Downsizing Simplified Updates Blog

The ULTIMATE Spring Cleaning Challenge

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:05:01 GMT

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

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:22:49 GMT

Downsizing Seminars Scheduled

Commitment is a MUST!

Thu, 12 May 2011 14:05:04 GMT

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.

Fri, 06 May 2011 13:21:38 GMT

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.

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:49:04 GMT

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.

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:32:33 GMT

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

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:20:07 GMT

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.

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:26:52 GMT

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.

Don't Get Ahead of Yourself or the Downsizing Process Steps

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:32:35 GMT

If you've made the decision to downsize your home environment, whether you are moving or staying put, it is important to remember and understand that most downsizing or rightsizing will take time to complete.
Patience and persistence are the keys to success. Here are a few considerations--

- Clearly write down your GOAL or MISSION Statement.
Examples: to be moved and settled in my new home by April 30, 2011 or to have the basement completely cleaned out by October 31, 2010.

No matter the goal, spell it out and attach a completion date. A goal without a date for completion is a moving target and more likely to not be achieved. It's also a good idea to post the goal (and benchmark tasks) where it can be seen daily.

- Realistically take a look at what you need to accomplish in order to achieve your goal. Again, clearly write everything down.

- Break the tasks down. All tasks must be achievable or they will not get done. This step is where most well-intentioned plans fall apart and can derail or completely halt progress.

- Know your limitations and get assistance with tasks that are too "big" for you to accomplish. Don't take on more than you are able to do or once again you may become frustrated and lose sight of your goal.

- Don't forget to reward yourself when tasks are completed. Take time to celebrate the benchmarks you've achieved and then keep pressing forward to finish your list and reach your GOAL.

For more information and tips, please click on the "Sorting & Paring" tab in the table of contents.

Senior living communities by area or region within the Kansas City Metro

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:06:54 GMT
Senior living communities within the Greater Kansas City Metro

Selecting the Right Real Estate Agent

Sat, 15 May 2010 17:31:41 GMT
"They sold the house next door so I thought I'd have them sell mine."
"They're my cousin's daughter-in-law."
"I see their sign all over my neighborhood."
"They seemed nice enough and they liked my house."

These are just a few of the statements we've heard from our clients as to why they selected their real estate agents. And these reasons are all fine if the selection results in a hardworking agent who demonstrates sound marketing expertise and gives thorough advice to the seller as to how they can work together as a team to get the house sold.

Considerations and Tips

-Ask for recommendations from family and friends and then interview as many agents as necessary. Don't let the interviewing process wear you down and don't make a decision based on emotions. Remember, this is a very important and often lengthy business relationship.

-Based on your personal criteria and expectations, select the agent that you believe will do the best job for you. How will they market your property? How can you be part of the team and prepare or enhance the property prior to it being listed? Selling a house is not a one-way deal--be actively involved in the process. Ask for present and past client referrals. Be comfortable with every aspect of your final selection decision.

-Once your property is listed, don't hesitate to speak up if there's anything that is troubling you about your relationship with your agent or the selling of the home. It's always best to voice concerns as soon as they come up. And remember, not every potential buyer (or agent) is going to like every aspect of your home. Don't take it personal. Your agent should promptly communicate all feedback from those who've toured your home. When appropriate and doable, act on any negative feedback as soon as possible--try your best to leave the emotions out.

Selling your property is a huge BUSINESS transaction and once your house is listed, it's "OPEN for BUSINESS" so be prepared.

There are many highly qualified and skilled real estate agents who are eager to provide their services and expertise. Allowing the time you need to select the right agent will make the selling process go smoother.

For more information, click on the "Selling Your Home" tab in the Table of Contents.

Our downsizing seminars deliver quality meaningful content.

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:17:38 GMT
Downsizing seminars that provide timely, on-target content that helps simplify the process.

Do Overs Permitted

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 15:18:33 GMT
It came to our attention this week that if a real estate agent takes less than appealing photos of a property, the seller has every right to request a "do over" or re-shoot. This is especially true when the property has been staged!

Sellers must remember that the majority of buyers preview properties online first. If they like what they see they will call for a showing, but if the photos fail to get their attention, they will simply click on to the next available property. This is understandable as there are more than enough properties for sale in this economy.

TIPS for SELLERS
- De-clutter your home. You do not want a potential buyer focusing their attention on your stuff.
- Stage your home inside and out. Staging presents the property in the very best light possible. The ultimate goal of staging is to entice the potential buyer...you want them to see themselves living in your home.
- Take the best photos possible of the property. Skip rooms that just don't photograph well as it's better not to show it than to have poor representation.
For more on this subject click on the "Selling Your Home" tab in the Contents bar.

Avoid Moving Stress by Allowing Enough Time

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:29:19 GMT
When enough time is set aside to really go through and pare down possessions, there is a sense of thoroughness and peace of mind that accompanies the bigger task of moving.

We've seen it over and over...those who are truly prepared for their move have a smoother transition. They have covered the bases. They have gone through and made appropriate (not hurried) decisions regarding their possessions. They have a sense of readiness knowing they've completed tasks on their own terms and time. They are much happier about their decision to downsize.

Plan ahead to avoid stress and regretted decisions. For more information and tips, click on the "Sorting & Paring" tab.

The REAL Value of Our Stuff

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:14:44 GMT
We recently worked with a client who was extremely preoccupied with the value and disposal of the household items that she was not moving with her. The items of her concern ranged from tattered broken furniture to everyday common-type dishes and knick-knacks.

I am writing about this because the disposal of these things took on so much importance for our client that it interfered and distracted her from the real task of preparing for the move.

To hopefully avoid this type of situation, this is my professional advice...if you are planning on a downsizing move, or you just need to clear away some of the excess in your life, it is NEVER too early to start. If you need a value placed on most everything you'll be letting go of, be advised, this will take time. To "estimate" value, you will have to do the research work yourself or hire a professional. And please remember, an estimated value is just that, estimated. An item's value is no more than what another person is willing to pay for it.

Unless you have valuable antiques and collectibles, the actual price you will realize for the everyday things in your home may disappoint you. And depending on which part of the Country you live in, the Recession we're in will also play a role in what your household items will sell for at a sale or auction.

Final Thoughts
- Plan ahead.
- Do the research or hire a professional to estimate value.
- Visit several thrift stores to see what's on the shelves. (This is a real eye opener for many.)
- Attend a few estate sales or auctions to see the types of items being offered and what they're priced at and selling for.
- Go online and visit auction websites like eBay.

This Blog post is not meant to discourage you but to prepare you for the possible reality of the time and energy involved in disposing of household items.

Click on the Sorting & Paring or the Liquidating Contents tabs for more information and ideas.

Take Stock and DONATE...

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:02:36 GMT
...our words for the week as we just completed an extensive work through the overstocked kitchen pantry and cupboards of a client.

If you, or someone close to you has an abundance of non-perishable food stuffs, we encourage you to take stock and consider donating any excess. Food pantries all over the U.S. are having a difficult time keeping their shelves stocked and we can all make a difference by donating food to those in need.

Here are a few tips and sorting steps to consider:

-Get help if you need it and sort through your food. Try to avoid reasoning why you have the excess--it is what it is and you're doing something about it.

-Have a donation box(es) ready. In addition, an electric can opener and garbage disposal in good working order are important for quick opening and disposing of expired canned foods. Recycle the aluminum cans if possible.

-As you sort, be brutally honest about what you will eat or use in the next six months.

-Check all expiration dates. If the item has expired throw it away, please! (Believe it or not, pitching something that has expired is extremely difficult for some people. We understand this but we also want you to keep in mind that if you eat something that has expired, it could make you extremely ill.)

-Food that is close to expiration should be moved to the front of the cupboard so it will be used first.

-Organize the food in your cupboards so you can see what you have. It's easy to forget about food that is pushed to the back of the pantry.

-When making your grocery list, only buy food that you are in need of. Try to avoid buying food that is a "good deal" or sold in multiples or large quantities.

-Check the expiration dates on items in your refrigerator and freezer. Check with your local donation center for their policy on accepting unopened refrigerated or frozen items.

-Paper goods also have a tendency to be overstocked or over purchased. To keep these items in check, follow the same buying rules as you would for food by purchasing only what you truly need.

Seniors Providing for Seniors.
There are many older adults that have difficulty meeting their basic daily nutritional needs. We'd like to encourage you to keep these folks in mind when considering food donation. For more information on how you can help older adults in need, please contact your local city/county government offices, not-for-profit agencies, or churches and synagogues that provide help or minister to seniors through food pantries or other meal-delivery services. Let's make an effort to feed our seniors in need. God bless you.

Household Downsizing Simplified

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:59:45 GMT
"With thorough planning and enough time allowance, seniors can make their downsizing transition much more enjoyable."

Are You Taking TOO Much?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:21:08 GMT
Everything that is packed to move will either be unpacked or left boxed and kept in storage. And everything that will be unpacked WILL need a place to call "home". We suggest only the absolute "gotta keep no matter what" items be kept in storage.

We'd like to direct this blog post toward the knick-knacks of life that can be difficult to part with. This week we had a client say, "the more I take, the more I'll have to dust, right?". This statement really sums it up nicely. Take it, dust it! With that in mind, we'd like to share a couple of tips to help you over the decision making hump about your knick-knacks--

-Keep the floor plan of your new home at hand where you can visually see and be reminded of the space you'll be downsizing to.

-Place or group your knick-knacks in question in an area where they can be examined over a period of time. (Every time you pass by, you see and review the items--take, don't take.)

-When you have an item you want to add to the area for consideration, try and take something away.

-If you're unable to part with your knick-knacks and don't have a curio cabinet(s), it might be wise to invest in one. Make certain your floor space will accommodate the cabinet comfortably. If not, you may have to sacrifice another piece of furniture in order to fit it in. (Vertical storage space is best when downsizing.)

As always, we suggest not becoming overwhelmed or bogged down with these types of decisions. Allow yourself time and take it.

Dealing with the EXCESS

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:06:24 GMT
Lately we've been getting calls, emails, and questions from current clients about what to do with the STUFF they don't want. Although this is a very normal and valid question or concern, we'd like this Blog post to focus more on NOT getting stuck on this possible dilemma before actually beginning the sorting and paring down process. We've seen it over and over again with folks and feel confident in saying that when the cart is put before the horse, there will be frustration and it will impede progress.

If you are considering downsizing and you know you have a tendency to get bogged down with the details, we suggest you seek the help of a trusted friend, a patient relative, or a qualified, field-related professional early in the sorting process.

The one-on-one helper you enlist or hire must have the ability to stay focused on the task in a nonjudgmental way. They should act more as a coach and keep the progress moving forward.

Quick Tips and Considerations

- Work with someone you can work with. This may sound silly but it's very important. If you try one person and don't feel a sense of positive accomplishment, find other help.

- Keep from getting sidetracked by setting attainable goals. Benchmark important dates by making a timeline that clearly marks start-to-finish and all important achievable points and dates along the way.

- Be prepared for each work session by having sorting supplies and materials on hand--boxes, bags, wrapping paper, tape, etc.

- Schedule regular work sessions, three-to-four hours in length, to build and maintain momentum. A steady, undistracted pace will give you a wonderful feeling of success and accomplishment. Remember, for most people, this step in the downsizing process is the MOST difficult and time consuming.

For more information about this topic, please click on the "Sorting & Paring" tab in the website Contents bar.

We'd like to hear from you about your sorting and paring down experiences. Simply click on the "Contact Us" page to share any helpful hints you may have or possible avoidances you've encountered. And by all means, if you have any questions about the process, we'll be happy to help.

Is Your Home Buyer-Ready?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:06:05 GMT
Our Home Staging and Property Enhancing services are frequently utilized with older adults who are either preparing to put their homes on the market or have had their properties on the market with no acceptable purchase offers. Many times unfortunately there's been a rush to list the home with no real focus on whether the property is actually buyer-ready.

Is the home in move in condition? With the competition in today's real estate market, every seller expecting to get close to their asking price, should examine and consider every aspect of the home that a potential buyer will be looking at. What property condition negotiating points will the buyer be bringing to the table?

There are so many small, yet extremely significant things that a seller can do to enhance their property. Going for the immediate sensory impact is important.

For more information, please click on the "Selling Your Home" tab in the web site Table of Contents.

A REMINDER...You don't have to be moving to use our services.

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:35:58 GMT
I felt compelled to add this to the Blog after three recent appointments that all had hoarding-type issues at the center. (We were originally contacted about our Move Management Services.) In the Greater Kansas City area, consider our services to get you organized prior to beginning the preparation for a move. Even if the move is down the road, it's never too early to begin sorting and paring down! Don't put off dealing with the excess as things go so much smoother when the downsizing process is taken in smaller, more manageable steps.

A household downsizing professional can be money well spent.

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:11:37 GMT
Does it pay to hire a professional when downsizing a household?

Liquidating the Household Contents is Part of the Downsizing Process.

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:05:49 GMT
Plans for liquidating the household contents should be in place in advance of the downsizing move.

Ranking the Household Downsizing Process Steps

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:26:29 GMT
Downsizing a household is a process that involves many steps. Review and rank the steps.

Murphy & Co. Downsizing Simplified NASMM Member

Sat, 30 May 2009 01:02:28 GMT
Murphy & Co. Downsizing Simplified is a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers a not-for-profit, professional association of organizations dedicated to assisting older adults and families with the physical and emotional demands of downsizing, relocating, or modifying their homes. NASMM members are committed to maximizing the dignity and autonomy of all older adults.
To learn more about the Association or to locate a Senior Move Manager in your area, please visit the web site at: www.nasmm.org