Number Sixteen: Pets Simplified
DONE!! We gave our dog to one of the guys that works with James.
I know that my Honey really liked having a dog (as did Boo) – - and sometimes he would manage to stick to the deal whereby I take of what goes IN the dog and he takes care of what comes OUT of the dog – - it just boiled down to me not wanting the responsibility of pet ownership.
Number Seventeen: Moving Simplified
The author suggests these things to simplify moving: 1) De-Clutter (Exercise Number 1); 2) Pack no more than a week before you are to move; 3) Use this packing order: vases, art, books, linens, clothes, personal items, and finally the kitchen; 4) Make sure the new place move-in-ready; 5) Set up a color-coded system for labels on boxes; 6) If moving across town, move the last things (immediate kitchen items, changes of clothing) in the car with you; 7) Use wardrobe boxes to pack clothing; 
When packing books, start with the top shelf and move left-to-right all the way down. Put books directly in boxes, label the boxes by bookcase and number. It uses more boxes – but, is easier; 9) Purchase used boxes if possible or use a mover that will buy back your used boxes; 10) Board pets and young children for the day; 11) draw a rough sketch of the new p lace and list where you want things to go – - makes organizing easier.
We have moved a LOT – - here are our tips: 1) De-Cluttering is SO valuable – - but, usually it is most effective WHILE you are packing. I like the FlyLady system (www.flylady.net); 2) If you are prone to moving, invest in plastic boxes – - it is far easier to stack – - and it protects your stuff better than cardboard; 3) If you can’t board the kids, have them help out whenever possible (cleaning the boxes, folding/packing clothes, etc.).
We have discussed moving around the country to just “see the sights” – - if we would do that, our moving would be even more simplified.
Number Eighteen: Recycling Simplified
The author points out that by using the methods of Simplifying Your Life (suggestions throughout the book), you will automatically be reducing your waste, which will be a major part of the solution. She doesn’t give much more advice. Our small town has a “traveling” recycling center that stops by weekly. We are able to recycle the following: newspapers, milk jugs, clear glass, brown glass, tin cans, aluminum cans, Number 2 Plastic, cardboard boxes and soda bottles.
I really like the coupon inserts in the Sunday paper; however, I usually forgot to pick up the paper – - and if I DID remember, it was an almost total waste of money, as I almost never used the rest of the paper. I talked to my neighbor who gets the paper everyday, then throwing it away – - and decided that I would kill three birds with one stone: I asked him to save the papers for us, which my girl picks up weekly (usually on Tuesday’s). I go through the papers, take out the coupon inserts and set aside a paper or two, if we need it for art. Whatever is left, we take to the recycling truck on Wednesday.
I burn all of our paper products – - and use the ash in our compost pile.
Our trash is picked up on Monday’s – - and usually we only have one kitchen sized bag per week. That’s good, right?
That ends the “Household” Section. Next up: “Your Life-Style”
