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Frugal and Energy Efficient Living

yardwork

(61,527 posts)

11. It can be a revelation. We are programmed to buy buy buy.

Reply to cbayer (Reply #10)

Thu Dec 22, 2011, 01:05 PM

Dec 2011

I have a hoarder in my family and I see the same tendencies in myself, so in recent years I've made an effort to buy less and recycle more. I regularly clean out my closets and donate things to thrift stores. I sell my books at a used bookstore and get store credit to buy more. I have more energy and feel happier with less clutter around me.

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Where does one draw the line between being frugal and being an OCD packrat? [View all] canoeist52 Dec 2011 OP

I would draw that line when Curmudgeoness Dec 2011 #1

I don't equate being a packrat with frugality. On the contrary. Starboard Tack Dec 2011 #2

I only keep what I know I'm going to possibly be able to use in the near future or have a plan maddezmom Dec 2011 #3

Talking of crafts and recycling Starboard Tack Dec 2011 #4

she's a crafty gal maddezmom Dec 2011 #6

Aw, very cute. Starboard Tack Dec 2011 #7

I often get comments for relatives because I have this plastic box of candles setting in my room. jwirr Dec 2011 #5

I love candles. And (frugal alert), I make my own Curmudgeoness Dec 2011 #18

That is a good idea. I did get the quilts done. The whole family has been watching me progress on jwirr Dec 2011 #19

Awwwww, how sweet. I am glad you finished the quilts. Curmudgeoness Dec 2011 #20

As mentioned above, organization and review is key... Phentex Dec 2011 #8

ooo paper yeah.. stuntcat Dec 2011 #14

I struggle with this too, and I found that buying less is a good approach. yardwork Dec 2011 #9

Me, too. I rarely shop for anything other than food and other provisions cbayer Dec 2011 #10

It can be a revelation. We are programmed to buy buy buy. yardwork Dec 2011 #11

Have a strategy for saving/discarding items that have potential reuse. MH1 Dec 2011 #12

when it no longer saves you money. lumberjack_jeff Dec 2011 #13

Being a packrat can be the antithesis of frugal Kennah Dec 2011 #15

I can be somewhat OCDish about holding on to things. badhair77 Dec 2011 #16

Living in a very small space helps with this. cbayer Dec 2011 #17

A year is my general rule too laundry_queen Dec 2011 #21