 Paring down does not have to be painful - that is, if you don't ignore the problem.
The key to successful downsizing is
learning how to let go of a lifetime of possessions. But not everyone is
well-equipped emotionally to handle the unique challenges presented by
downsizing -- learning to live in fewer square feet; adjusting possessions
to the space and dealing with the accumulated memories that attach
themselves both to locations and belongings. Some become depressed and paralyzed.
The key is to admit this will be difficult and take time to adjust to
the idea. Break the task down into smaller sections. Instead of wandering
from room to room being afraid of the mountain of work take the time to
adjust to the idea and develop a room-by-room plan. Solve one room at a
time.
Ask yourself, ‘What will be important in my daily life, and what have
I used in the last year?’ Make a schedule for all the tasks involved in
moving: sorting, giving away or selling belongings and the move itself.
Keep the best furniture and give the rest to college bound
grandchildren or to the Salvation Army. Family members are the best new
owners for well-loved possessions. You can still see it and be gratified
that it is being used by people you love. If you need to sell many items, consider getting
an independent
appraisal and then offering the items to furniture dealers or to an
auctioneer.
Accept Help Gladly
(something parents often do not do well!):
Lastly, count on the help your friends, and especially your children.
They have a responsibility to you. Helping you now is why you had them in
the first place! Don’t keep them away with the false
pride of independence.
Take Inventory Of Your
Possessions:
The key is to admit this will be difficult and take time to adjust to
the idea. Break the task down into smaller sections. Instead of wandering
from room to room being afraid of the mountain of work take the time to
adjust to the idea and develop a room-by-room plan. Solve one room at a
time.
As soon as you decide to move (and even before you put your house on
the market), begin taking inventory of everything in your home. Start
with the most remote corner of the basement and don't stop until you
reach the peak of your attic.
Going through a house full of belongings, and memories, is hard work,
both mentally and physically. You also need to make some realistic
decisions about how much packing and moving you want to do or are able
to do yourself.
No one but you can make the decisions about what to keep and what to
leave behind, but once you've made the decisions, you need to honestly
ask yourself how much time and energy you have to devote to packing.
Everyone knows moving furniture is tough work, but most people
underestimate the physical demands of packing. Hiring a moving
company to do the actual packing may be a lifesaver.
Get Rid Of What You Don't
Need:
Start with the easiest decisions about
what to pass on to family, friends or charity, and what to throw away or
sell. This will not only prepare you for moving but will also clear out
the clutter and make your home "show" better to prospective
buyers. Ask yourself, ‘What will be important in my daily life, and what have
I used in the last year?’ Make a schedule for all the tasks involved in
moving: sorting, giving away or selling belongings and the move itself.
Determine How Much You Can
Take To Your New Home:
You should have a good idea of the size
and type of place you are moving into. Compare the size of your new
space with the old space. Is it comparable? Is it smaller? Is there a
wall long enough for the sofa? Where does the china cabinet
go? Try to visualize where you'll place specific pieces of
furniture, and then decide whether you'll sell, give away or store the
pieces that probably won't fit.
Take A Break If Needed:
Once you've reviewed your belongings and
decided what you "absolutely must keep," give yourself a
one-week break and go through it again with a more critical eye. Once
you get used to the idea of parting with certain belongings, it may be
easier to make a final decision the second time around.
Follow A Calendar
Countdown To Your Move:
Once you've taken plenty of time to
inventory your belongings and come to terms with the idea of moving,
it's a good idea to follow an organized, step-by-step timetable for
packing and moving.
For more detailed advice on selling see the
Real
Estate section
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