But wait... there's less!

As we downsize i'm finding some things I'd half-forgotten I own. Like this retro Casio handheld computer game. I decided to sell it - especially as it turns out they are a bit of a collector's item. I mentioned this to a computer-game-loving friend of mine. He suggested I hold on to it for "investment value but also because it's cool to have old stuff like this" but also said to put it online if I "really need the space". That last bit got me thinking. It's not really about the space - the game's only the size of a mobile phone. We have sold more than 200 items now, so I guess the space adds up. But the amount of space wasn't a big driving factor. The famous Kon Mari method says to give away things that doesn't bring you joy. I think I would adjust that slightly. This game still brings me a little joy. I play it for a minute or two every couple of years when I stumble across it - often when looking for something else in that dr...

My wife and I have sold more than 200 items online as we've been downsizing. We've made a fair bit of cash, and also learnt a thing or two along the way. I've put some of our tips in a small ebook. In the spirit of downsizing and less-is-more I've kept my cover design fairly simple. Which one do you prefer and why? Let me know in the comments. The ebook it will be a free download to those subscribed to But Wait There's Less . Update: The book is now available .

Now it seems that advertising doesn't even have to make sense. This vending machine at my local shopping centre has the slogan "let life surprise you". I guess it's aimed at people who find their life predictable and would like more spontaneity. But where's the surprise? A person puts money in and selects a drink. That drink comes out and the correct amount of change is returned. Still no surprise. Perhaps the slogan might be valid if your selection had no impact on the random drink dispensed. Or if every third customer got all their money refunded. Or if the vending machine was replaced with a children's lucky-dip. But as it stands it is far from a surprise. It's perhaps the most predictable activity you might do all day. Perhaps if people are looking for spontaneity and excitement they'd do better to spend less time in shopping centres and more time doing things that bring happiness . Also, don't bother paying $3.50 for fizzy drink j...