The over 40 dematerilizer

I talked to a friend last week that's about my age, but married with kids and a house, 4 cars and a exec. level corporate job. We talked about the whole dematerializing thing and I came to the conclusion, this is really a single guy thing. It might apply to women as well, but I don't know, not being one.

It's unrealistic, as a married with children guy, to do it. You can 'sort of' do it (live simply) but society and the demands of spouses and children make it an order of magnitude more difficult.

The social aspects of dematerialization

This is pretty interesting. In a consumer society like America, 'things' define you. Nothing new here. It's been a while since I really experienced the raw reality of it though.

I had a conversation with a couple of women last night, both old friends, both 28. One was a bonafide Boulder Hippie type, the other, what I'd call more traditionally American (i.e. stuff oriented). The BH women completely got the whole dematerialization concept out of the gate. The traditional American was at first, appalled, then intrigued, then judgmental and appalled again.

"You're old Scott, you've already had a chance to have all the stuff". I don't know about old (my Dad, he's 80, HE'S old), but it's true I've had the big houses, expensive cars, etc. etc.

What I learned from it is: having alot of stuff doesn't mean shit. I mean, really, it just doesn't mean anything.

Granted, I learned that it doesn't mean anything by doing it: i.e. owning (and being owned by) alot of stuff. I also suspect that if you've never done it, you just cannot know this through apriori observation (at least, the average person can't), so I get the reaction she had. No Way! Tell me more... No Way!

I would too if I were 28, owned nothing and saw alot of really nice sportscars driven by people my age or little older (or worse... younger.. where does that put me in the social hierarchy! Oh my god I'm behind!!!) in the parking lot where I worked.

I think it's a monkeysphere thing. That monkey over there who I know has it, I HAVE TO HAVE IT TO! I must. I don't know why, but I must.

This is basic stuff, but interesting to me (and I'm sure only me) because it's first hand real world research result type material.

I think I'll go out now and see how I can get rid of 4000 books sitting in my basement library in a way that's useful to someone somewhere.

First big one

OK.. getting started here. Sold the Scion xB (the extra/second car) this week.

Lots of room in the garage. Now I just need to figure out how to get rid of the garage.

The process begins

Interestingly, this isn't as easy as you might think. It's amazing how often you think "hey.. I might need that" as you sort through the junk.

So, I made a list and just started adding things to it. The criteria was: Do I use it. Here's a short list:

• Big expensive round kitchen table. Used once or twice a year, maybe. Giving it to one of my employees.
• 2nd Car (a Scion xB). Keep it to buy THINGS... man I don't need that. Selling it now.
• Living room set. Big, comfy and rarely used. I need one comfortable reading/listening to music chair. Not a set that seats 7 with stone tables. Not sure how to get rid of this just yet, craigs list again maybe? Freecycle.org?
• Cloths. Man, I have alot of cloths. I'm thinking: If I haven't worn it for 1-18 months, it's salvation army material. I have more shoes than a girl. It's embarrassing when I really look at it.

Also looking at realtors to sell the house. This is likely to be the last to go, but it's in my mind.

Cable TV. THIS is hard. Harder than I thought. I don't watch a ton of TV, but I have favorite shows I record and watch later (and one or two must see's like the daily show). Can I do without them? Of course. Do I really want to? ummm.... SHOULD I do without them... I suspect yes.