Our Slow Downsizing Story

Despite continued challenges in downsizing, I suggest 11 positive gifts that come from this practice along with personal examples of some of these gifts.

Does it matter what we call our efforts to shed ourselves of things? I present some terms, their definitions, and the questions these terms raise for me, along with Ann Patchett's experience of lightening her load.

How to Weed Your Attic: Getting Rid of Junk without Destroying History by Elizabeth Dow and Lucinda Cockrell provides an overview of how to assess your possessions and archives for historical (not monetary or collectible) value and to donate or preserve those that do. I provide an overview of the contents and my brief assessment. Overall, the book is a useful starting point for downsizers who are interested in putting in the effort and time.

We tried to be as responsible as we could when downsizing to reduce the amount that would go to landfill. I provide suggestions for ways to do this as well as list some specific resources.

Downsizing with a partner has its pros and cons, including having different priorities and styles. I share some ideas for assuring that the downsizing process goes as smoothly as possible when more than one person is involved as well as some examples from our recent experience.

One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to preserve a lifetime of paper memories is to compile a special looseleaf binder. I describe my own process for creating such a binder.

Putting things in storage and living in temporary housing provides an experimental condition for us to consider what we miss and what we don't. I make some suggestions for how to create something similar and judge the results.

Although your ultimate goal as a downsizer is to eliminate the need for external storage, you may need such facilities for the short-term. Based on our experiences, we offer some advice for choosing storage facilities and packing and arranging your items in a storage unit.

Paper ephemera took up a lot of real estate in my house. I review what I did with the different kinds of ephemera I sorted through this past year and offer some suggestions on how to proceed with your ephemera collections, whether paper or not..

John offers his perspectives on what he has gained from following through on downsizing, including greater confidence, an ability to let go, and new definitions for his future.

The slow downsizers have moved after 27 years in the same house. We reflect on this recent experience and pledge to continue offering perspectives on the downsizing process, which has not ended for us.

Whether you have an upcoming move, a plan to move eventually, or just want fewer things in our life, the process of "earmarking may help you to make decisions about what to eliminate.