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Comments For "Downsizing: 6 Months & Counting"
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21 Responses to “Downsizing: 6 Months & Counting”
  1. Rhea Says:

    Very good tips, especially the downsizing party where everyone takes something home.

  2. Hattie Says:

    This is great advice! Thanks to Rhea for finding it. I especially like the idea of gradually getting things under control for a move long before you need to do so.
    Just to add to what you say: we put items to keep in transparent plastic boxes which we put in storage shelves. That looks neater than plastic bags.
    Also I never buy anything new without throwing something comparable away or at least knowing where the new item will go.
    Don't think I would like to get rid of Cuisinart or my Dutch oven, though, because I use them all the time.

  3. Travelinoma Says:

    We downsized 5 years ago, moving from a 4,000 square foot home to a 1200 square foot apartment. I just wrote about how we handled all our possessions on my blog. It was an energizing experience and has given us newfound freedom.

  4. Leslie Turek Says:

    I have been working on downsizing for the past coupld of years. I have lots of stuff stored in an attic and basement, so it's taking some time. One of my problems has been how to actually dispose of an item once I've decided to do without it. One method I've used has been to join freecycle (see freecycle.org). This is a network of local groups of people who give things away free to each other. I enjoy the feeling that the stuff I'm getting rid of will go to someone who is happy to have it and will be using it. It's made the parting a little easier.

  5. Cynthia Friedlob Says:

    This is such an important topic -- not only downsizing, but having an adequate amount of time to do it. It's especially important for older people to start dealing with this sooner rather than later because they usually have many items with sentimental value and those are the hardest to let go. I particularly like the idea of having a party and inviting family and friends to take whatever they want.

    I wrote a book about my personal experiences letting go of "stuff" and I referred to the process of parting with treasured family possessions as my "pre-estate sale!" Now I blog about buying and living with fewer possessions, about the freedom that living with less offers, and about the significant impact we can have on the environment and on social justice if we just we think before we buy. Buy less, have less to downsize!

  6. Cindi Says:

    Great ideas, since I have 2 months to downsize to just really bare necessities.
    Breaks my heart, and I am trying to look at it as starting new with no ties.
    But a bed some shelves and drawers from a 2200 sq ft house seems impossible. Clothes... not cute are gone. Shoes omg!!... I am giving towels and old bedspreads to the local pound so the animals can stay warm while waiting for a new home. A new trash can is good for storing lots of I have to haves but no place to use them.... I am going nuts but sharing and reading these comments helped. thanks

  7. Margit Novack Says:

    Cindi, keep up the great work! Having a sense of humor goes very far not just in downsizing but in living your life; you clearly have that on your side.

  8. Cindi Says:

    Question as I am purging.... Of all old checks and billing statements I have from the past 7 years..... what do I really need to keep???

    Thanks Margit for the kinds words at this time that seems so out of control.
    I have done this all before....before the computer age, i am just adjusting like I'd like..... keeping my fingers crossed...

  9. Margit Novack Says:

    Cindi, your best bet is to contact your accountant and ask him or her what you should be keeping.

  10. Cynthia Friedlob, The Thoughtful Consumer Says:

    Here's a helpful link from the IRS website:

    How long to keep records

  11. Cindi Says:

    Thanks Cynthia, I kept every statement, from credit cards, utilities,
    these are what I am asking about.... I have gone through all today from 1999 to 2008... my poor heavy duty shredder has over heated and stop 2 times today.
    I decided to use the shredded paper to pack my beautiful Christmas Dishes and collectables. RECYCLE.... lol...
    I hate this downsizing..... but on the plus side more free time and way way smaller area to clean....
    THANKS TO THOSE WHO WERE KIND ENOUGH TO GIVE SUGGESTIONS ...
    Cindi

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