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Blog: Moving To A Simpler Life ... But Where Do I Start?
 Moving to a simpler life - Take action!
Does the thought of simplifying your surroundings and life sound wonderful, but the physical challenges of the transition keeps you from moving forward? You are not alone! Regardless of how attractive it may seem, downsizing a lifetime can be an emotional and organizational nightmare. The most important action you can take to begin moving toward a simpler life is ... to take action! Here are some simple steps you can take to begin moving toward that goal.
Start with a plan
As the old adage goes "if you fail to plan you plan to fail." This is so true when it comes to planning a successful downsizing move. I recommend starting a 3-ring binder with tabs to collect all the information in one place related to your move.
Start sorting NOW
Sorting through a lifetime of possessions can be overwhelming, but it must be done. Schedule regular sessions with yourself or with a Professional Organizer. Pick one area to start, ideally an area that you are not currently using. The important thing is to begin and to be consistent.
Decisions, decisions
How do you decide what to take and what to part with? In my work with clients, I always stress visualizing and planning for the lifestyle you are transitioning to, not the lifestyle you are transitioning from. When moving to a smaller space, every item kept should have a function and a specific purpose. So let go of that 20-year-old console TV that may still work, but takes up half the room and keep the portable cable-ready TV that can easily fit anywhere.
Make a floor plan
Preparing a floor plan makes deciding what stays and what goes so much easier! Even if you haven't decided on a specific new home yet, it's never too early to visualize what items you know you will take with you and plan main rooms like the living room, master bedroom and kitchen.
What to do with all the stuff?
It takes time to find homes for all the stuff you will not be moving with you. Start early to assure you have ample time to find just the right home for your belongings. Make a list of all the items you will not be taking and begin talking with family and friends to see what they may be interested in purchasing or taking offer your hands, as well as contact auction and antique stores.
Experience the emotions during the process
You will experience many emotions as you sort through a lifetime of memories and transition from one lifestyle to another. All transitions contain elements of loss and excitement, as you experience once again memories of the past and anticipate the new life ahead. Expect to feel some grief along with your excitement and anticipation.
posted on: 3/26/2008 1:30:00 PM by Janet Nusbaum, The Organizing Genie
category: Moving
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Moving To A Simpler Life ... But Where Do I Start?
by Janet Nusbaum, The Organizing Genie
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About Janet:
Janet Nusbaum creates calm out of chaos, and loves bringing serenity and order to overwhelmed households, cluttered offices, frazzled parents, and transitioning seniors and families. Janet, President of Simplified Spaces & The Simplified Home, is an Organizing Consultant, Senior Move Manager, Author and Speaker.
She is the author of "Mom, Can I Help Around the House?" A Simple, Step-by-Step System for Teaching Your Children Life-Long Skills for Pitching-In & Picking-up".
She is a proud member: National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) & National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD)
Visit our blog - www.TheOrganizingGenie.com, and sign-up to receive our special report "SHELF LIFE OF 75 COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. Use this report to decide what to keep and what to toss ... then TAKE ACTION!!
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