How understanding personality differences can make the process easier for everyone When families begin the downsizing process by decluttering, they often expect the biggest challenge to be the sheer volume of belongings. In my experience, the most surprising challenge is the role emotions play in the process. A conversation about a stack of books can […]
Decluttering
Downsizing Starts with Vision, Not Boxes
Why Clarity About Your Future Makes Decluttering a Whole Lot Easier When most people hear the word downsizing, they picture one thing: getting rid of stuff. Closets. Basements. Garages. Boxes going out the door. That makes complete sense. It’s how almost everyone thinks about it, and to be clear: decluttering is part of downsizing. But in this […]
The Anxiety of Too Much Stuff
Understanding the Mental Health Cost of Clutter Most of us know the physical weight of clutter—the boxes stacked in the basement, the guest room that’s become “the room where things go to be forgotten,” or the kitchen drawer that can’t close without a firm shove and a prayer. But there’s another weight we don’t always […]
I’m Ready! Now What?
Part Two of the “Am I Ready?” Series: Moving From Thinking to Doing You thought about it last week when you opened up that crowded linen closet, full of items you haven’t used for years. You think about it every time the yard needs extra attention. You thought about it today “I’m tired of rattling […]
Thinking About Downsizing?
Why just considering it means you’ve already started. Here is something I’ve learned: downsizing isn’t just about square footage. It’s about life, and it’s about change. Downsizing is about identity, memory, comfort, fear, and freedom. It’s about everything you’ve built in your home and everything you’re imagining for what comes next. That’s why it’s so […]
How To Talk About the Last Few Chapters
…With Children Who Aren’t Ready To Think About It Let’s face it—no one really likes to talk about the last chapters. Not when you mean the chapters in your life that include big decisions about where you live, how you live, and what you leave behind (both emotionally and materially). However, you, my wise and seasoned […]
