Downsizing from a Personal Experience

As a Certified Senior Advisor who has advised clients on downsizing, I am now going through that life event.   After 18 years in a large home raising a family, my husband and I are moving to one level living.

What I’ve appreciated:

Support from my family makes it easier.  Our children have been so helpful in moving things out of the house, listing on Facebook Marketplace, taking old electronics/metal to recycling, breaking down things for the garbage.    My 10 year old granddaughter was key in helping me clean out my large walk in closet.  “Grandma” she said, “If you don’t love it and you haven’t worn it, get rid of it. “Given this repeatedly spoken comment, I am sure I took about 4 garbage bags of clothing to a Christian Thrift Shop.

Support from friends.  Church friends offered to deliver donations to a Thrift shop they volunteer at saving me trips myself.   Neighbors helpful in offering their garbage cans if room and their support with advice in how to recycle things vs put more in the landfill.

What has been most difficult:

Emotional attachments: Some things are just difficult to get rid of.   I didn’t want to get rid of my treadmill but eventually I came to the fact that it didn’t make sense to keep.   Favorite chairs (my daughter says I have too many favorite chairs).  The piano. I just couldn’t get rid of this even though I don’t play a lot.

All the details/lack of sleep:  The physical toll of many stairs a day and lifting takes a toll.   And, there is so much to do I’ve layed in bed thinking about it vs. falling asleep.

Less is More: 

I’ve told clients over the years, less is more.  My clients after they have moved have told me that it’s freeing to get rid of “stuff”.  And I know to be true that “stuff” is not what makes you happy.    Reminding myself that less is more and taking that advice has helped myself and my husband refocus and say good bye to things that aren’t really necessary or important.