Do you fit in your home? If your answer is no, then you have two real options: Make a plan to Rightsize or Downsize.
What’s the difference? Downsizing implies that you are moving, while Rightsizing refers to making your current home fit your current lifestyle and you can stay right where you are with some changes.
Trying to decide what’s the best plan for you takes some careful consideration; If you love your neighbors, have no mortgage, the location is close to family and/or your healthy enough to stay there with some support?
I may not be able to help you with that decision however, both circumstances need a plan and both plans starts with your belongings.
Pick the easiest room to start possibly a space you don’t use often, such as the basement or a spare room you hardly ever go in etc.
- Make 3 piles.
- GARBAGE
- GIVE AWAY
- MAYBE
- KEEP
Yes, I know I said three. But for some people they need that MAYBE pile. Just keep it small!
- Now, start with the GARBAGE and discard it immediately. Get it out of the home quickly and do not look back!
- Next, my favorite pile: The GIVE AWAY pile. It gave you joy, now it’s time for it to give others joy. J
If you have family members who want or need this furniture or clothing, ask them to pick it up in a reasonable amount of time or you need to donate it.
Where to donate?
Every city has charities and organizations that give to those in need.
In Calgary, we have the Making Changes Association where women can give gently used clothes, purses shoes etc. for women in transition. The Calgary Drop-in & Rehab Centre takes clothing, blankets, coats etc. Organizations such as CUPS or Women In Need will give your clothing, furniture and household goods to people in need. You can also call a local church that may be able to tell you about a family who can use your excess items.
- On to the MAYBE pile. This is the most difficult pile, which is why I normally don’t include it. Go back through the items. Does the clothing still fit or do you have room for that extra furniture or small appliance? Ask yourself why are you holding on to it?
For example, many people are still holding on to magazines. Take a picture of the articles you have been hoping to refer to in the future and start a digital folder.
- The KEEP pile of course is the easiest one. Put each of its items where they belong immediately. If its clothing hang it up. If it’s a book get it on a shelf.
Not an easy process, but well worth the time you take to get this done.
“From the moment you start tidying, you will be compelled to reset your life. As a result, your life will start to change. That’s why the task of putting your house in order should be done quickly. It allows you to confront the issues that are really important. Tidying is just a tool, not the final destination. The true goal should be to establish the lifestyle you want most once your house has been put in order.”
― Marie Kondō, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Uplll,;/p,: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing