Mar
17
2008
17
2008
The Compact Revisited
Filed under: Compact, Consumerism, Contentment, Possessions, Simplifying, Stuff
When I committed to The Compact in October of 2006, I had no idea how radically it would change my life. I set out on a mission to simply stop buying new stuff…but instead the experiment changed my entire view of our consumerism-obsessed culture, marketing, wants vs. needs, giving vs. selling, the poor…the list goes on and on. While I did not complete the entire year of Compacting by my “rules”… I will be forever changed by this experience. I have blogged in the past about my journey, but here are some effects of The Compact that are still with me today:
- I LOVE buying used. It’s almost physically painful for me to buy things new/full retail cost. I could spend hours and hours at Goodwill…especially if I have a list of things I’ve been looking for. The thrill of the hunt is so fun. Whenever we need something, whether it be RV related, clothing, kitchen gadgets…we always turn to eBay, Craigslist, or Goodwill first before ever looking for it new. I would have to say that this ONE THING has been the biggest change for us.
- I’ve become appalled at the price of things…and have started to realize the crazy profit companies make on our purchases because we are just too lazy to search out the alternative. My current pair of jeans (yes I only have one pair) were 99 cents at Goodwill. Matt found them for me in the men’s section and said “here honey…these will be cute on you”. I LOVE them! And now, when I go in and I’m browsing the jeans, a tag for $3.99 seems ludicrous! Ha ha! How dare they think they can charge $3.99!
This also happens when I’ve been to too many garage sales…I get used to the LOW prices and it’s hard to go back to eBay or consignment stores after that! - I started to give a lot more stuff away. I think that when you come to the realization that it’s the STUFF that is bogging you down emotionally, mentally, and physically…you just want to get rid of it! So I got very good at filling boxes and going to Goodwill. Is there anything that feels better than handing over boxes of stuff that has been cluttering your home to the Goodwill attendant in the back of the store? I love it…a natural high!
- Handmade gifts are where it’s at…if it’s a handmade/recycled/found object art gift, even better! I think it was during my Compacting days that I discovered Etsy. Oh my goodness. How can you not love Etsy?!
- I am so much more sensitive to the marketing teams whose main goal is to make me feel like my current state of being is not good enough. They want me to want something. They scheme all day long on the by putting “want creators” on TV, internet, billboards, junk mail…it’s rampant.
- Because I am more sensitive to these things…I can hardly stand to set foot in a mall. The bright lights, the busyness, the insane amounts of money being exchanged. It’s overload.
- I can now walk into a Target or any other store and actually only buy what I went in for. Prior to The Compact, I almost felt like a zombie as I walked out of Target…wondering what just happened in there! Last night, we went as a family to buy a few items that we’ve had on our list for weeks. And it felt so good to come out with just a few things on the receipt.
- Now that Bella is at the age where she can understand purchasing, money, wants, etc…it has become more time consuming to go into stores because I need to discuss everything with her as we go. She amazes me with her self-control though. When we walk by the $1 section in Target, she likes to stop and look, but is not thrown into a frenzy if we decide not to get something there. We talk through it and it becomes a teaching moment about consumerism, money, and priorities. We talk about whether or not we need it…does she already have something similar in the RV? And if we were to get that item, would she be willing to give something else in her toy box away to make room for it? Young minds are hungry for teaching…I try as hard as I can to teach her things that aren’t in a normal school syllabus! Of course, it’s pretty rare that we even go to Target, so I think this is the key to success. Keep children focused on the abundance they DO have…not what they don’t have. Gratitude breeds contentment.
- And oh what JOY will come if we can learn contentment! Pray for it…Christ wants to give it to you!
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 (New Living Translation)
I would LOVE to hear from all of you who have committed to The Compact at any time (and for any length of time). Let us know how you felt about it and how it has stuck with you even after you were officially “done”.
Photo credit: Flickr/Creative Commons: ATIS547
Posted by Sara @ 4:18 pm | Leave a Comment
8
2008
I need to find out what the Compact is. I am so in favor of everything you wrote here. I love getting rid of things!
This is good stuff!
10
2008
My husband and I decided to start “compacting” in February 2007. I actually had never heard of that term until now…we were doing this as an exercise in sustainable living. We thought about making it a year-long commitment (which was up in Feb 08) and are now hooked. I, too, am addicted to Goodwill and the treasure hunt. We moved to a new city during this past year and had a blast finding all sorts of goodies at thrift stores and in the free section of craigslist. After getting so many wonderful things for free (and stretching my creative muscle to make them look fabulous with a fresh coat of paint, new fabric, etc…), it is hard to pay more than $0-$7 for anything. As I said before, we are hooked – and I know that we will continue to live this way regardless of our annual income.
10
2008
What a great post! I am a Goodwill junkie! lol I have a question about the Compact. Can you buy new handmade items?
Amelia
13
2008
Hi Sara, I really enjoyed your blog. i found it very inpsiring and informative. Especially the green lliving posts. Thanks.
15
2008
I know this post was a while ago… but it struck me as how true this all is.
My parents were minimalists (actually my dad still is)… they were determined to live at the ‘world mean of income’ and self sufficiancy long before it was ‘cool’ to do so. (http://goddesshobbies.blogspot.com/2007/09/nostalgia.html)
For a long time, I felt that becuase it wasn’t easy to find things used, or keep things nice, that it would be ok not to do it. Boy… it is amazing what 6 months of the compact will do to revisit that view. We need so little. And it is so amazing that we have so much, and want so much.
Thank you for that post.
It made me smile and think. The best posts always do.
Blessings,
Val
15
2008
Thank you for sharing this post. I’m new here. Found you through flickr links, and am so glad that I have. Your words come to me a good time, when I’ve been thinking about the excess with which I live and the waste. So glad to have found my way here this evening. – Molly
15
2008
HA! I love your thoughts on Target. I’ve been known to be a Target zombie too. What I love about not buying new is I feel like it really helps me rely on God. Instead of running out to where I know I can find something NEW, I ask God to provide it somewhere free or used. I’ve also found He likes to surprise me with beautiful treasures I wouldn’t have thought to ask for as I’m on the hunt at the thrift store.
17
2008
Thanks for introducing me to the Compact! The day after I read your post, I decided to start it. It’s amazing how much you appreciate the things you already own when you realize that you can’t buy anymore new things. You’re really able to understand the value and the versatility of every object. Thanks again!
18
2008
Hi Sara – I wanted to let you know that I appreciate your site and commitment to living simply. It’s an inspiration to me and a constant challenge to reevaluate my relationship to stuff (having, getting, etc.). Thanks.
21
2008
I appreciate your post, a lot!
29
2008
Hi! Your friend Jacqulyn Miller sent me over here
I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs and looking at your gorgeous photography. You are soooo talented! How amazingly brave and awesome that you sold everything and are living on the road. I’m sure you are learning incredible things about God’s provision 
Love, love, love your blogs!
30
2008
We began simplifying about a year ago and now that we have cured my Fibromyalgia, we are about to take the big plunge and auction all of our belongings and buy a school bus.
A reader of our blog sent me here.
Love your site!
5
2008
I have an ongoing struggle with this. In fact, I was just thinking that I need to do The Compact again. Have you watched http://www.storyofstuff.com? I think about it all the time. Thanks for a great blog!
22
2008
[...] would someone feel like this? Is it consumerism? Is is my crazy material world? Is it the marketing teams whose main goal is to make me feel like my current state of being is not good enough? I don’t know. Do you ever feel like purchasing a [...]
6
2008
I just broke into tears reading your blogs. I too have compacted. I’m almost through my first month, and I’m trying to convince my husband and two kids to committ to one year. You will see me frequent your site-So HELLO.
TwoFish4
18
2009
I am just so glad it’s not just me. It’s almost like when we come of age to let go and let God. I have so many nice things that have brought me joy but I need to spread that joy and give it to others. Reading this Blog has made me realize that so I will start tonight fill a box a week and drive to goodwill.
30
2009
Wowza! I’m a little late to replying to your post, but I recently stumbled across your log via a link on someone else’s (forgot who though). Anyways, I don’t think I breathed the entire time reading this post. I to have been downsizing & literally giving away “good stuff” in my attempt to pare down both the mental & physical clutter that surrounds me. I’m far from not buying retail…but I don’t bring in anything new without getting rid of something. I still have to justify the purchase (how many hours did I have to work for this item)…will I need it/loveit/use it often enough, etc.
You are so very right – there is a high that comes with ridding yourself of “stuff” & I make a point now to at least twice a month – go through another room or box or drawer & get rid of something else. So far, I’ve not missed or regretted getting rid of anything – only regret having bought it to begin with!
Can’t wait to read more of your blog – glad I found you! Jane
29
2010
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1
2010
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