So much has been written about downsizing… Here are few tips:
What are your actual needs at this point – Deciding what you really need means taking a look at your daily life today and noting your daily activities and things you use to perform these activities. Another words, these are activities and items that make up your actual lifestyle – not those you want to be part of your lifestyle or the ones that were part of your lifestyle 30 years ago. Do you really need this 12 persons dinner set. What about 4 sets of 12 glasses each in different types and shapes. And tablecloth, towels or napkins in any imaginable size and color. The list goes on….
Go thru your home and clear each and every cabinet, shelf or closet – Then put back only things you can’t leave without, things that you use often. Out go all other things, put them in boxes, bags or crates and store them someplace like garage or any other storage areas
Ransack your old storage areas – Go through your storage areas first (attics, basements, closets, etc). You will be surprised to find out what you’ve put away instead of gotten rid of. If you’re like most of us, you will find boxes of items that haven’t seen the light of day for years and there’s a reason for this: you don’t need them.. Get rid of them at once. Do not hesitate – it will melt your resolve. Call up your friends and relatives and see what they need. They might be able to help in moving some heavy stuff!
Sell your stuff – Get help with antiques, vintage or even some collectible items. You are not a professional and you don’t know what is selling and what is not. Besides, it changes almost on a daily basis. Enlist help of your grandchildren, they are usually savvy with computers. The problem is – they never have time! Donate everything else!