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	Downsizing Tips
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• How little can I get by with (and still be comfortable) at my new place?
• Which of the items I own now are really important to me?
• Is it beautiful, useful, or loved? Or am I just keeping it out of habit?
• Will it still be useful or functional in my new home?
• Can this item or piece of furniture save space by serving two functions?
• Is it durable, well-made, and built to last?
• Is this piece of furniture comfortable?
• Is it easy to care for, or does it require special attention?
• Is this appropriate for my physical condition or stage of life?
• Will this fit in my new space?

• thing to keep when you move and downsize
• possessions to give to friends and family
• items to be sold in an auction, estate sale, or garage sale
• discards to be donated to charities
• trash, broken objects, and other items to be thrown away
• things I can't decide about now and need to think more about

• be understanding -- downsizing is a difficult process
• don't push or rush them -- let them work at their own pace
• offer as much help and guidance as is needed but don't force it
• let the person make his or her own decisions
• help the person stay focused on completing one small area at a time
• make a couple of passes through if they can't do it all at once
• you can even put things in storage temporarily if needed

• take photos of those treasured items you really want to remember
• can look back and reminisce, without needing a storage unit to keep it all
• give treasured keepsakes to family and friends
• lay out items that need to go and invite loved ones to pick what they want
• know that your treasures are going to people who love and appreciate them
• donate serviceable items to charities that help the less fortunate
• easier to let go when you know your belongings are still in use
• have an estate sale and donate the proceeds to your favorite charity

• choose furniture and objects that can serve more than one function
• pick pieces that have storage space built in -- drawers, cabinets, etc.
• avoid holding onto items that look good but are impractical and never used
• avoid keeping excessively fragile, delicate, or rickety items
• stick with fabrics and materials that are easy to care for and clean
• choose furniture that is scaled to smaller spaces

• start with the rooms in your house you aren't using
• make decisions about big pieces of furniture before tackling smaller items
• give yourself plenty of time to make good decisions -- don't rush yourself
• take lots of breaks -- this is hard work and you shouldn't wear yourself out
• ask friends and family to help you out
• remember the goal is to simplify your life -- not to rob you of your memories
• have packing supplies, boxes and bags on hand -- pack as you decide
• schedule the donation truck to come over as soon as you are done

• be clear about how you want your possessions distributed when you die
• don't leave decisions up to bereaved family who may not follow your wishes
• if you want certain personal items given to particular people, say so
• make up a list of "who gets what"
• put a tiny piece of tape bearing the person' s name on the item

• may feel disloyal getting rid of inherited items, even if no space for them
• person's things remind us of them in a very strong way
• keeping their stuff is almost a way of keeping that person alive
• your feelings for that person are not wrapped up in the physical object
• you still have the good memories and warm feelings, even without the "thing"
• allow yourself to reminisce and grieve as you clean out the person's house
• spend some time reliving special memories as you go
• tell stories about the person's life as you go through their things
• don't be in such a rush that you miss the opportunity to really say goodbye

 

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