Easing the Downsizing Process

“I want my kids to do it after I die.”

A woman said this to me before a presentation last year, when I asked if she had started the process of downsizing. I wish I’d chatted with her after the seminar, which offered tips for making the process easier; perhaps she had a change of heart? Perhaps not. Many people say that the thought of sorting through a lifetime of stuff is so overwhelming that they avoid it.

Are you or your loved ones facing the process of downsizing? It’s daunting, yes, but you can make choices that make it easier. 

Deborah Moyer at The Downsizing Institute says, “Downsizing isn’t something to fear; it’s really just a process of reassessing and actively choosing what you need in your current season of life to be happy, healthy and comfortable.” Often people try to hold onto as much as possible, keeping things that served them well earlier in life even though they no longer need or use them. 

So I have two important tips. The first is START EARLY. Starting well before it’s time to move allows you to have more agency, significantly decreasing the sense of overwhelm you’ll feel. It’s always easier to make decisions without the pressure of a fast-approaching deadline. It only gets harder over time, especially as physical or cognitive challenges creep onto the scene.

The second tip is to take advantage of the great resources at The Downsizing Institute. From monthly blogs (such as 6 Ways to Support Seniors in Major Life Transitions) to online education about how to ease the process and more, DSI is a fabulous resource. (You can even use the code SPIRIT10OFF to save 10% on already reasonably priced programs.) Do what you can to help yourself and those you love ease the downsizing process.