How to Reverse Downsize
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If you are facing the daunting challenge of downsizing you might want to try reverse downsizing. What is reverse downsizing, you ask? It is the process of downsizing where you focus on what you love and use to keep. Everything else you know you can let go. There are similarities with decluttering with Swedish Death Cleaning, the Kon Mari method and the container or boundaries method. The earlier you begin this process the better. If you are planning on a move, reverse downsizing may help you focus on what to take.
How much time do you have?
If you get in the habit of decluttering while you are young, it will be that much easier when you are old, after having a lifetime to accumulate possessions. Even if you have reached this season of life without much decluttering through the years, you can move forward with confidence that you are only taking the best of your things with you. Do you have a year to downsize? Three to six months? Maybe only thirty to sixty days? The best time to start is now.
What is your situation?
Are you an empty nester? Is your youngest child going off to higher learning? Is your family downsizing to a smaller, more affordable home? Maybe you are moving to a retirement apartment or into an assisted living environment.
Do you know where you are going?
Have you already found your new home or will you be looking for your dream accommodation? Is it nearby or far from your current location? How many bedrooms are there? What will the square footage be? How much storage space will you have? Will you be responsible for outside maintenance? You may not know all the details of what you will need but you can start with your priorities.
To Reverse Downsize Begin with the end in mind...
Get clarity on what is most important to you and why. If your house was on fire, what are the top three things you would grab? (Assuming everyone was out safely first.)
Large items...
Start by recognizing larger furniture or accessories you would like to keep, if your new space permits. Do you have a sofa, bed or cabinet that you absolutely love and would hate to get rid of? Will they fit in your new space or be easy enough to move? Can you find a new use for it in your new home? Maybe that China cabinet could store office supplies?
Essential items...
What items are essential to you? We all need clothes, but what clothes will suit your needs? Maybe it’s time to let go of those things that represented a past season of life or those items that are for your fantasy self. ie. Items that don’t fit.
Other essential items:
- Household goods
- Tools
- Important Documents
Sentimental items...
What sentimental items do you want to have with you to enjoy in your new home?
- Photographs
- Paintings and art
- Family heirloom furniture or other items
- Memorabilia
- Jewelry
Reverse downsizing makes it easier to let go of things because you know you will be keeping what you do love and need.
You can watch the video below...
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