By Robbin Corsiatto
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from helping seniors downsize over the years, it’s not so much about moving the stuff as much as deciding how to let go of it.
Our belongings are part of our story. The china that only comes out on holidays, boxes of photographs, Dad’s old tools, kids’ school projects, and that cupboard full of plastic containers with lids that don’t seem to fit anything!
When someone says, “Just get rid of it,” it may sound simple in theory, but is rare in practice.
Here are a few tips and baby steps I’ve acquired from my professional life as a ‘senior move manager’ as well as through personal experience to make the process of downsizing a whole lot easier.
Start Before You Have To
Don’t wait until the house is sold or, God forbid, there’s a health crisis. If you know downsizing is somewhere in your future, and you have the ability to act on it—start now.
SPOILER ALERT -Your Kids Don’t Want Your Stuff!
So many of us have lovingly kept Grandma’s china, crystal, silverware, formal dining set, and even our own collections because you’re certain someone in the family will want them — some day. The harsh reality is that your children and grandchildren have different needs than previous generations. Usually, they have everything they need, and more often than not, are only willing to take a couple of items, and it’s rare they will take whole sets of anything.
That said, as stated above, my advice is to start early. Ask them before they even move out. If they say no, try not to take it personally.
Now that the elephant is out of the room, let’s proceed!
DO NOT Start at the Photographs!
TRUST ME: AVOID ANYTHING SENTIMENTAL until the last (you will learn why below).
Build a Downsizing Muscle!
Downsizing, much like learning a new skill, starts with baby steps. Imagine you are building a new muscle…your downsizing muscle. This builds success with ‘baby steps’ and momentum as you go.
Set up your Sorting Boxes
Keep your categories simple by labeling six boxes: Keep. Family. Donate. Dispose, Recycle. Undecided.
Begin Sorting
Start somewhere boring, for example, the bathroom. Throw out expired products and things you haven’t used in years.
Sort items and remove the unneeded immediately from the home once filled (no second chances), other than the ‘undecided’ to keep your momentum flowing to avoid getting stalled out while building your downsizing muscle.
Rinse and repeat: Baby Steps to Success
Important: Do not hop from room to room! Finish each room before moving onto the next!
If you are having difficulty, ask yourself more clarifying questions such as:
Do I actually love it?
Is there room for this in my new space for it?
Am I keeping it out of guilt?
Finally: Last, But Certainly Not Least
By the time you have gone through the steps above, you have likely come to understand that downsizing isn’t about loss; it’s about gaining what is deserving to be part of your next journey to your new home. And, you could say through learning the baby steps of downsizing, you have also learned the art of ‘heart-sizing’ as well.
Robbin Corsiatto
Robbin Corsiatto is the Founder of Boomer Movers Inc., serving Central Alberta in senior move management, downsizing, and relocation. Robbin and her compassionate team help seniors and their families navigate what can be one of life’s most overwhelming transitions with skill and a roster of specialized services.