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Post by howardsgirlfriend on May 31, 2010 0:43:52 GMT -5
Wow! How wonderful for you! What a hero! Does he have any brothers?
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Post by sidestep on May 31, 2010 7:58:35 GMT -5
What a phenomenal fiance you have Royal! I am so glad he was able to offer you so much non-judgmental help, love & brawn to get you thru this. *Step stands in line behind Howardsgirlfriend, awaiting word of Mr. Wonderful's brothers.*
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Post by theroyaldump on May 31, 2010 18:36:32 GMT -5
*****INSIGHTS*****
My fiance had some constructive things to say. He said I have too much stuff in my very small space that makes general cleaning difficult. He also stated that while the stuff he is talking about (furniture and decorative items) is useful and of value, it is not worth having if it makes my home look cluttered. He is NOT a minimalist but says that less furniture would give me an airy open look and giving an illusion to more space. He thinks that all the furniture, which btw would look normal in a regular sized living room, makes ME feel cluttered and may "encourage" me to hoard. I live in a studio apartment, having moved from a 7 room home .... I had LOTS of stuff and could not bring it all with me. I agreed with him and asked what could I do. He suggested I get rid of the rocker recliner as it is HUGE and really not needed or even being used. He also asked if the couch REALLY needed an end table at both ends? One of them is not even holding a lamp. He also suggested getting rid of a couple other items. Before I could protest he asked me when was the last time I used these items for the purpose they were invented for. Obviously I went 3 years without even SEEING them because they were covered with junk and trash.
Now that I have gone back to work 30 hours a week I have to leave my dog home alone and I crate him for his safety (protection from the hoarding). It makes me feel guilty that he is caged for up to 8 hours a day and I fear he will become bored and depressed. So my fiance suggested that I super clean the kitchen floor and move the crate in there leaving the crate door open all of the time and putting up a baby gate in the kitchen doorway to keep him out of the other areas. If he gets frightened of a storm or somethng else, he can retreat to the security of his crate but can also get out and stretch and walk around the kitchen and perhaps have a kong to play with.
Along one short wall I have a small TV stand with TV atop, right upside of that is my little computer desk and abutting that is a flie cabinet. He suggested to get rid of it all and find a single unit like a big entertainment center that will replace all of it.
He also said my couch has to go as it is a sofa sleeper that is broken so that you can't ever fold up the bed. It takes up the entire living room all the time so he said to buy a new one.
So any thoughts on this or anything else like "decorating" in really small spaces. (My whole place is only 550 square feet.
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Post by Peach on May 31, 2010 19:25:03 GMT -5
Your fiance has some very sound advice. Brains and brawn I envy you your 550 sq foot studio apartment. It's only recently that I've come to believe that smaller is better. We went from a small condo to a small house but it was double the size of the condo. The house very quickly filled up with more furniture and more stuff. The reason we moved was because we needed more room for our things. It only encouraged husband to bring home more orphaned furniture and to fill up the garage and attic (spaces that we didn't have before). Some of us need physical limits and defined borders in order to stay in control. That forces us to change our thinking about how to use the space available. You are lucky to have a partner who has that skill/insight and is happy to share.
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hopehope
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,815
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Post by hopehope on May 31, 2010 23:47:35 GMT -5
great news, all around.
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Post by Meme on Jun 1, 2010 0:35:56 GMT -5
that is a great idea for your dog-- we did this with Dogman and he was so happy-- he owned a room-- and as soon as he knew that we were going out, he would settle himself down-- he had his own special blanket for when we were out and never had a doggie accident-- he loved his cage open door policy - hugs from Meme who may just have to borrow your boy who is a friend :-)
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Jun 1, 2010 1:47:37 GMT -5
What a phenomenal fiance you have Royal! I am so glad he was able to offer you so much non-judgmental help, love & brawn to get you thru this. *Step stands in line behind Howardsgirlfriend, awaiting word of Mr. Wonderful's brothers.* --I don't need his brother (if he has one), but you might have to "take a number." That kind of acceptance is hard to find! Hey...have you ever been to an IKEA store? They have whole model apartments that are smaller than yours. Their stuff is great for making the most out of your space.
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Post by Chris on Jun 1, 2010 19:25:13 GMT -5
I'm so glad things are working out and you are getting all the stuff bagged and gone!!!! As for the guy he sure sounds like a keeper to me.
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hopehope
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,815
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Post by hopehope on Jun 1, 2010 23:01:48 GMT -5
ps got to read back more of this. his suggestions sound good. had my own fabulous guy who told me I had to get the small rolltop desk out -- and then dragged it out himself. God bless him.
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Post by mouseanne on Jun 2, 2010 7:38:34 GMT -5
I had moved out from my family, then they moved to a new state. They moved me with them, then in the new house they gave me the largest bedroom. I put in a twin bed. I bought 2 of those corded spreads typically used on kids/boys beds. I bought 2 king pillows, and made pillow cases for the 2 kings, and a standard pillow out of one of the bedspreads. I put the side of the twin against the wall, and put the king pillows along the wall. That was my day look. And seating for friends.
That would be a quick/easy/cheap replacement for your couch. Why invest in a couch, as you are engaged, and will at some point be moving in together...
Kuddos !!! to you & fiance... fantasitic job!
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Post by theroyaldump on Jun 4, 2010 20:05:40 GMT -5
Well the air conditioning is in! I is a cool 66 degrees in here . I am almost delirious after 2 years without! Decluttering and cleaning sould be a bit easier now! HOOOOORAY FOR ME!!!!
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Post by blessedapt on Jun 4, 2010 22:36:42 GMT -5
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Post by skatters on Jun 4, 2010 23:09:27 GMT -5
WOohhooo!
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Post by StuffNoMore on Jun 5, 2010 5:52:21 GMT -5
Things are moving along nicely there! You have a love that has brains....and brawn. All his ideas are wonderful!!! I wish you both joy and happiness to share in your new living space. Hugs SNM
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Post by bigtimetroubles on Jun 5, 2010 13:32:01 GMT -5
yeay Dumper...I know THAT feels good....hugs btt
PS someone out there had a dog question on byways you might want to chime in on about doggie hoarding stuff....
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