Thursday, November 7, 2013

Zones and the joy of less..

I have been reading the joy of less by Francine Jay, a book about decluttering and minimalizing.

At first I found it preachy; but it has some good advice. I like its idea of thinking of the home in terms of zones, depending on use, and keeping the paraphernalia of that zone in that zone.

So I should determine my zones.

Book zone - Currently there are bookcases all over the living room and bedroom.  I plan to amalgamate, and to get more of them in the bedroom, fewer in the living room.

Desk zone - South end of the living room.

Bird zone - The cage is on a desk to the east side of the living room, between bookcases.

Entertainment zone - television and DVD payers, Acer Aspire, IKEA DVD shelves - all need to be pared down and consolidated.  North and east parts of the living room.  And this is related to my Entertaining zone, the sofa and chairs where I and my friends watch DVDs.

Clothing zone - Wardrobe and chest of drawers in my bedroom; closet in the hallway; bin in the locker in the basement.

Supplies zone - Cleaning supplies are in the hall closet and bathroom cabinet under the sink - and under the sink in the kitchen, too.  The system works, but needs refinement.

Sleep zone - Bed and bedside table (which is actually a set of full comic book boxes with a board over them).

Cooking zone - Kitchen, though this probably has five distinct parts:
  • Storage zone -  paper towels, tea towels
  • Cooking zone - pots and pans, implements like wooden spoons and knives
  • Eating zone - canned foods, dried foods, flour, sugar
  • Fridge zone - food inside the fridge and freezer
  • Tableware zone - cups and glasses, plates and bowls
Am I missing zones?  yes:

Exercise zone - Treadmill in the south-west corner of the living room, with the yoga mat and balance cushion. I was thinking of getting rid of the balance cushion, because I've never used it: but it might still be a good idea, if I push myself. My balance really does need work.

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