Downsizing to simplify your life, and getting rid of “stuff” is one of the most difficult parts of moving onto your next chapter. It can be hard when things have meaning and memories associated with them.
When you’re up against your memories, remember: You’re downsizing to simplify your life, not erasing your past.
Senior management and downsizing experts Care to Move have provided the following tips (and more here) to encourage you think about “What to Keep and What to Let Go”.
Your guide to downsizing to simplify:
- Antiques & Other furniture
Get local antiques dealer in to make an offer or take them to an auction house. Find out what the house’s take is upfront (typically 10 to 15 percent) as well as where it will place the starting bid. Sell other furniture via ebay, gumtree or give to charity.
- Ornaments
Do you want to spend time dusting ornaments? Remember you are downsizing to simplify!
Select three pieces to keep, then photograph the rest, and put the photos in an album alongside the display. EBay is the place to sell smaller, more valuable items like collectibles.
- China set
If you like it, use it. If you don’t, sell it through EBay or Gumtree. Be realistic, though. Not long ago, fine china commanded a nice price. But today’s consumers want fine tableware that’s safe in the microwave and the dishwasher.
- Books
If you’re going to read it, or it just feels too much like family (ie you read it to your kids and grandkids one million times), put it on your bookshelf. If not, give it away. You can drop books off at a library or call around for a charity that will pick up. Downsize to simplify!
- Wedding dress
You would be surprised at how many ladies still have their special dress in the wardrobe! If no one is going to wear it again, have some nice pillows made out of it. Or clip off a piece of fabric and display it in a frame with a photo of your wedding day.
- Closet & Clothes
Rather than fishing through and deciding what to eliminate, take everything out, down to the bare walls. Then physically put back items. Choosing to keep, rather than choosing to let go, will net in clinging to fewer things.
- Paperwork
Scan important papers — birth and marriage certificates, school records, wills and other legal documents — electronically. Store originals, organized, in a lockbox or sealed plastic tubs.
- Your kids’ stuff
It’s not your job to save everything from your children’s lives. Box up what belongs to the kids, and send it to them. Or tell them to claim it now — with the date you plan to have the house cleared out — or never.
- Get some help
For most homeowners, a new chapter can begin once the downsizing process starts. It might take some time to do, however. In fact, proper downsizing can last anywhere from several months to a whole year. Care to Move is available to help you with the process as much or as little as you require, in the timeframe that suits you best.
Contact Care to Move
- Phone: 1300 242 622
- Email: support@caretomove.com.au
- caretomove.com.au
