The word downsizing is often associated with loss and/or lack. In modern times, loss often refers to jobs and downsizing is bad news. Whether youre a Boomer ready to retire or an empty-nester toying with your new options, take the time to define and pursue the life you want to have now, with all the bells and whistles and none of the baggage.
Downsizing, not! Lets call it Rightsizing and Rightsizing is not Wrongsizing!
Rightsizing or a promotion in lifestyle that can be an empowering and exciting step to your retirement and relocation. Its a time to get rid of the burdensome baggage you no longer want. Your old life may have been filled with responsibilities and expectations; but you also collected many things you no longer need. The top ten tips for rightsizing follow. For more details print the PDF here.
Top 10 Rightsizing Tips
- Start with the Easy Stuff eliminate anything that is broken, damaged and no longer wanted.
- Ask yourself, If this disappeared tomorrow, would I run out and replace it? If no, its not worth keeping.
- Dont Be a Storage unit for others. If youre storing things for friends and family. Be strong and set a deadline, after which youll donate the items.
- Ask for help. A professional organizer may be able to help.
- Decide whats really important. If you were moving and had to ship your things at the high cost, what would you take? Make a list, these are the things that matter to you the most.
- Is this something from a lifestyle I no longer have or want? If youre only cooking for one or two, you might not need two sets of silverware.
- Schedule a regular time each week (or more if needed), to work on rightsizing. Remember you didnt accumulate it overnight and you wont sort it out overnight either.
- Value what you keep. Save the few meaningful items worth having in your personal space.
- Prevent new collections from forming. Suggest gifts of time, experiences and indulgences instead of material things.
- Use age to your advantage. Gift items you eventually want family members and friends to have, now.
For more details print the PDF here.