Tuesday, August 20, 2013

So You Are Downsizing

 

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Downsizing has become rather an ubiquitous phrase the corporate world uses for personnel job cuts.

BUT ... it can also be used to describe a change in lifestyle especially in the latter years. Faced with such a change can appear tumultuous, over-whelming and naturally a very emotional time as memories flood back. It is amazing that physical objects carry the power to evoke such powerful thoughts and affects our behaviours and power to make beneficial choices.

Yet there is a pathway through the maze of downsizing.

Start with the big stuff. This is not as overwhelming as starting with the small items. Make a list of the large items and make notes about each one.

Sort the items in each room:

    • items you want to keep including items you know you are not quite ready to part with yet and also those that you know you will need in your new home.
    • Items to be passed onto family or friends
    • Items that can be sold in a garage sale or auction
    • Items that can be thrown away

When downsizing homes it is important to rid yourself of as much stuff as possible as you work through the process.

    • Put items to be thrown away onto garbage bags and put out with the regular collection over a period of time
    • Call the charity of your choice and arrange for pickup as soon as you have enough for the charity to collect
    • Ask family and friends to make arrangements to get their items, deliver it to them or post if able

Take your time in this process as memories will be recalled with maybe a tear or two or a raucous laugh. It may be a time to share your oral history with friends and family which will make items given to them the more valuable as they accept them as an integral part of yourself and associated stories.

Remember start small and every best wish as you start yet another journey in the greater journey of life.

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