DOWNSIZING DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN COMPROMISING One of the biggest struggles families face when thinking about downsizing is where to put all of the “stuff” accumulated throughout the years. While this can seem like a battle, the right attitude and system can help to make downsizing years of objects and items easier. The key to downsizing is to go through all of the items in a house. When I was moving out of my big house, I got a Harvey’s dumpster and put it outside. I had my kids come over, and we went through everything in the house. We had four choices; we could take it, donate it, get rid of it, or put it in storage. There were some things we put by the street. It seems like when you put things out by the road, they’re gone in half an hour! Going through an entire house, and touching everything can seem like a daunting process. Being honest about what you’ll really use going forward can be difficult. Instead of throwing these things away consider putting things into storage for a couple of years, and then making a final decision. As we agreed, I put plenty of things into storage for my kids. Then, two years later I called them up. I said, “Guys remember the storage container we put all of your stuff into? Neither one of you have been there in two years. Now you have two choices, you can take it or I can trash it for you.’” Keeping things simple, from start to finish means everyone is happier. While starting the process of decluttering can be difficult, once you move into the correct mindset and truly invest in the process, it can become cathartic. Your new home will be filled with your favorite possessions and with space of new memories. This recurring column walks readers through the home sale process. Are you interested in selling your home? We can work with you to maximize your home’s value. Give us as call…
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