This is such a fun idea! I'll have to see if my friends are interested and, if they are, I'm definitely starting one up. Great tips on how to keep it frugal and thrifty :)
The perception that self-storage is simply a repository for a person's material excess has entered public consciousness due mainly to television programs like 'Storage Wars.' The vast majority of those who rent storage use it for short-term, practical purposes, i.e. moving or remodeling--I know this as I work in the industry. If there wasn't a practical purpose driving the industry forward, and storage was as much of a financial burden as you claim, the industry would not be growing as it is--America is a country of excess, yes, but even it could not maintain an industry like the one you describe. What opinion pieces such as yours are actually railing against is the irresponsible, long-term use of storage, which is only a small facet of the industry as a whole. No self-respecting storage outlet encourages storage as a long-term solution, though of course I cannot speak for them all.
I'm also attempting to pare down - I moved into a house that was too big, worked hard to fill it, and am now working harder to empty it. Two things I learned in the process that I don't see often mentioned:
1. Most people say if you don't know what's in a box, you clearly don't need it. I almost threw out my birth certificate, an old pass port, and a handful of diplomas that way. Much as I hate to, I now open every box (before pitching most of it).
2. Storing it in my possession will not provide it with value (I can't turn trash into treasure by keeping it in my basement). If I can't donate it mostly as-is, I have little business giving it space in my home, cleaning around it, and fretting over how I let it deteriorate slowly or how/when I will resurrect it only to give it away because even when refurbished I still don't want it.
These are some really good tips. My grandmother used to pickle her leftover veggies like asparagus, peppers, and of course cucumbers, and they were delicious! I always buy most of my groceries at the Walmart that is buy my house. It has much cheaper items that are the same quality as at the regular grocery store, and my receipt usually read about $20 cheaper when I buy stuff from there. Using all that you buy is key; throwing away food is literally throwing away money.
My mom has always been great about saving on bills in our house. When its cool enough, the AC goes off and the windows are opened. In the winter, we all wear socks and sweatshirts around the house and feel comfortable enough with the heat a little bit lower. She's also always instilled in me to unplug things when they're not being used- this has made me a little crazy with roommates, but saving none the less.
My mother had 5 (yes, five) storage facilities that she was paying rent on. So much rent that she couldn't afford to rent an apartment - she is living in some half way house. My sisters cleaned out two of them, but she couldn't do without the other 3 and put a stop to the purging. Most of the stuff in these places was junk she had acquired over the years. There were some valuables, but not much, and she has had some of them for over 10 years!!
I know, she obviously has more problems than just the storage facilities, but it is not easy to get someone committed to a mental hospital these days, and she's not hallucinating (except about her financial condition) or threatening violence, nor is she a blithering idiot (a college graduate). She should know better.
I can see having a storage facility for a short period of time, or if you are sent overseas for a defined period. But anyone who has more than one for much more than a year has some serious issues!
I recently received a debit card in the mail from netSpend. I have never received an unsolicited credit/debit card in the mail before, so I was shocked to receive this. At first, I thought my identity was stolen and that someone applied for this card on my behalf. It wasn't until finding this website that realize I am not the only one.
I'm sure many people have the same reaction of shock, imagining the possibility that their identity was stolen.
Other posts by other users claim that this mass-mailing by netSpend is legal.
Legal or not, shame on netSpend for continuing to shock people with unnecessary debit cards. They have successfully wasted my time and are probably wasting the time of thousands/millions of other Americans. I certainly will not be doing business with them, ever.
I do not agree that we should drop magazines. i have twenty mags and I only spent 2.00 for one and 3.00 for another all of the rest were free. One can read without breaking the bank.
I agree. I've never had a storage unit, even though I don't have a lot of space. I can completely see how it could be a financial drain. It's much better to make the best use of the space you do have and get rid of what you don't have room for.
I love crockpots! Nothing like a slow-cooked meal and the least preparation anyone could imagine. Throw it all in, turn it on, go to work, come back and enjoy! Mmmm Yumm.
RE: 3. You remember smuggling homemade snacks into the Saturday matinee.
We did not go to any matinees. I went to the movies twice in my childhood and we didn't get snacks nor bring snacks.
RE: Your medicine chest has at least two hotel soaps or bottles of shampoo in it
We didn't stay in hotels. There were a few nights, that the family slept in the car... this was in the 1970's.
RE: 21. You know the balance of your checking account (within $5.00) at all times and without looking.
My parents were VERY frugal and good with money. I on the other hand, have not balanced a checkbook in 20 years and write down about 5% of the checks' amounts and dates.
RE: 26. At least three pieces of your household furniture were acquired through dumpster-diving, a yard sale, an estate sale, or thrift store.
My parents were very proud people. They would not do any of these, and probably never even thought of doing any of them.
RE: 29. Your dryer sheets have three times the life expectancy of other people’s.
We did not have a clothes dryer. Mom brought wet loads of laundry up from the basement, to hang outside on a clothesline.
Additionally, through the late 1980's, the house phone was a rotary phone, because maybe the 'push button' type was too expensive.
Yep, that's what we do. We don't have an allowance, but my 14 year old son earns money for extra work. He has a choice, but he always takes on extra work for something he wants. We didn't start this until he was 14, so he does his regular chores without complaint or expecting anything.
So I fell for the whole GAG also,, but, I decided to try and find out if my money was truely wasted, NOT, 2 of the cell's from the 6 volt pack, will take the place of 3 D cell batteries in my Mag lite. they are just slightly shorter than the 3 combined ,but the spring tensioner took up the play fine............
Yes defiantly!(:
no, we usually do our back to school shopping after the first week of school, to find better deals.
This is such a fun idea! I'll have to see if my friends are interested and, if they are, I'm definitely starting one up. Great tips on how to keep it frugal and thrifty :)
Kentin,
The perception that self-storage is simply a repository for a person's material excess has entered public consciousness due mainly to television programs like 'Storage Wars.' The vast majority of those who rent storage use it for short-term, practical purposes, i.e. moving or remodeling--I know this as I work in the industry. If there wasn't a practical purpose driving the industry forward, and storage was as much of a financial burden as you claim, the industry would not be growing as it is--America is a country of excess, yes, but even it could not maintain an industry like the one you describe. What opinion pieces such as yours are actually railing against is the irresponsible, long-term use of storage, which is only a small facet of the industry as a whole. No self-respecting storage outlet encourages storage as a long-term solution, though of course I cannot speak for them all.
Brian Shreckengast
I'm also attempting to pare down - I moved into a house that was too big, worked hard to fill it, and am now working harder to empty it. Two things I learned in the process that I don't see often mentioned:
1. Most people say if you don't know what's in a box, you clearly don't need it. I almost threw out my birth certificate, an old pass port, and a handful of diplomas that way. Much as I hate to, I now open every box (before pitching most of it).
2. Storing it in my possession will not provide it with value (I can't turn trash into treasure by keeping it in my basement). If I can't donate it mostly as-is, I have little business giving it space in my home, cleaning around it, and fretting over how I let it deteriorate slowly or how/when I will resurrect it only to give it away because even when refurbished I still don't want it.
Awesome article! Who would have thought so many cool ways to save!
Well said Kentin! These are a great list and I do know how to can. In fact, I wish I had some canning buddies so we could share the labor (and fun).
Great post ! My parents did a dinner club for a bit when I was young and it always looked so fun, it's great to have tips in order to keep it cheap.
Yes, picked up supplies while on sale. Although I am waiting until Black Friday for a new laptop.
These are some really good tips. My grandmother used to pickle her leftover veggies like asparagus, peppers, and of course cucumbers, and they were delicious! I always buy most of my groceries at the Walmart that is buy my house. It has much cheaper items that are the same quality as at the regular grocery store, and my receipt usually read about $20 cheaper when I buy stuff from there. Using all that you buy is key; throwing away food is literally throwing away money.
My mom has always been great about saving on bills in our house. When its cool enough, the AC goes off and the windows are opened. In the winter, we all wear socks and sweatshirts around the house and feel comfortable enough with the heat a little bit lower. She's also always instilled in me to unplug things when they're not being used- this has made me a little crazy with roommates, but saving none the less.
My mother had 5 (yes, five) storage facilities that she was paying rent on. So much rent that she couldn't afford to rent an apartment - she is living in some half way house. My sisters cleaned out two of them, but she couldn't do without the other 3 and put a stop to the purging. Most of the stuff in these places was junk she had acquired over the years. There were some valuables, but not much, and she has had some of them for over 10 years!!
I know, she obviously has more problems than just the storage facilities, but it is not easy to get someone committed to a mental hospital these days, and she's not hallucinating (except about her financial condition) or threatening violence, nor is she a blithering idiot (a college graduate). She should know better.
I can see having a storage facility for a short period of time, or if you are sent overseas for a defined period. But anyone who has more than one for much more than a year has some serious issues!
Probably the smartest thing you can do with any windfall. Like getting an instant return equal to the interest you were paying on that amount of debt.
I recently received a debit card in the mail from netSpend. I have never received an unsolicited credit/debit card in the mail before, so I was shocked to receive this. At first, I thought my identity was stolen and that someone applied for this card on my behalf. It wasn't until finding this website that realize I am not the only one.
I'm sure many people have the same reaction of shock, imagining the possibility that their identity was stolen.
Other posts by other users claim that this mass-mailing by netSpend is legal.
Legal or not, shame on netSpend for continuing to shock people with unnecessary debit cards. They have successfully wasted my time and are probably wasting the time of thousands/millions of other Americans. I certainly will not be doing business with them, ever.
I do not agree that we should drop magazines. i have twenty mags and I only spent 2.00 for one and 3.00 for another all of the rest were free. One can read without breaking the bank.
I agree. I've never had a storage unit, even though I don't have a lot of space. I can completely see how it could be a financial drain. It's much better to make the best use of the space you do have and get rid of what you don't have room for.
Great tips! I love cooking in my crockpot. I use it at least once a week. Definitely frugal and a huge time saver!
I love crockpots! Nothing like a slow-cooked meal and the least preparation anyone could imagine. Throw it all in, turn it on, go to work, come back and enjoy! Mmmm Yumm.
RE: 3. You remember smuggling homemade snacks into the Saturday matinee.
We did not go to any matinees. I went to the movies twice in my childhood and we didn't get snacks nor bring snacks.
RE: Your medicine chest has at least two hotel soaps or bottles of shampoo in it
We didn't stay in hotels. There were a few nights, that the family slept in the car... this was in the 1970's.
RE: 21. You know the balance of your checking account (within $5.00) at all times and without looking.
My parents were VERY frugal and good with money. I on the other hand, have not balanced a checkbook in 20 years and write down about 5% of the checks' amounts and dates.
RE: 26. At least three pieces of your household furniture were acquired through dumpster-diving, a yard sale, an estate sale, or thrift store.
My parents were very proud people. They would not do any of these, and probably never even thought of doing any of them.
RE: 29. Your dryer sheets have three times the life expectancy of other people’s.
We did not have a clothes dryer. Mom brought wet loads of laundry up from the basement, to hang outside on a clothesline.
Additionally, through the late 1980's, the house phone was a rotary phone, because maybe the 'push button' type was too expensive.
Yep, that's what we do. We don't have an allowance, but my 14 year old son earns money for extra work. He has a choice, but he always takes on extra work for something he wants. We didn't start this until he was 14, so he does his regular chores without complaint or expecting anything.
So I fell for the whole GAG also,, but, I decided to try and find out if my money was truely wasted, NOT, 2 of the cell's from the 6 volt pack, will take the place of 3 D cell batteries in my Mag lite. they are just slightly shorter than the 3 combined ,but the spring tensioner took up the play fine............
I do that with my lotions too! LOL.
Like you on FB.
Tweeted reply:
https://twitter.com/KelRo1/status/238393467443757057
I have no back-to-school shopping since I don't have children.