we have begun a new series here at becoming minimalist that we call “quick tips.” three sentences or less to a less-cluttered home.
quick tip #1 – remove vhs tapes from your home. don’t just store them, remove them. if you really watch them that often, buy the dvd (it’s better quality picture anyway).
quick tip #2 – get rid of your vcr too (it’s just taking up space now that you don’t have any vhs tapes).
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmmm… I have removed my old beta tapes. However, I still use my 2 VCR’s (they work, why upgrade?) so I’m keeping all those old tapes. Also, the local library still has VHS tapes on their shelves, so sometimes the best way to get movies I haven’t seen is with the VHS tapes (the DVD wait list can get pretty long!).
I do, however, reuse the VHS tapes until they totally degrade and I have to toss them. I no longer save things on the tapes, I just tape shows I don’t have time to watch right now. And yes, I do watch them!
Or use Zume on the Xbox. No hard copies at all. All the picture quality. You probably save money too!!
Does anyone including charities actually still take VHS anymore? I know even thrift stores are starting to shun them en masse too. I see the Library mentioned above but I figure most were onto DVDs at the very least now if not downloads. Those that do still take VHS might like to have the VCR too, something to preview/rewind videos on.
I’m downsizing/minimizing, but also trying to keep as much as possible out of landfills, recycling as my last resort (Keep-Sell-Donate-Recycle). With downsizing being a popular cultural trend right now it’s surprisingly difficult to find even charities not bombarded with our excess Stuff and Clutter and who simply don’t need it, don’t want it. If I don’t need/want, I at least want my usable stuff to go do someone who does want/need it, another “forever” home if you will.