Considering a Move? Simplifying at Home? 10 Things to Do Now!
Oct 06, 2017
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Plugging away at a steady pace to work through overstuffed closets, basements and garage areas, can give you a tremendous advantage when you are ready to move, sell, or manage better in your home.
Effective downsizing is a marathon not a sprint. So start early and pace yourself!
Start a New Habit! Train yourself to choose a small area to sort. Select a desk drawer, one linen closet shelf or kitchen cabinet. Complete one task at a time and then follow up with contents. Sell, donate, or recycle. Have a location for each of these categories.
Gift Items to friends and family now. Ask if they are really interested in your dining set and hutch with 8 chairs or Grannys china (ask if the grandkids understand shipping charges to get valuables across the country.
Get educated as to what sells and for how much. Many people stall in the elimination process because they assume everything has a monetary re-sale value. Knowledge on what your items are really worth will help you make educated decisions and eliminate regrets later.
Avoid bringing in new stuff! Be aware of garage sales, auctions
Be mindful of the sabotages while downsizing (avoid keeping items simply because they were inherited, gifts, or were initially expensive.
Give yourself permission to purge items that have exhausted their useful life.
Consider the living space you will have in the future. You likely have a general idea of what you need and what the new space can accommodate. If you are leaning toward a 1 bedroom plus den, you will have a good idea of how much editing you need to do now.
Get a handle on paperwork; learn what needs to stay in your office and what can be shredded, recycled, or thrown away.
Consider digitizing photos and slides so you and you family can enjoy them out of the shoe boxes.
Take advantage of free assessment/consultation of Senior Move Managements companies who have experience in these areas and offer affordable, professional help toward your goals.
Editor's Note: Darcy Barnhill is the Owner, CEO of Senior Life Space, LLC., helping seniors with getting started with their unique Simplify Now program. She can be reached at 720-272-1789 or at Darcy@SeniorLifeSpace.com
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