Downsizing

 

I get to see inside homes more often than most. Hoarding is more common than you might think. And they are often very intelligent people with well paying jobs. 

In my own home I have started using the 'pleasure' test. It might be possibly worth money, but if it gives us no joy, why have it on the shelf. Often we attribute a perceived value to items of decoration that is well outside the real market value. It might have a 'made in london' stamp on the bottom, but no one wants it. Antiques and china fall in this category.  We have a lot of 'antique' furniture which we have picked up off Trademe for less than $50. Unless you adopt an antique theme, as I have under the guidance of S, single items look out of place with modern more comfortable furniture.

Things are just so cheap to buy new. Yesterday I bought some soap dishes from the two dollar shop. They are nice enough with trays so the soap doesn't sit in the water. Fancy expensive ceramic soap dishes never have trays and you finish up with soggy bars of soap.