson ideas and be able to rehome the remainder. Kitchen supplies I would save the breadmaker as the last person suggested, 1 dining set per person and each person can be responsible for cleaning their own dishes for the next meal, you can probably do away with a lot of serving dishes and serve food directly from the pot it was cooked in. Get rid of appliances that you don't use very often. If it hasn't been used in the past 30 days, it doesn't go with you. I know from your blogs that you've got rabbits and now some chickens. If you can afford to keep the livestock, do so. Rabbits and chickens provide good sources of meat, hens will also supply your family with eggs when they're mature.
Found you via Cold Antler Farm. I was only able to send over an embarrassingly small amount bur tweeted and FB'd the call and will be forwarding out your etsy store as well.
I will also be posting on our blog in hopes that others will take up the call.
As another with the homesteading dream I could not do anything else.
Blessings
Kelly aka Jia
also wanted to post and say that I cant say enough about the health value and monetary thriftiness of dry beans brown rice dry lentils and TVP.
You can buy a lot for a little, not worry about storage. They cook up easily and are very nourishing.
Today's yardsale has been rained out. Unfortunately, it started after we put everything out so we'll have to see the condition of things under the tarps after it stops!
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