Downsizing {or “right-sizing”} isn’t just for seniors, but it is more common for seniors to reach a point at which they are ready to downsize. Downsizing can be a choice imposed upon you for many reasons – unemployment, divorce, financial difficulty, aging, loss of independence, etc. Some people choose to downsize in order to live a simpler life – or achieve some of their other goals. Maybe your children are grown and you have too much house now. Maybe you are retiring and would rather travel than maintain your home.

Whatever the reason, the fact remains that the smaller the space the less stuff that will fit into it.

And most of us have way too much stuff. You may be hanging on to the kids things they never came back for, or you have an attic full of mom and dad inherited heirlooms. Does any of this sound familiar? Let me point out some lessons we have learned over years of helping assisting clients with downsizing.

 Downsizing Lessons:

• The decision to downsize is not always easy and sometimes the process that goes with it isn’t either.
• It’s ok to reach out for help, it will make the process easier on you.
• You may find it difficult to let go of items that may define who you are or a part of your history.
• When you are saving items for your kids or grandchildren, we have discovered the younger generation does not collect the items that they did years ago. Most young adults have no desire to have grandma’s china, nick knacks or tea set. Unless it can be repurposed the HGTV way, they are not interested. Ask them in advance what they are interested in receiving from you.
• Less is more. Two items that bring fond memories that you can enjoy are better than two large boxes or rooms full that cause stress.
• Many antiques and old glassware have gone down in value and the time you spend trying to find the perfect buyer for a certain treasure is much more valuable than the money you will get for it.
• Scanning old photos and dispersing them to relatives can free up lots of space. Digitizing them is more attractive to the younger family members.

One thing is sure – at the end of your downsizing journey, your life will be less stressful and you will have more time to go enjoy it.

What can organizers do for me that my friends & family cannot?

First of all, not everyone has friends or family with the time and energy to help tackle your downsizing project. Second, our team of organizers are experts in organizing. We are neutral third-parties who are not emotionally invested in grandma’s teddy bear or Aunt Susie’s china. We can help you maximize the space in your new, smaller home and make decisions about which items are moving to the new space. We help you stay on track to reach your goals in the timeline you specify. Our goal is not to make you get rid of stuff, but to live the live you desire by freeing yourself from clutter.