CONSTANCE RIVERA | Grievances | CONTACT
A sharehouse in Betoota Heights has accidentally embraced minimalism after the sudden departure of the housemate who owns most of the furniture.
Once a cozy home brimming with second-hand white goods, mismatched couches, and an assortment of IKEA storage solutions, the house now resembles an almost zen-like space—four walls, a couple of mattresses, and a lone camping chair that’s barely holding on.
“We always joke about going minimalist,” said remaining housemate Emma Thorne, as she perched on the last piece of seating. “But we didn’t think it would happen overnight.”
This embrace of minimalism happened when Jason Lee, the only housemate with a steady income, decided to move in with his girlfriend across town. As he packed up, it quickly became clear that nearly everything in the house was his. From the fridge and TV to the kettle, some plants, and even the washing basket. Jason’s departure left the housemates with little more than their own clothes and a newfound appreciation for how spacious a house can be when it’s completely empty.
“It’s kind of nice,” said another housemate, Tim Clarke, as he sat on the floor eating instant noodles from a saucepan. “We’re learning to live with less and detach ourselves from worldly possessions”
“Although I do miss having somewhere to sit.” Tim chuckled.
“We’ll eventually get around to furnishing it, we’ve got our eye on a couch from Facebook Marketplace” Emma added. “It’s only slightly stained, but it’s a start.”
