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Guest Post: Downsizing and NOT Moving?

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Thank you, guest blogger Moreen Torpy, for sharing this post with my readers! Moreen’s contact info and weblinks appear at the end; please visit her and check out her new book, Going Forward: Downsizing, Moving and Settling In!–Deb 

At some point in life, most of us face the necessity of downsizing our possessions. We usually think of this as a prelude to moving from a large home to a smaller one, however, we don’t have to be moving to downsize.Organizing and Not Moving

We may just want to have more freedom to move around in our current home and the “stuff” is getting in the way. Even psychologically, “stuff” takes a toll.

In our consumer society, it’s too easy to accumulate more than we can ever use or enjoy. One day we realize that it’s overtaking our life. We’re not controlling our “stuff”—it’s controlling us.

What does that mean “stuff controlling us”? It happens when the upkeep and maintenance of it ceases to be enjoyable. It happens when we’re paranoid about it being broken or stolen. It happens when we’re obsessed with the mere owning of it, whatever “it” is.

Sometimes we make the connection that what we have around us is upsetting our psyche, and are able to do something about this. We might decide to sell whatever we can, give heirlooms to family members to whom the items are significant, or simply donate them to a charity. In some places, the charity will give you a receipt for your donation that you can use on your income tax filing.

Then there’s the joy of being able to make others happy by giving them items they love and will cherish. Who wouldn’t want to experience that?

At some point, we need new clothes. What do we do with what’s already hanging in our closets or curled up in dresser drawers? We don’t always buy new things because the old ones don’t fit any more. More often we make purchases to uplift ourselves, to feel better about ourselves and our appearance or for a special event. Those items we’re not wearing can easily be worn and appreciated by others. Time to pass them along. Downsize our wardrobe to make place for those new items, remembering space isn’t elastic and can’t continually stretch to accommodate more and more. The “one in, one out” rule really works.

Our taste in décor changes over time as well. When we redecorate, what happens to the items being retired? Do we shove them into our storage space and slam the door shut, hoping nothing will push it open again? Or do we pass them along as we would those heirlooms and clothing mentioned above?

It’s not unusual to hear people happily admit how they feel a weight has been lifted from their shoulders when they’ve passed on many of their belongings. They feel “lighter”, able to think more clearly, and sometimes even relieved that it’s gone. They feel free again.

What are your reasons for downsizing? Are you motivated to actually do it and follow the steps to eliminating the “stuff” from your life?

© 2013 Moreen Torpy

We would be honored for you to reprint this article. If you do, please include the resource box below with the hyperlinks intact.

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Moreen Torpy is the De-Clutter Coach, a Trained Professional Organizer, Author, and Speaker. Her new book is Going Forward: Downsizing, Moving and Settling In. See http://www.GoForwardDownsize.com for more about the book including where to purchase it, and http://www.decluttercoach.ca to learn about her organizing services and other books.

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