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Letting Go Is Liberating

11/25/2020

11 Comments

 
I consider myself a purger. As an organizer, it's in my blood. Every couple of months I make a run to the thrift store to drop off donations. As such, I did not expect to have much to do in the way of downsizing when we decided to move homes recently. To my surprise, the opposite has been true. To  my delight, I have greatly enjoyed the process.

I know that for some people (indeed many people) downsizing is intimidating and even painful, but I want you to know that is doesn't have to be. Sure, it takes effort, but it's an effort that pays dividends in emotional and psychological benefits. 
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Why Downsizing Can and Should Be a Delight

I have found that every item that passes through my door bound for some location other than my new home leaves me feeling a little lighter. Not only is it one less thing I have to move (and at this point in the process that prospect has real value to me), it's something I no longer have responsibility for.

Have you thought about your stuff in those terms before? Every item we own is an item we are responsible for. It's an item we have to clean and maintain and house. It's also an item we are one day going to leave to others to deal with. Knowing that I have fewer things for which I am accountable leaves me with a sense of relief. 

Another thing I love about downsizing is the opportunities it opens up for creating the home I want. The less junk I have, the  more space there is for the things I truly love and value. The easier it is to find things. The confining, crowding effects of clutter are replaced with a sense of tranquility and calm. 

Does It Belong

Moving provides an ideal opportunity to downsize. One way or another, whether you're moving yourself or paying someone to do it for you, there will come a point in the process where you will handle every item you own. It could be going into a box or onto a truck, or it might be coming out of the box or off of the truck. If you're doing it all yourself, then you get the bonus of two opportunities to consider each item's fate. Such is the case with our move. 

I highly recommend mindful packing/unpacking. Before putting forth the effort to pack an item and transport it to a new location, ask yourself where it fits in your new home and the lifestyle you hope to enjoy there. If an item passes this test only to cause you stress on the other end as to where it belongs, ask yourself if it does belong. Too often we get caught up in the value of an item, either emotionally, financially, or practically. Instead, try thinking about how an item fits into your space and your lifestyle. Things can have intrinsic value without having value to you personally. It's okay to let go of such things. In fact, it's advisable. 

The Downsizing Process

Our downsizing process has been multifaceted. When I first started setting things aside to get rid of, I pictured myself having a sale. The time of year and the effort involved (not to mention the time) have caused me to rethink that plan. With one exception, we have given away (or thrown away) every item we have parted with. Here's how the process has unfolded:
  • Family - Our impending move inspired our oldest daughter to seek a new living arrangement for herself. Fortunately for us (and her) her move preceded ours, and we were able to offer her a variety of furniture and other items for her new apartment. At the same time, our second daughter and her family were visiting from Tennessee. My son-in-law rented a trailer to haul back the items we were parting with that they wanted for their home. In a matter of days, we managed to find happy homes for a bunch of stuff. It felt great! What's more, it's fun to visit my daughter and see how nice the pieces she selected look in her new space. 
  • Friends - Once I realized a sale was a step too far, I started photographing items and offering them up on Facebook. I've been amazed and thrilled with the results. In most cases, items have been snatched up within 24 hours of being offered to the public, and in some cases it's been a matter of minutes! We've been able to assist a young couple we know who are buying their first home in addition to many members of our church community. Not only does it feel great to get rid of things; it also feels great to know that someone else has a use for them. 
  • Community - Despite all that I've given away to people I know, I still have a growing pile of things to take to the thrift store. Thrift stores are excellent resources. They keep useful items out of landfills and help those in need find affordable items in serviceable condition. Often they also benefit a charity of some sort. 
  • Trash - For those items that are beyond sharing, the trash may be the only option. Whenever possible, I try to recycle anything that can be recycled. The list of items that can be recycled may surprise you. You can read more about this topic here.
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​It's also important to dispose of hazardous materials in a responsible fashion. As an example, we had a ton of open paint and wood stain cans we needed to get rid of, so we found a location nearby that accepts such items. ​The rest is going to the curb, but I'm happy to say that is the smallest of all my piles. 
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Downsizing Is For Everyone

You don't have to be moving to enjoy the benefits of downsizing. You just need a little motivation, a little energy, and a little time. If you've been meaning to downsize, let this be the impetus to get you moving in that direction. I promise you'll be glad you made the effort. Letting go feels good! It's liberating to release things that no longer serve a purpose in your life, and it's rewarding to find them a good home. 

One of the things that has surprised me the most about this process is how many items we have held onto that were in some way damaged or unserviceable. Such things are easy to get rid of and are rarely, if ever, missed. Try starting with these items to build your motivation and go from there. You can do it!
11 Comments
Seana Turner link
11/30/2020 07:48:18 am

I'm not ready to downsize yet, but I have started to think about having to less to be responsible for. There definitely is a "lightening" that comes with downsizing. Even aside from physical possessions, downsizing away from having to take care of a yard and clean the gutters, etc. is more freedom. It can be a very positive process. I also think there is a lot in my home which I wouldn't take with me. It is kind of "tired," and this would be the moment to start fresh.

Reply
Sheri Steed link
11/30/2020 10:55:49 am

There is much to be said for starting fresh. I love that you put it that way because that is really what it feels like. It is a huge commitment to declutter a whole house - even for an organized person - as we have discovered, so I get not being ready.

Reply
Sabrina Quairoli link
11/30/2020 10:05:16 am

Great tips, Sheri! Downsizing can be very emotional for many people. This post is helpful.

We have a smaller home, so decluttering is constant in our house. I am periodically reorganizing the items I want and removing items I am not using any longer.

The photo albums and scrapbooks that I created for the family members over the years are hard for me to get rid of. I figure I will probably make them digital someday and gift it to them again in a home movie instead.

It's important for us organizers to talk about our challenges so others understand that we experience the same thing and can help them move forward when they are stuck.

Reply
Sheri Steed link
11/30/2020 10:58:28 am

I agree that it's helpful for people to see that organizers have the same sorts of struggles, although not always on the same scale. There are things we have difficulty parting with and things we procrastinate dealing with and so forth. Scrapbooks are a big one for a lot of people. They are among the most sentimental items people possess, but they take up a lot of space. If I'm honest, I'm not sure where the scrapbooks are going in our new house...

Reply
Cheryl Jones
4/30/2021 02:32:38 pm

My/our goal as a couple is to downsize as if we are moving. This way if we have a moving company move us or need help packing, I can know that garbage or junk won't move with us.

Reply
Sheri Steed link
4/30/2021 02:37:13 pm

That's a great approach to take! It makes life easier now and in the future.

Reply
Hancockssignetrings link
2/14/2024 06:39:06 am

Lovely article! This website has some interesting stuff. I really like this website. Thanks for sharing and please keep sharing.

Reply
Sheri Steed link
2/14/2024 12:03:07 pm

Thank you so much for your comment. I appreciate your kind words, and I'm glad you enjoy the site.

Reply
Ian M link
7/12/2024 11:34:45 pm

Thanks for a great read.

Reply
Sheri Steed link
7/13/2024 05:08:24 pm

So glad you enjoyed it!

Reply
Georgia IOP link
3/17/2025 05:59:45 am

Comprehensive Intensive Outpatient Programs in Georgia for effective mental health and addiction recovery.

Reply



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  • Home
  • About Sheri
    • Contact
    • Services >
      • FAQ
      • The Organization Process
      • Packages & Plans
      • Presentations
      • Results
      • Why Hire an Organizer?
  • Organization Basics
    • Declutter Your Home >
      • Basics of Home Organization
      • Household Cleaning Schedule
      • Tips for a Quick Declutter
    • Basics of Decluttering >
      • 4 T's of Decluttering
      • Clutter vs Decor
      • Coming to Terms with Your Clutter Personality
      • Conquer Clutter
      • Principles of Organization
      • The Proven Process for Organizing Everything
      • Purge Like a Pro
      • Rules for Decluttering
      • Steps to Declutter
      • Systems for Decluttering
    • Organizing by Room >
      • Bathroom >
        • Bathroom Storage Solutions
        • DIY Bathroom Wall Storage
        • Declutter Hair Accessories
        • Declutter Your Makeup
        • Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
      • Bedroom >
        • Bedroom Storage Solutions
        • How to Declutter Clothing
        • How to Organize Your Closet
      • Entry
      • Home Office >
        • Declutter Your Files
      • Kids' Rooms >
        • Toy Storage Tips
        • Toy Storage Options
        • Maintaining Kids' Rooms
      • Kitchen >
        • Primary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Secondary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Movable Kitchen Storage
        • How to Declutter Kitchen Cabinets
        • How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
        • Kitchen Cabinet Space Savers
        • How to Declutter a Refrigerator
        • Tips for Organizing a Refrigerator
        • Meal Planning
        • How to Organize Recipes
      • Pantry >
        • Pantry Inspiration
    • Storage Solutions >
      • Assessing Your Storage Needs
      • How to Create a Whole House Storage Plan
      • Storage Kits
      • Storage Unit Dos and Don'ts: An Organizer's Perspective
    • Information Management >
      • How to Establish an Information Management System
      • Declutter Papers
      • How to Organize with Lists
      • Deciding What Paperwork to Keep
    • Family >
      • How to Raise an Organized Child
      • Teaching Kids to Work
    • Productivity >
      • Stop Procrastinating and Declutter
      • The Myths of Multitasking
      • 7 Strategies for Single Tasking
    • Lifestyle >
      • College Prep >
        • College Packing List
        • Dorm Room Essentials
        • What Not to Take to College
      • Holiday Planning >
        • Declutter Your Holidays
        • Clutter-free Gift Giving
        • Give the Best Gifts
        • Organize Your Gift Giving
      • Preparing for Transition >
        • Aging with Grace and Purpose >
          • Estate Planning
          • Organizing for Alzheimer's Disease
        • Adult Children
      • Travel Planning >
        • Air Travel with Kids
        • Sightseeing with Kids
        • Tips for Care-free Travel
        • Traveling with Kids
    • Moving >
      • Creating a Household Inventory
      • Organize Your Move
      • Planning for a Move
      • Moving Options
      • Prepare for Movers
      • Working with Movers
      • Tips for Packing
      • Tips for Unpacking
  • Resources
    • Books >
      • Moving Made Easy
    • Free Organization Printables
    • Challenges >
      • Get Rid of 100 Things in 100 Days
    • Product Recommendations >
      • Organization Gems Every Girl Needs
      • 12 Amazing Organization Products for Men
      • Fabulous Farmhouse Storage Solutions
      • Crazy Cool Products That Will Make You Want to Clean
      • Best Board Games for Beating Boredom
    • Donate Your Stuff >
      • Donate Books
      • Donate Clothes
      • Donate Craft Supplies
      • Donate DVDs & More
      • Donate or Recycle Electronics
      • Donate Furniture
      • Donate Musical Instruments
      • Donate School Supplies
      • Donate Sports Equipment
      • Donate Used Toys
    • Recycling Resources
    • Sell Your Stuff >
      • Garage Sale Organization
    • Swap Your Stuff
    • Setting Goals
    • Tools for Organizing >
      • Furniture >
        • Organize with Dressers
      • Wall Storage >
        • Organize with Pegboards
        • Personalized Pegboards
  • Blog