August in my mind will always remind me of back to school. Although your school days
are over, I feel like every day is an opportunity to learn something new. This month I'd
like to talk about the ABC's & 1,2,3's of downsizing. These are things you should do before
you downsize your home.
The process of downsizing can be a lot of work. Although it may be liberating it can also
be painful as you go through the process of deciding where to move as well as deciding
which possessions to keep and which ones to part with.
Take photos of your home before you downsize. This will not only allow you to look back at your old home once you move, but it will also help you decide what to take with you. "See what your eyes go to first"- these are the things you need to take.
Keep thing you want, use, need, or like to look at. You will want to identify the things that make your house a home. This includes objects that give you pleasure or have sentimental value. Use the good stuff, you are worth it. Don't save it for a special occasion.
Don't over save for the next generation. Many people like to save their possessions to pass down to their children or grandchildren, but you shouldn't. Millennials and Gen X-ers would rather collect experiences than stuff.
Give with no strings attached. If you give away your extra possessions don't ask where it went.
Create "safe passage" for the possessions you give away. Many seniors giving away items want to make sure that their items will be appreciated by the new owners. It may take a little extra time, but you may want to research the charity you are giving the item to. As a result, it may be a more rewarding process.
Stop acquiring. Since this is a time you are trying to get rid of things, it is not time to acquire new things. It doesn't mean you can't ever get anything new but it means if you bring one new thing into your home you need to get rid of one thing.
Take only the favorites from your collections. For example, if you collect shot glasses only pick a couple of your favorites to take with you. It's ok to also get rid of guilt gifts. Those are the ones that you keep because you feel like you need to.
Don't move anything that doesn't have a designated space in your new home. I have a client who took a number of boxes with her that she wasn't sure where she was going to put them. The reality is she still hasn't unpacked them because she doesn't have space and she paid the movers to move stuff she didn't need.
Start now. Start small. Downsizing is not a sprint it is a marathon. Even if it is a long way down the road for you, now is a great time to start getting rid of those things you do not need. Pick a drawer, set a timer, and get to work.
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