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On the “small” front, I’ve decided that, as part of my resolution to Spend Out, I’m going to end my just-in-time policy for re-stocking toilet paper. Usually I buy just enough to keep us going. I finally realized, however, that a low supply of toilet paper is very dreary. We never actually run out, but we don’t keep many spares around the apartment. And I hate having to launch a search to track down that loose roll. Light just dawned: why live on the brink? Why not just buy a GIGANTIC package of toilet paper, and have a plentiful supply? It’s not as if we’re going to use any more or less toilet paper, depending on how many rolls we keep under the sink. I mentioned this problem to my husband. “We’re like Wal-Mart!” he said. “We keep all our capital working for us instead of sitting on a lot of inventory.” “Well,” I told him, “I think it’s time to invest in some redundant supply.” Moderation is pleasant to the wise, but toilet paper is an area where it’s satisfying to have lots more than we need. Spend out. Little annoyances add up to a big drag on happiness, to no purpose; why put up with it? Have you managed to eliminate any small annoyances in your life? I’d love to hear other examples. The days are long, but the years are short.
Posted by: Max | September 02, 2008 at 07:09 AM Paper towels, dish soap, detergent, fabric softner, and toilet paper. I buy TP and toothpaste in large quanities...in my mind, you can never have to much and you don't want to be without it! I eliminated the daily annoyance of traffic, on the whole. I got into work 20 minutes earlier and get there 10 minutes quicker than usual because fewer people are out. I also get to enjoy a cup of coffee at work in total quiet before the "real day" starts. It's divine! Why stop at toilet paper? Recently we started a challenge to only go to the supermarket once a month. Supermarket shopping is boring and frustrating. I still go to the farmers market every weekend for fruit and veggies, and I love it. But I won't have to step into a supermarket again until October. Yes, I'm right there with you. My life is simpler when I have a big stock of TP. My life is not simpler when I keep big stocks of free shampoo from recent vacations or boxes from appliances that I bought years ago. Time to edit the clutter...again!! We have a system in our house. For every household item we use, we have a backup of that item in storage in the basement. If you use up the last of the item, or notice that it is getting low, you go downstairs (or to the hallway closet) to get a replacement for that item. If you see that you have taken the last backup of that item, or the supply is getting very low, then it is your responsibility to write it on the shopping list. This applies to EVERYTHING we buy and use. Toothpaste, cat litter, light bulbs, stamps, bandages, etc. It works great. We never run out of anything at an inconvenient time (like needing Pepto Bismol in the middle of the night when you are sick). You know there will be a bottle in the hallway cabinet, or a backup in the basement storage. It has really changed our lives to stick to this plan. I've gotten my husband on daughter pretty easily, once they realized all they had to do was add it to the list, and I would be the one responsible for making sure the items were purchased before we ran out. Camilla |
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