16 things I learned preparing and going through Downsizing

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Majic Adventurers, downsizing and moving can be daunting, but with a little majic and thoughtful consideration, you can make the process smoother. I was recently displaced for Health Care. We had to leave Florida within months with no plans and nowhere we wanted to be. So my family of 3 humans, 2 dogs, and 3 cats changed direction and jumped in the RV lifestyle. We downsized in a matter of 3 months. From May to July - I downsized our 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage - into a 6x12ft pull-behind moving trailer.

Here are some Majic suggestions to help you on this journey:

16 things I learned preparing and going through Downsizing

1. Capture Memories: Your emotional attachment to items is valid. Instead of clinging to them, take a photo or create a video to preserve those memories. This way, you can still cherish the emotions associated with the items without the physical clutter.

2. Share the Love: For important things you downsize, give those cherished items to someone you love or trust. It's like multiplying your love for these possessions by passing them on to someone who will appreciate them just as much as you do.

3. Gift with Heart: For less important items that don't have a huge sales return, consider gifting them rather than selling them. The satisfaction and joy you'll experience from giving will far outweigh any financial gain. Consider group homes or local moms instead of mainstream donations.

4. Future-Proof Your Life: Imagine your life at 80 or 90 years old. Consider what you'll realistically still have. By downsizing now, you're preparing for a future that may involve assisted living or relocating to a loved one's home. Start early to make the process easier down the road.

5. Embrace Your Emotions: It's entirely natural to feel a sense of loss and emotional strain during downsizing. Acknowledge these emotions; they are valid. Remember, you're creating space for new and positive experiences.

6. The Aftermath is Worth It: Everyone who's been through this process agrees - downsizing feels incredible afterward. Think about the clutter and duplicate items you've had. Once it's done, you'll feel a remarkable difference. Not to mention cleaning is going to be so much easier!

7. The Maybe Pile: If you're struggling to decide on certain items, create a "maybe" pile. It's perfectly fine to have an "I'm not sure yet" box. Revisit it a few days later; your perspective may have changed, making the decision easier.

8. Feel the Connection: Hold the items you're unsure about. Feel their texture, weight, and energy. Talk to them if it helps. Sometimes, physically connecting with an object can help you decide its importance in your life. It might sound odd but trust me this part helped me realize I didn't need to keep a lot of things.

9. Separate Sentiment from Stuff: Sometimes, we hold onto items because we believe others might care about them or we care about who gave them to us. Reflect on whether the attachment is to the item itself or to the person associated with it. Recognizing this distinction can make letting go easier. You can find alternative ways to hold the memories.

10. The 90/90 Rule: If you haven't used or worn something in the last 90 days and don't foresee using it in the next 90, consider parting ways with it. This rule helps you identify items that are no longer serving a practical purpose in your life.

11. One In, One Out: To maintain a clutter-free lifestyle, adopt a "one in, one out" policy. For every new item you bring into your home, remove one item. This practice encourages you to be mindful of what you acquire and helps prevent future clutter. If it doesn't have a "place" to go, it shouldn't be something you should keep or get.

12. Digitalize Your Memories: If you have an extensive collection of physical photos, consider digitizing them. This not only saves space but also preserves your cherished memories for generations to come. There are various scanning services and apps available for this purpose. I bought a $20 scanner and scanned cards, photos, notes, etc.

13. The 20-Second Daily Rule: When decluttering, ask yourself if you can find and retrieve any "daily" item within 20 seconds. If not, it may be buried under or hidden by unnecessary clutter. Keep frequently used items easily accessible and let go of the rest. "Everything in it's place, and a place for everything." It doesn't need to make sense to others, just you.

14. Room-by-Room Approach: To avoid feeling overwhelmed, tackle downsizing one room at a time. This method allows you to focus on specific areas and make gradual progress. Start with less sentimental spaces and work your way toward more emotionally charged ones. Building up to habit of letting go of items you don't care about, gives you some courage to say no to things you do care for.

15. Seek Support: If you find it challenging to let go of certain items, consider enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member. They can provide a fresh perspective and offer support during the decision-making process. Just having someone near me helped put a lot of things into a "work" focus and made things easier.

16. Celebrate the Process: Celebrate each step of downsizing as an accomplishment. Whether you donate, sell, or recycle items, acknowledge your efforts and their positive impact on your life and space. It's truly a step forward that deserves your attention. Let the good in with the changes. The bad won't feel so bad.

By incorporating these additional tips into your downsizing journey, you'll be better equipped to navigate the emotional terrain and create a simplified, clutter-free lifestyle that aligns with your current and future goals. Remember, it's not just about letting go; it's about making room for what truly matters.

Please leave me comments, suggestions or requests. I hope you find your Adventure!

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