There are all sorts of amusing memes about creative folks amassing supplies. I certainly related to those memes. I donāt know how many times I had looked over my stash, smiled, and thought, āWhere did all of this stuff come fromā?
Then, I downsized. I moved from a sprawling five-bedroom home with an attic and a basement to a compact three-bedroom home with no attic or basement. Soon after moving, I stopped asking myself, āWhere did all of this stuff come fromā? Instead, I began asking myself, āWhy do I have all this stuffā? Why was I letting boxes and boxes of supplies, tools, and even machinery that I didnāt use take up valuable space?
I imagine the answer to that question will be familiar to many creatives. I was afraid to let any of my creative caches go because āI might need it someday.ā Now, on the surface, this statement might sound wise, even frugal. But, at its heart, it is poverty thinking. It is based on fear — fear of not being able to get what I need when I need it. It is a statement that comes from a belief in scarcity, not a belief in abundance. Well, a few years ago, I made a commitment to focus on the abundance in my life, and to express gratitude for that abundance every day. So, I knew it was time to make a change.
I started by opening boxes and examining what was in them. I discovered that I had lovingly packed away boxes of student grade art supplies, fabric, pyrography tools, easels, etc. I had taken excellent care of these things when they were in use, and I had made sure nothing would be ruined in storage. I had stored away these things with the intention that they would be used again. I knew all those supplies, and toolsĀ shouldĀ be used again, just not by me! It was time to let it all go.
I had recently joined a local āBuy Nothingā Facebook group. In a āBuy Nothingā Facebook group, folks can post unneeded items they want to āgiftā to those who might need them. They can also post requests for something they would like to receive or borrow. Trading, bartering, buying and selling is not allowed. Members can only join one āBuy Nothingā group, which is the group that is most local to you. Sometimes, the group will encompass an entire city or town. But, often, the groups are confined to one neighborhood. One of the main goals is to increase local connections and encourage a sense of community.
The idea of gifting my unneeded art supplies to creative folks in my community appealed to me. I created several gifting posts. āBuy Nothingā discourages āfirst come, first serve.ā I left the posts up for a few days to be sure everyone had a chance to see them. Then I used a random name generator to choose who would receive my gifts.
The items I gifted were expensive or prone to weather damage, so I didnāt want to leave them on my porch. I asked that the new owners come to my door.
I had the pleasure of greeting a new kindergarten teacher who was excited to use one of my old die-cutting machines in her classroom. A few days later, a thirteen-year-old boy arrived to pick up an easel I no longer needed. He was painfully shy, but at his motherās prompting, he thanked me and assured me heād use it every day. For a full week, I had the pleasure of little visits like this. It was a bit magical.
I will be honest; my fear around giving up unused art supplies didnāt wholly disappear. But, participating in the āBuy Nothingā group kept me focused on the positive experience of giving.
15 thoughts on “Buy Nothing”
What a Wonderful Idea! I had no idea that groups like this existed, and before I even finished reading your article, I found and JOINED my local group. (I have to wait for acceptance) I am a widow with FAR TO MUCH STUFF! Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!
Debbie, that’s wonderful! I found it to be a very fulfilling experience!
Cynthia,
Thank you!!! I love the idea of “Buy Nothing”. I’m off to search for a local group
Sally
Sally, I hope you find a local group! I think you’ll enjoy the experience.
I have started to see the emergence of little library boxes around the neighbourhood where people can come and take a book and leave a book and wonder if a craft swap box might be another way of doing a ‘buy nothing’ but get to swap something you don’t need for something you might like. Hmmmm, I’ll have to think that over!!!
Emma, The craft box idea is intriguing. I think there are some “destash” groups on Facebook that might allow a swap. Years ago, I was a member of a forum where we exchanged exercise videos. It was very successful, but very well moderated, with clear rules. We also wrote reviews of the exercise videos. It was actually a very nice online community, we even organized in person meetings!
Thank you! I just joined my local group and am excited to start giving stuff away!
Diane, it’s funny to be “excited to start giving stuff away” isn’t it? But, I completely understand.
Cynthia I know exactly what you mean. I look at my 4 bedroom, basement, studio, garage and 2 shed house and wonder “where did all this come from?” š
Margaret, it amazes me! Along with “Where did all this come from”? I’ve been asking “How did it build up without me noticing”? I swear, someone broke into my shed and put all kinds of things in there when I wasn’t looking!
Oh I so love the idea of āBuy Nothingā. Iām am going to check it out where I live. I never heard about it before. I truly love your story Cynthia, you are such an inspiration for me!
Donna, I am glad you enjoyed my story. And, I am happy folks are discovering “Buy Nothing” through it. It’s a great program!
I just joined a local “Buy Nothing” group. Thanks for the thoughts and the tip!
I too did not know that these groups existed. Will check it out when I have time. Heaven knows I am sure I can contribute something since the same thing has happened to us in the past of moving from a 4500 sq. foot house down to 2100. But it really has not stopped me from amassing a ton of supplies. Most are waiting for the day I retire to fill my hours with projects. But there are certainly left overs like yarn when I took knitting classes 30 years ago that should go, especially in light of the fact that I was never very good at it. LOL
Leslie, it’s a very freeing experience. But, if you noticed, I didn’t give away any polymer clay supplies! Lol
Comments are closed.