26 Feb Downsizing is More than a Space Issue…it’s a Family Affair
Guest Blogger – Wade Gilley, Realtor
February 25, 2015
What stays and what goes when families pack up and move? This might be a trick question because the answer depends on so many variables. After 10 moves in my adult life, and countless days packing boxes, I haven’t figured out how to squelch the pile of donations and throwaways at the new end. It usually is stuff I was sure we would need, wanted at the time, and then couldn’t figure out what to do with once I got there.
Is there a better way on the front end of downsizing our possessions to avoid the overflow and underused and never really wanted pile on the back side? Maybe.
A friend suggested started with a family meeting to let everyone in on the three category process: save, toss, and donate. You also might try answering a dramatic question, like what would be the most important things to save in a fire? Or more simply, have each person really look at their personal stuff and then at the family stuff. What is irreplaceable, what is necessary, and what is not? What’s worn out, tired and too faded or too old? Well, you get the picture.
After ditching one too many pair of drapes following Move #2, window treatments became something that always stays put in the old place. The new guy gets to decide if they stay or go because they mostly never fit the new place anyway. That awesome nearly new chandelier hanging over your dining table? If you really can’t part with it, take it down now, and put up a replacement. And about that pile at the other end? Consider two categories, toss or give away, because you certainly don’t need to store it!
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