I’m slowly getting to grips with the paper in our house, although I often wish that someone would come in, wave a magic wand and finish it for me. We get very little new paper entering the house as just about every bill is paper free and somehow over time I’ve practically eliminated junk mail, but still, the paperwork we do have is enough to keep me busy until possibly the middle of next year! I’ll keep going, but be warned, if you’re thinking of going paper free it’s not an easy job 
I’ve also been having another purge. My eldest daughter and her boyfriend are moving into a new flat this weekend and so I’ve passed on a few bits and pieces that I no longer need. It’s their first home together and it’s nice to be able to help them out with a few pieces…….I’ve also boxed up a few things (mainly kitchen items) for my son, as he’s off to University next month.
It’s taken me a while to realise it, but the editing of our possessions is, and will be for some time, ongoing as our family life changes. At one time I think I expected it to be an instant thing. So wrong.
My son moving away will also bring about a few budget changes next month. Obviously his board will stop, but I’m expecting the grocery and energy bills to go down to counteract that. How much though, I’m not sure.
It’ll be very interesting to see what effect it does have, especially on the gas and electricity bill. Like a lot of people we’ve had a lovely letter from our energy company explaining the price rises and so now, more than ever, I’ll be looking to keep our usage down this winter…..we already pay £99 a month (which I think is really high) and I don’t want it to go into three figures.
Ok I’m off to paint the bathroom skirting board…this weeks house project!
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi how lovely moving in together for the first time. I remember the feeling it was elation, oh to be young again!. I guess your house will feel a lot more quiet. It will be great for concentration on getting utilities down. Mine combined is £100.00 for both!. I do try. I know what you mean about decluttering I must admit I love having less and am always concentrating on hving even less. It makes me feel free!. See you on the other site later xx
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movetoportugal Reply:
August 17th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
We pay about the same amount for combined. I’m dreading it going over a £100!
We’re going to see their new place in a couple of weeks and I can’t wait to see it.
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You’ll have more room, and peace & quiet! Just think! If you miss the hustle & bustle of having kids everywhere, just stop by my house!
lol!
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movetoportugal Reply:
August 17th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
I’ll be sure to remember that Carla. Although one day I do plan to visit you!
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Paper. The bane of my existence as a teacher. And when Michael moved in he brought with him boxes and boxes of papers dating back to God knows when. He’d like to buy yet another filing cabinet. I say NO. There, glad I got that out of my system
I’m looking forward to downloading some furnishings/dishes/etc to my daughter when she moves out but it doesn’t look like it’ll be anytime soon. So the twice/thrice yearly yardsales will continue!
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movetoportugal Reply:
August 17th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@Jane Gosh yes, as a teacher you must be inundated with it! I’m refusing to ever buy another box file/folder anything that stores paper ever again
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Paperwork is never ending – and there are only two of us. I call it Admin and I can fill whole days getting on top of it. Part of the problem is that we move around a lot – every six or twelve months at the moment and you wouldn’t believe how the utilities mess up EVERY time. Sometimes it has taken me the whole six months tenancy contract to get the bills correct. Then we move. I’d love to live off grid
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movetoportugal Reply:
August 17th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@Anna I often think that off grid living must be easier in so many ways. What a nightmare for you with the utilities!
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I do a purging slowly too. We gave a chair to my sister to match a couch she bought just so she wouldn’t go out and spend hundreds on a new chair.
You have a lot of family changes going on it seems. Good luck to everyone! And to you. Hopefully with one less person at home the utilities will decrease. (I know I’m constantly turning off lights and unplugging things after my kids and Hubby!.
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