Downsizing Simplified
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The ULTIMATE Spring Cleaning Challenge

Spring is just around the corner which means longer days, warmer temperatures and new life. It's a time of renewal and rejuvenation and the perfect time of year to tackle those ever pesky jobs around the house that somehow get relegated as "spring cleaning" tasks.

The Ultimate 2012 Spring Cleaning Challenge is a call to action for each of us to pare down the excess in our lives in order to live a simpler, less crowded existence. Creating order from chaos. It's a time to get rid of the clutter in your closets, under beds, on tabletops, in the basement, the attic and garage. Deal with your office space. Thin out the kitchen...how many spatulas and wooden spoons are really necessary?

Get Ready. Get Set. START!
Get busy and make a list of everything you need to do. Remember, just thinking about stuff doesn't accomplish anything. The right motivation will result in an awesome transformation. You're in control!

Small steady steps will create a newness in your living environment. It is FREEING!

Want to share your "Challenges" and "Victories" with us? Simply drop us an email at: info@downsizingsimplified.com. We'd love to hear from you.

Downsizing Seminars Scheduled

Downsizing Seminars Scheduled

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Downsizing Seminars Scheduled"

Commitment is a MUST!

We know from experience that an older adult who attempts the basic downsizing steps without a desire or commitment to succeed, has a much harder time with the overall downsizing process.

Make your mind up about what it is you want.
- To live in a more manageable environment.
- To eliminate the excess stuff in my life--pare down and de-clutter.
- To be free of the hassles of home ownership.
- To get my home ready for the real estate market.
- To make decisions about my life and my possessions while I am able.

Make the commitment to see your wants and desires through to the end.
- "I am ready to move forward. It's time. I will succeed."

Make a written plan with measurable and achievable goals.
- By (write the date) I will have accomplished (clearly list the task).
- Post your action plan where you will see it and be reminded of your commitment on a daily basis.
- As tasks are completed, mark them off the list and CELEBRATE!
- Don't become overwhelmed. Take your to-do list in manageable increments. Ask for help if you need it but don't be or act needy. No whining! Remember, you must own your particular situation.
- Hire professionals to help you through the stages in your plan that you're not able to accomplish by yourself. Hiring the right professional is money well spent and results in completed tasks.

You get the picture. You have to "drive the bus" if you are able. The success controls are in your hands.

The Emotional Side of Downsizing.

It's alright to show emotions when going through the downsizing process. It is a natural human response to letting go.

Showing emotion is healthy. Let it out. Talk about why you're feeling the way you're feeling. Don't let anyone diminish or tell you you should stifle your emotions. At times we see this happen in families--insensitive adult children.

There are times when seeking out the services of a professional (counselor, pastor, psychologist, etc.) is necessary. Do not hesitate if you believe it would be beneficial to talk to someone in this capacity.

Do not be ashamed or apologetic for your emotions. You are experiencing feelings associated with releasing the past and moving forward to a new chapter in your life.

Manageability is KEY to the downsizing process.

One of toughest parts of the downsizing process is simply starting. Time and time again during my consultations I am asked, "Where do I begin?".

I think so many folks get completely caught up in the "big picture" of downsizing and then unfortunately, they let the process overwhelm them before they even begin. Projecting can sabotage your efforts or defeat you before you're able to get any momentum going.

Don't over think what you have to accomplish. Take a deep breath, grab a pencil and paper and make a plan. Keep your initial plan simple. What can you do today? Are your goals achievable? If not, rethink and rewrite them.

Keep things manageable and your plan will be realized!

Ask, Don't Assume.

I'm pretty certain that our son and his wife will want our old everyday dishes.

I know my best friend Kate will love to have some of my old clothes.

I think I'll surprise my niece in Alaska and ship her all of my china.

I've decided to give my collection of glass vases to my sister-in-law. I hope she'll be happy to get them.

My paperback novels have outgrown the bookshelves, they're everywhere! I wonder if the ladies in my bridge club would be interested in any of them.

I'm going to haul all my tools over to my son. Even though he normally pays someone to fix stuff around his house, maybe having my tools will get him to start fixing things himself.

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.
When the decision is made to begin the sorting and paring down process, the stuff we live with on a daily basis can become a big stumbling block. We've grown comfortable with our things and it's often difficult to imagine our environment without them.

So, how do you avoid spending loads of valuable time and energy trying to place the things you no longer want or need with family and friends who you know will cherish them? Simply ASK.

Start by making a list of the items you're ready to let go of. Next to each item on the list, write down who you'd like to give it to. Then pick up the phone and call them. Be sure to phrase the question so the person can say "No" without hurting your feelings. Here's some examples of phrasing...

"You know we're getting ready to move into a smaller home and I've come up with a few items that I won't be able to take. I thought of you and would like to offer them to you. Please don't feel obligated though, I know how difficult it can be finding space for things."

"I know you have a few tools in your garage but I was wondering if you'd like to stop by and pick out any you might need from my tool bench."

"I was wondering if you might be interested in the family china. It's a service for twelve and I know you may be limited on storage space in your apartment. If you want it, I'll be more than happy pay to have it packed and shipped to you."

Being sensitive to others likes, dislikes, and storage or display space is so important. And please try to avoid contributing to another persons tendency to collect, keep, clutter, or hoard. You will not be doing them a favor by giving them more stuff to bring into their environment.

Chronic Keepers

In our experience in working with Chronic Keepers we see a keen awareness of the need to clear the clutter that surrounds them coupled with a lack of motivation to deal with the excess in their lives. So instead of taking control of their environment, they will ignore it and often just keep adding to the mess.

The good news is a Chronic Keeper generally has no problem with letting go of their unwanted things (different from a hoarder who can't let go of anything) but will usually do better with the task of clearing out the excess if a nonjudgmental person is assisting them. Once the job has been accomplished, they may need help and coaching to keep them from sliding back into their keeping ways.

Get involved if you have a family member or friend in this situation. Offer them help. Schedule working dates (shorter periods of time are always better to begin with). Seeing the clutter clearing task through will take commitment and patience.

In closing, there can be many reasons behind a Chronic Keeper's lack of motivation to live in a clean and safe environment. If a medical condition (depression or other health concerns) is suspected, please assist them in seeking help if they recognize the problem and are agreeable.

What to do with your unwanted stuff.

Have a sale. Donate to a local charity or thrift store. Let family members and friends take what they want. Pack it all and move it. Ignore it and maybe it will disappear.

No matter how much we'd like to wish our excess away, it just won't vanish unless we take the necessary action to help it out the door. This Post is about donating to Charities. Thrift stores to the rescue!

Donation Considerations

- If you're not having a sale, as you pack for the move, also pack for donation. Even if you'll be inviting family and/or friends in to take some of your belongings, remember they can always take a moment to look through the boxes you've put together for donation. (Don't put off building donation boxes waiting on family and friends to get by.)

- Have a box in each room ready to receive items for the thrift store or charity. As you sort, place donation items in the designated boxes.

- Know what items your local thrift store(s) will and won't accept. Do not try and use a thrift store pick up as a dumping option for your junk. Many Thrifts will flat out reject any attempt to dump your unwanted junk on them. Instead be considerate and respectful of their business intent of helping others and call a junk dealer.

- Call for your pick up in advance to be certain you can get on their schedule at least one week prior to your move. Avoiding additional stress during the move week is ideal for most folks.

- If you'll need a receipt for taxes you will have to prepare your own list and donation value for each item for your tax preparer. The Thrift will give you a receipt to attach to your list. Some charitable organizations have donation value guidelines available. Be sure to ask about these as it can eliminate guessing and inflated values.

There are so many wonderful organizations that assist those in need. And in today's troubled economy, we need to remember those in need. In addition to household items, clothing, and furniture, please remember to donate to your local food pantries. Hunger is REAL and HUGE in our Nation today. Who's hungry in your neighborhood? Please donate.