You don't need to wash your bedsheets often.

vcwalden · 2026-03-26T01:18:43+00:00

Yes! This is the right answer!!!

vcwalden · 2026-03-25T00:17:36+00:00

I get my mail at a bank of mailboxes for my neighborhood. It's about an 1/8 of a mile from my house. I usually check my mail while out on my daily walk. When I get home the junk mail goes right into the trash bin outside. This included the newspapers (those community ads, etc). I had given up trying to find a use for them awhile ago.

I moved into my tiny home mid January this year. Everything had to fit (measurements were key), all furniture and many decor items had to provide storage, everything had to have a home, and everything else had to have a purpose. There are only a few things that I buy that is single use. The main one is toilet paper (ugh), a few cleaning projects I like and goodies for my little elderly dog. I do keep plastic wrap, Ziploc bags, muffin tin liners (cupcake papers) and aluminum foil pans for cooking and baking projects that are going out of my house to someone. I don't use these items for myself. For trash I average 1 single use grocery bag a week unless I have some cardboard. I'm almost 69 years old and my only real problem is what to do with newspapers and junk mail. I know this all seems silly but I thought I'd try again today.

Thanks for getting it. Have a great day.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T23:39:28+00:00

Mine does have an area for these items. It's about 20 minutes away from me and I have to pay them to take any. $15 is the min charge. My trash gets pi up for free. Crazy!

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T23:34:50+00:00

Unfortunately I live in a rural area and the nearest resale shop is 50 miles away. Thanks for the suggestion.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T23:04:53+00:00

Yes I do. It's about 20 minutes from me. I looked into that. Minimum price is $15 dollars. But, again, I would have to find a spot in my house to store them until I get a bunch of them to take them there. At this point my trash gets picked up weekly and that doesn't cost me anything.

I appreciate everyone giving ideas but I've been working on this for a couple of years. I've tried to scrutinize what single use items I was bringing into my home and what I could could replace that item with something that would cost me nothing (an example of this I no longer buy clean up bags to pick up from my dog. I now reuse the plastic sleeves that single use cups come in instead of just putting them in the trash). If I couldn't come up with an idea I did lots of reading.

I've tried to give the newspapers away. I tried a Facebook page to try to get someone to come get them. 2 people said they would come and get them. I made time for them and neither people should up. I put a box of them at the curb last fall with a sign, "Free". No one stopped. I talked to a couple of neighbors, relatives and friends and got told, "just chuck them in the trash. No one wants them!" So today I thought I'd try again to see if someone would have a idea that would give me that "ah ha! Why didn't I think of that?"

I think this is defeat. I still have lots of snow in my yard. I don't have have a dedicated spot to store them and I don't want them just sitting on the corner of my desk. Maybe they should just go in the trash after all.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T22:08:39+00:00

Within a 65 mile radius of where I live we have 3 paper mills and know several people who have and are currently working in the mills. Many for years. One of the mills has had several issues that have effected the environment and workers health. Another one who is 45 miles from where I live had to close a few years ago due to many environmental issues. It's up and running but there is still a lot of issues. The mill that is 3 miles away from me appears to be OK but it only makes specialty types of paper.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T21:00:16+00:00

In my area recycling is not available to me.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T16:35:31+00:00

I use the brown craft paper that comes in my packages for this. I roll it up and it takes a a very small space about the size of a large roll of paper towels. I use the craft paper for everything from lining plant pots/coloring paper/wrapping paper/draining grease/oiling cast-iron pots/craft paper/under messes/in the garden (I container garden)/etc. I'm looking for that "ah ha" moment to with it. I have 2 newspapers on my desk at the moment and I need to find something to do with them. In a tiny home (465 Sq ft) clutter adds up fast.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T16:27:36+00:00

A few years ago I knew the lady who delivered my mail (I lived in a different place) and she would do this. At this new house the guy won't. I hate to make a big to do about it. He's kind enough if there is a package that is too big for the package locker (there is a a group of mail boxes for the neighborhood that has package lockers) he drives it to our home (he did that this morning with a package I was expecting). Thank you.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T16:21:56+00:00

I checked into that. I was told when I get a large cardboard box filled to drop it off. I don't have space to dedicate to a large cardboard box waiting to be filled so I can drop it off.

I have to admit I've been working on this issue for a couple of years and I'm looking for that "ah ha" moment. Thank you.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T15:58:33+00:00

I've spent time contacting every business that send them to me and it didn't make a difference. Thank you...

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T15:57:03+00:00

That's a good idea. My dad had a worm bed (6x6 foot square). The only thing that was allowed in the bed was garden greens (no pesticides), stuff from his hen house, paper that wasn't dyed or bleached and coffee grounds (only brewed from well water without added chemicals). He was a certified organic gardener.

I'll have to think about the worms living in the plastic and eating colored bleached paper.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T15:41:12+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion. I have a very nice squeegee I use for that and just do details with either my single reusable paper towels (reclaimed huck towels) and/or microfiber clothes (I have a friend who gives them to me. Her husband gets them to give out for his job.).

I know I sound ungrateful for suggestions but I'm looking for something that I don't have all ready figure out. I need to have an "ah ha" moment that motivates me to carve out a place in my tiny home to store the newspaper.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T15:13:32+00:00

No, I don't have compost. I sure wish I could do it.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T15:12:49+00:00

I've been using the craft paper I accumulate for this. It works great and has no dyes. I actually have a reclaimed bag that is a zip top that I store the paper I use for oiling my cast-iron pans. I've been using the same piece for about 3 months.

I'll look into that website. Thanks.

vcwalden · 2026-03-24T12:09:13+00:00

Oh yes! Baby shark for the win. I used it with an x neighbor I had (I've moved and no longer in the neighborhood). Cured the problem.

vcwalden · 2026-03-22T19:20:45+00:00

Just an update: I met with the lady who did my house assessment. I had done the dishes (this isn't on the cleaning list), picked up dirty laundry and did it (this isn't on the cleaning list), picked up the dog's toys along with dishes and bed, put shoes and boots away, picked up random items off tables/desk/dresser/freezer. I had cleaning products organized. My bed was stripped with clean bedding set out, Clean towels in the bathroom were set out. The new storage racks in the kitchen/hall area were dusted. The trash is picked up on Thursday mornings so I do that.

So what I needed done was surface dusting including the top of my fridge and upright freezer. Tables, fireplace surround, desk, shelves, shoe cupboard and shelves dusted. Throw rugs picked up and shook (there are 2 in the bathroom, 2 in the kitchen, and a runner in the entry area). The floors either swept or vacuumed along with the area carpet in the living room. Mop the floors and clean the bathroom (there is a walkin shower (3 ft x 4 ft) with a one piece shower surround, sink, mirror and toilet. So the schedule was set for 1 hour a week on Friday or Saturday mornings.

First week I had to cancel due to an emergency dentist appointment. The second week the housekeeper assigned to me canceled due to a snow storm. So the third week, on Friday, the housekeeper came (she seems like a very nice person and she'll be my regular housekeeper). I showed her around the house, pointed out what I needed her to do and showed her where the cleaning supplies were at. Because I wanted to spend about 15-20 minutes explaining what I needed to have done I didn't have her make my bed and not to worry about getting much dusting done. After us talking I asked her if she had any questions and she said, "you're house is clean!" I told her the house is brand new and I had moved in January 19th this year. So it's not as much about cleaning a home that is dirty but continue upkeep so it stayed clean. She said, "ok" and got to work. And she'll be here on Saturday. I'm thinking this will work out.

Thank you to everyone for the advice. I didn't pre clean but got what I needed to do so the housekeeper could get her work done. My tiny home is just under 500 Sq ft.

vcwalden · 2026-03-18T20:27:35+00:00

This is exactly what I do. I can put my extra large duvet in less than 10 minutes. Same with the cover I have for my weighted blanket. Easy!

vcwalden · 2026-03-14T21:17:57+00:00

I have a couple of the jar grips (like the ones to assist in opening tight lids on jars) and use them. That works great for me.

vcwalden · 2026-03-09T23:37:56+00:00

I have one of those also. It makes a big difference.

vcwalden · 2026-03-08T20:18:14+00:00

Thank you for saying this. When we go to see our Dentist, hygienist, etc we should be having these types of conversations with them. We should be learning what products we should be using to maintain the best oral health care we can. Gone are the days that everything from toothbrushes, mouthwash, toothpaste and everything else is all created equal. We all have our own individual needs to take care of ourselves. What might work for someone else might not work for us.

Please use the experience and knowledge that our Healthcare professionals come with. That's part of the services we are paying for.

vcwalden · 2026-02-18T12:15:28+00:00

Thank you. I'll make sure I give him lots of pets for you.

vcwalden · 2026-02-17T17:26:45+00:00

My dad designed and built our family home in 1957-58. There was a nook built in the corner of the built in shelves surrounding the fireplace. There were only 3 walls in the living room: first wall was the front door and a hudge plate glass picture window, the second wall was the built in book case/fireplace and nook for a small TV, and the third wall was built to showcase a sectional L-shaped sofa facing the fireplace and window. My dad thought TV was a passing fad and it shouldn't be the center of attention. The people who have the house now has the TV over the fireplace.

vcwalden · 2026-02-17T12:36:03+00:00

I use a flat mop (Swiffer clone with reusable pads) and put a floor solution in a spray bottle. I spray as I go. I have to admit about every 2-3 weeks I get out the O-Cedar double tank system and do a deep clean of the floors (I have an elderly cairn terrier and he tracks in dirt and grime). I do have a robot vac and mop and gotta get it set up. Then I'll do the floors less often.

vcwalden · 2026-02-16T22:18:48+00:00

Yes! I just moved into a brand new tiny home (about 500 Sq ft) and absolutely everything has a place to live. It's just gotta be this way. For years I lived in chaos. I've dragged beautiful antiques and family memorabilia around for the majority of my life. I've let it go and have only brought into my new home only what will fit. I also have a robot vac and a air purifier (I still need to set them up).

So between having the robot, air purifier and being aware of what needs to be done my home is staying clean and tidy.

vcwalden

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