Top 5 articles of 2019

As we wrap up 2019, here are the most-read posts here on But Wait There's Less.

5. Books. Do we need them anymore?

Why do we keep books? To read them again? How many do we ever read a second time? I worked it out.For me not many.

This lead to a second post on my technique for streamlining my book collection.

4. Living in a converted barn.

This was something my wife and I tried on a trip away this year. Check out the pictures. I still reckon it could be possible long-term. We really don't need as much space as we have.

3. What's your retirement age?

It's not 67. At least it doesn't have to be. If we spend less, compulsory work can become optional at a very early age. It could even be in your 30s.

2. The automatic guest room

On the same trip as number 4, we stayed with a friend who (with some clever furniture) converts her living room into another bedroom. It's a clever way to be able to have guests, but without paying a heap of money for a bigger place.

1. Don't dump on charities

This time last year, Marie Kondo's documentary hit Netflix - and decluttering became trendy. Combined with post-Christmas cleanup, new year's resolutions and (in Australia) summer holidays) donations to charity surged.

Trouble is that it already costs charities 8-figure sums each year to dispose of the "donations" left outside their store.

In my post I put forward a better solution

Want more?

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Happy New Year

Hope your 2020 is a year of less. Less stuff, less clutter, less expenses, less debt, less pressure and less stress. :)