How To Downsize Without Regret!
I remember seeing my stuff scattered on the driveway. It was organized, but it was out there for all the public to see. Things we worked hard for, or even spent time refinishing, all was for naught. It would go to someone else, someone else in their house, to be used or displayed. It broke my heart to see my stuff, MY STUFF, out of the house. I would not longer own it, or even own me?
Downsizing is not for the faint of heart. Some of us are a people that accumulates stuff, and think we need that stuff to make us happy. In some respects, yes, it could make us happy. We need things to sit on, like a chair or a couch. We need a bed or something like a bed to sleep on. We need something to put away our clothes, like a dresser. And we need tables to put stuff on, like a t.v. or a lamp. But when you need to downsize, it is no longer practical.
When you are preparing to move into a smaller dwelling, whether it is an apartment or an RV or even a smaller house, casting your emotions aside will be helpful as you have decisions to make. Should I keep this item or get rid of it? What purpose does this item have? Is it useful or practical in my new lifestyle? It is important to ask yourself questions such as these to help you decide what to downsize.
I have a tendency to get attached to stuff. It may sound silly, but some stuff have importance or value in my life. Maybe it produces a memory, a happy memory that we do not want to let go. Or maybe you are waiting for a conclusion with the item, which triggers something about yourself that is not done yet. I once heard a pastor ask us if we have ever seen a hearse driving towards heaven with a U-Haul following it?
It sounds funny and maybe a little ridiculous, but there is valid truth in that. Most of us may have heard that when we die we cannot take our stuff with us. No matter how important it is or if no one else can take care of it like you can, your stuff cannot go where you are going after death. It would be funny to be able to see a hearse and a U-Haul truck driving up into the sky, though.
What and how should I do it? And do you have to? If you are downsizing, then the answer is “yes.” Start easy by going through your closet. Only keep what you have used most recently, not 5 or 6 years ago. Make a pile for a local charity and make a pile for garbage. Sometimes I do not know which one was bigger for us, the garbage or donations piles?
Have the time to start on this new project and new phase in your life. I have heard it said that it is liberating to get rid of stuff, clutter and live without it having a hold on you. This is where I am at now. We got rid of a lot of stuff, and I did shed some tears. But I also knew I could not fit a 6 person table in our RV. Not happening. Your stuff could be a blessing to others. Maybe there is a needy family that could use one of your items, such as a 6 person table or a couch or a bed. Selling or donating your items could greatly help families that cannot afford to buy them new.
This is what I can choose to focus on. Helping others with my stuff by giving it to them, or even selling it at cheap prices. It is hard as we are a society that likes stuff, and likes to accumulate stuff. I am seeing more and more storage facilities built up where I live lately. Some people have so much stuff that their house cannot hold it and they rent a storage unit for it. Can you believe that? Time to pitch!
Think of the end-goal in mind. You are moving into something smaller, something with adventure or changes marked all over it. Change can be good. Most RV’s have furniture so you do not have to purchase additional furniture, which saves you money. Those things that you treasure the most, find a space for it in your new dwelling, if you can. If not, take photos of it and give it away.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your downsizing:
Start small, then work yourself into getting rid of the big stuff.
Stuff is temporary. You cannot take it with you when you pass away!
Envision yourself living in the smaller dwelling. What can you bring to it to enhance the dwelling, to make it feel like home?
Put all your bills online. Save a tree by using less paper.
Do you really need all those clothes? This one is tough for me! Make sure you have enough between laundry days.
Best of all, enjoy this new journey!
Yes, downsizing is not for the faint of heart, but it can be done successfully. Imagine yourself in this smaller dwelling, drinking a glass of wine and feeling thankful for downsizing and enjoying a new life. You can do this!