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re-gifting

The Art of Downsizing

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Backstory  

Just how to start downsizing. That was the question. Most families realize that at one time or another, they’re going to need smaller space that will only accommodate less “stuff.” That time finally arrived for us and here’s how we went about it.

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The Art of Downsizing –  #608

I gave away seven gaily painted nutcrackers and ten wooden toys.  They were part of our Christmas decorations, as the children were growing up, and long after.  I took them to the family Christmas party and invited each grandchild to choose some.  The Christmas angels will be shared next year.  It’s the start of our household downsizing phase.  A very small start, but definitely a beginning. 

What’s next?  Bill’s ancient electronics are definitely on the table. For decades, they were treasures. In the age of computerized electronics, they are archaic. Then we’ll go on to the household items of which we have too many.

Friends warned that downsizing would not be easy.  I envisioned delighting locals with a yard sale where they could find great stuff for pennies on the dollar.  Then we considered how much work that is.  Maybe it’s time to call in Junk Monster instead.  You pay him to take it all away. 

I have heard it said about material things – First you wish you had them, then you own them, then they become a burden.  That’s where we are.

When Bill and I combined our households, five truckloads of furniture, books, domestics and glassware went to the church thrift shop.  I hope they have room for more stuff, because I feel it going their way, as we shrink our belongings and organize our life for a simpler time.

P.S.   

I am pleased to say that we resisted the temptation to rent storage lockers as a final resting place for our stuff. We have seen friends pay heavy money over time to secure belongings eventually tossed or sold at auction. Even worse, to will stuff to heirs who move it to their own stowage in the absurd cycle of life-long holding.

[Show #608]

Filed Under: Family and Friendship, Love and Kindness, Memories and Aging Well Tagged With: downsizing, housing, re-gifting, storage lockers

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