'Downsizing'

Downsizing is typically what people do when they retire, start worrying about their money running out before they die, and then try to lower their outgoings.  I could be mistaken, but one of my dad's favourite pastimes is 'downsizing'.  Or, more accurately, putting absolutely everything on a graph/flow chart/spreadsheet and analysing the shit out of it, trying to find out how to make things more efficient.

I share this passion, but sadly lack the ongoing commitment for it to actually make much of a difference in the long run.  That's probably why my savings account grows at the rate of a 20 year old tree; steadily, but not noticeably.  I have, however, been trying to stay more on top of things recently.  I've shopped around for a better mobile phone contract, cancelled direct debits for things I don't really need, and pretty much abandoned any hope of being considered 'stylish' thanks to wearing the same 5 outfits on rotations, threadbare or not.

While I've been de-cluttering my finances, I've also been trying to de-clutter my apartment.  Reasons for this include:

• I can potentially make a little (definitely not a lot) of money by selling things I no longer need/use on eBay.
• There will be less shit to have to move when I sell my apartment/move into a new place.
• There will be somewhere for me to put the storage heater that currently lives on my living room floor.

While I have been soldiering on with this task for the last week, sadly it remains true that things start looking worse before they start looking better.  I currently feel claustrophobic in my normally roomy living room thanks to the contents of the storage cupboard being strewn across every possible surface for me to photograph/diligently check/throw out/sell.  

I really hate myself for going through that baking phase during which I felt I needed 20 different kinds of flour, countless piping options, and an array of themed cupcake holders.  Who actually has time for that?!

Anyway, I'm about 4 big black bin bags lighter than I was last week.  Progress is progress.