Downsizing My Home—Emotional & Practical Considerations

Bestbird

As one who moved in 3 months from a beloved 2,200 square foot house into a 700 square foot apartment in an Independent Living Facility, I can relate to what others are going through! Fortunately I'd begun the de-cluttering process before I knew we were moving, although once we made the commitment everything went into a whirlwind of streamlining, planning for the presentation of the house, and the move itself. We were under a time constrain because we had to begin paying rent 60 days after reserving the apartment, so the faster we did things, the better! And other than having movers move heavy things, my husband and I moved ourselves bit by bit because fortunately the apartment was only a few miles from our house.

Something that went very well for us was hiring an estate sale company to tag, present, and sell the possessions we did not bring with us. We interviewed three companies, checked references, and hired a great company that sold nearly everything. They donated/cleared out anything that didn't sell and broom-cleaned the house.

Although it was painful to part with photographs and old letters, along with some beloved possessions, I haven't looked back. My husband and I love where we live, and I am glad that others will treasure the items for which I was the temporary keeper.

With best wishes to all!

Nkb

Shetland- sounds like you made a wonderful decision to stay in your preferred location and downsize the house and the financial burden. I hope it is the perfect cottage to nest. I've always liked cottages also.

I intermittently declutter-did a lot at the first diagnosis. Our kids don't want the stuff. I am trying hard not to accumulate more stuff- it does seem to sneak in and accumulate though. I so understand not wanting to waste the feel good days.

This quote is so apt. It is the only way to move on. I still fantasize what life would have been like had I been carefree health wise as I moved about my life. I often wonder if everyone else in my yoga class feels the same sensation from the pose or is this a drug/post surgical etc effect. "We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." -E. M. Forster

ShetlandPony

Bestbird, thank you for telling me that you love where you now live, after having to leave a beloved house for a much smaller place. My living space will be less than half what it is now, and I do love my current home. I will miss so much, including lovely views out every window that make me feel peaceful.

Nkb and Lumpie, I am trying to finish letting go of the life I had planned as the quote says, but I must admit that some days, especially when I am very tired, I feel angry and bitter at the unfairness. We are having some bumps in the escrow process, hoping the deal actually happens, and I'm just thinking, of course — why should I expect things to go well for us? It doesn't help that I am exhausted from keeping the house perfect and from managing the whole process with its endless phone calls, texts, emails, and paperwork.

Bestbird and others who have downsized, do you have any tips for dealing with greatly reduced living space, other than the usual decluttering?

Thanks to all who posted recently. For all you de-clutterers, remember the “Not quite a horder [sic]" decluttering thread here on BCO.