As your children grow up and move out of your home and as people age they start thinking about downsizing. They don't need a big house, they don't want do to all of the housework and yard work anymore.
Why not start thinking about it years before you are ready? That way there is no rush, no pressure.
If you give yourself plenty of time you can make the decisions about your belongings at your own pace instead of having to decide what to get rid of as the moving truck is pulling up.
The first and most important part of any move and downsizing is the decluttering. Start going through each of your rooms and decide what you can get rid of.
And of course, that means, donate or give away (for the most part). If you haven't used it or don't want to take it with you, put it in the "donate" box.
One thing that you will also want to start thinking about is the size of your new home. If you have a four bedroom home now and want to downsize to a one or two bedroom home you will have a lot of things to get rid of.
Don't think that you have to get rid of the entire extra room. You can pick or choose pieces from each room that will go into your new home. Only take the things that you really love or that are functional.
Start thinking about giving away things to your loved ones now, when they can enjoy them. Why wait until after you are gone so that you won't be able to share in their happiness? It might sound morbid, but it makes sense. You know that you love to see the look on their faces when you give them presents for their birthdays or holidays.
By taking control of your own decluttering now, when you are not in a rush, you will be much calmer and more rational. Trust me, moving is not a fun process. Take the stress out of it by planning ahead and decluttering on your terms.
For many children that live away from their elderly parents it sometimes helps to have someone, such as a Professional Organizer help with this transition. It helps the seniors in getting the job done on their terms. A Professional Organizer with experience in working with seniors can also help in planning out the move and help in the design of the new home to be sure that everything fits and that everything has a place. Not everyone has the luxury of taking time off of work to spend a few weeks helping their parents with this process. And when they do have the time off it's better spent on visiting instead of decluttering and packing.
Start early. Take your time. Declutter without the stress of a move, before the move.
Think about it....and start decluttering......
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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