July 11, 2019

Circular Inventory

One in, one out? One in, two out? None in for a month? What is your home inventory method?

Many Twin Citians practice the discipline of home inventory management, whether it’s because they are downsizing to urban living, simplifying their busy, cluttered lives, or perhaps reversing the trend for overconsumption for ecological reasons. The Netflix sensation Marie Kondo inspired a whole new wave of people donating once-loved items that no longer sparked joy. The new trend is called circulatory inventory, and it allows people the freedom to live unencumbered lives without having to do without. Shoppers no longer shop with the intent to keep. Instead, long-term ownership has been traded for short-term rental. Fashion trends now change so quickly, and fashionistas preference for creative individualism inspires shoppers to invest in a few good pieces and fill in the rest on an as-needed, rotating basis.

We see this trend in VRBO vacation rentals, and app-based transportation. Why buy when renting will do? Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.

I recently participated in the notorious pop-up dinner Le Diner en Blanc. Amidst a group of 1,000 spontaneous diners, I hosted a dinner-on-the-go for 18 complete with white china and linens.  I own a set of 12 white plates and given that they were a wedding gift I plan to keep them forever. So for the pop-up dinner for 18 I opted to buy all of the tableware from Arc’s Value Village, thus eliminating the risk of breakage in my collection, and also expanding to accommodate 18 people. If you’re not familiar with this party check it out. I got my white party dress used as well because my lifestyle doesn’t often call for white silk cocktail dresses! The party was a beautiful performance of white and after the party, I simply washed everything and donated it back. No need for storage, no need for Marie Kondo, no need for complications. One and done.

I’ve always loved the mantra “Don’t let your possessions possess you” and now try to exercise a continuous circular inventory of clothing and housewares. I have certain pieces that I adore, and I buy a few good quality pieces meant to keep forever, but beyond that I am open to buying and donating on a short cycle. The one-in one-out system will double to one-in two-out when I turn 50 this year; I hope to accelerate the decluttering process, and sharpen my purchase-assessment skills. Ethical retail includes the shopper too, in addition to the retailer and manufacturer.  What is your circular inventory plan? Share your ideas and success stories on our Facebook page! It’s all about sharing!

#Consciousconsumer #mariekondo #ethicalretail #dinerenblanc