Blog #decluttering

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.

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.

With a new year at hand, consider how you might schedule your downsizing time to match external cues. I offer month-by-month suggestions.

Although we had the time and were making progress, we found that taking advantage of a local decluttering/downsizing support group and hiring a professional organizer were game changers for us.

I review Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff by Matt Paxton (featured presenter on Hoarders and host of Legacy List). It offers helpful and specific advice for those clearing out a lifetime of memories while acknowledging the emotional challenges.

I summarize my attempts over the course of my life to learn various musical instruments and why I am now finding it hard to let go of the various remnants of my failed musical career.

Even the slow-downsizer hits general roadblocks in the downsizing process. In this post, I vent and try to figure out why I am feeling frustrated.

Janine and Matthew moved only a few miles away, but with a smaller space, they were forced to re-evaluate what was important to them from their many hobbies.

When you have a lot of one kind of object, whether it's papers, CDs, kitchen items, knick knacks, etc., culling provides an easier initial route to your eventual downsizing goals. I share my experience and principles.

If you are willing to do a bit of research, you might be able to find home for some of your collections of paper items--letters and cards, work souvenirs, magazines, etc.