Downsizing Feels So Good

Research & Plan 1st

A few weeks ago I shared a little about our downsizing for our move to NWI.  Kyle is so good at researching and planning when he’s tackling something new, so I decided to follow suit and check out a few books from the library to get better at my organizing skills.  

Death Cleaning?!?

The first book I read was called “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta Magnusson.  The book isn’t as morbid as it sounds because the author is a bit of a know-it-all – especially when it comes to downsizing and getting rid of her stuff.  I actually found it quite comical because of how spunky she is – there were good laughs throughout the book. 

The gist of it is that we should take responsibility to clean up our things and our lives before we leave this earth (after all, you can’t take it with you).  We should be responsible and find good homes for our things – plus it will mean more to give away our stuff in person than after we’re dead. 

Here’s an excerpt from the book that I found meaningful:

Bins, Bins and More Bins

The second book that I read was called “The Home Edit” by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin.  These women started a home organization business where they help clients organize their homes.  The book is jam packed full of pictures and ideas for beautifully organized rooms.  I think one of the pantries is as big as my whole kitchen and dining room put together!  But regardless, their process worked for me – even for the smallest spaces. 

Here’s an overview of their recommended process:

Too much Stuff

I’m not sure that I can add too much value from what these women have shared in their books, and there are literally thousands of more resources on organization and paring down … Houston, it seems that we may have a problem?!

But I’ll share 3 tips that I try to keep in mind:

1. Use it
2. Ask why
3. Let it go

Use what I have

For me, downsizing has a lot to do with my mental and emotional state and the relationship with the things I own.   For example, in the past, I was extremely busy with work, and rarely had time to run errands – even on the weekends.  I also lived in homes with lots of storage and extra space, so when I found time to run errands, I would stock up on extras – cleaning supplies, toiletries and beauty supplies,

toilet paper and paper towels, etc.  I never wanted to run out because who knows the next time I would be able to buy more.  I had enough space to store the extras. When I started packing for our move, I found doubles, triples (and more!) of these products.  I need to get rid of the fear of not having enough – of the product OR the time to get more!

This is something that I’m still working on overcoming.  Right now, I’m in the process of using everything that I have before buying more.  For me, this means not impulse buying at the store just in case …

Why do I want to keep it?

The next area for me to consider is why do I have it and why do I want to keep it.  In our previous home in Indy, we had a lot of built-in storage, and we could display keepsakes and mementos that we collected or were gifted over the years.  We also had a very nice built-in bar storage.  We do not have this space in our new home. 

Kyle & I do not drink wine but we had multiple sets of wine glasses given to us from our wedding – plus I have a set from my grandparents (their wedding present).  In addition, we had lots of other drink glasses that were purchased or gifts throughout the years. It was difficult, but I decided to give away the wine glasses given to us as wedding gifts – along with several other sets of glasses.   I kept the set from my grandparents – maybe we’ll develop a taste for wine as we get older 🍷?!?

One thing that helps me get rid of things easier is to take a picture of the item before I pack it up or give it away.  I have a folder on my phone called Memories that it’s moved to (and saved on a hard drive as well).  That way if I wanted to revisit the memory of it, I could.

Let it go!

Finally, Elsa from Frozen has it correct – sometimes I just have to let it go!  It’s hard to remember but I can’t take it with me when I leave …  I don’t want to be insensitive on this point.  Sometimes we’re not ready to let go, and as long as keeping it doesn’t hinder your lifestyle, it’s ok to wait until you’re ready. 

I still have one of Zeke’s pain medicine bottles in our cabinet.  I know that it is silly, but I’m not yet ready to let it go just yet.  I justify that it’s small enough we can still have a functioning and manageable space with it.

I did go through many of his other things, and packed it up for a future puppy someday or found new homes for it – but I did take a picture to keep the memory.

Final Thoughts

Take this process in small steps.  Don’t try to tackle everything or every room all at once.  And if you find an area that you are not ready to start at the moment, you can wait. Just don’t ignore it forever … after all, “Someone will have to clean up after you.” Thanks for the reminder, Margareta!

If you need more motivation, check out inspiration books from your local library too!

What do you Think?

Well, that’s my advice on downsizing.  I’d love to hear what you think.  Have you tried getting rid of your stuff lately?  What tips do you have that can help me let go?   Please share your feedback in the comments below or reach out to me directly!

– Kara from Zeke Life

Live like Zeke
You’re such a good boy!