Y
ou are now the owner of a stylish, new
abode at 41 West. Your move-in date
is fast approaching and all you want
to do is reside in that serene oasis.
Unfortunately, there is that dreaded
chore before you do… DOWNSIZING! Downsizing
dilemmas are time-consuming but can be made less
daunting. Follow these S.I.M.P.L.E. tasks to downsize
and welcome your refreshingly clutter-free life!
Suspend Storage Containers. Before packing that first
box, identify bins, baskets, boxes and drawers that
specifically store things. Exclude containers used
for organizing such as jewelry boxes, toy storage
or cutlery trays. Instead, focus on the stackable
tubs and clear bins used for things you may use
someday but that day never arrived. Aim to empty
50% of storage bins then donate the excess items
and bins to charity. The success of this first step
will save on packing materials and the muscle
power needed to get the packing complete.
home, outside of yours, for unused paraphernalia and
dusty knick-knacks long forgotten. By all means, keep
the sentimental objects, but practice a “less stuff, less
fuss” mentality.
Love it or Lose it. Use a “love it or lose it” mentality
to sort through clothing and accessories. Create
piles to discard, donate and disown - and do just
that. You will be amazed how nice the remaining
items hang, fold and get placed in your new home,
without additional storage.
Involve Individuals. The old cliché “no man is
an island” applies perfectly well during your
downsizing pursuits. Coordinate a swap meet with
friends (remember to give and not receive). Invite
your neighbors to participate in a community yard
sale. Gather your little ones to help decide which
toys to keep with an agreement that once their
toy bin is full, the others are donated. Solicit your
spouse to inventory their most frequently used
home areas to cite items to reduce, reuse and
recycle. When you involve everyone, the task of
downsizing moves more towards sharing and less
towards the saving of things.
Make Use of Multi-Purpose Furniture. Do not think
that your old furniture will not fit in your new space
until you measure. While the reduced square footage
may prove to be true for your existing dining and living
room furniture, tables, shelving units, cabinets and
bookcases may serve multiple purposes. The cart that
held your spices may now fit nicely in your bathroom
for toiletries. Evaluating your furniture for multi-purpose
functions is a money-saving endeavor.
Purge Paraphernalia. In the American reality television
series Hoarders, a psychologist and clean-up crew
assist hoarders to clean up their act to live with fewer
items. Watching one episode will prompt you to find a
Eliminate Excessive Kitchen Items. Having fewer
kitchen items will require less packing. Pare down to
one set of good quality measuring spoons and cups,
one pot for coffee and tea, one set of dishes and
silverware. Do you really need that microwave and
toaster oven, or can the stove and oven do? You get
the drift. In addition, save only a few plastic containers.
Avoid unnecessary items and strive to utilize dual-
purpose appliances and gadgets.
You will downsize in less time and save money with the
S.I.M.P.L.E. method. Happy Living!
JUNE 2018 | GBSAN.COM 25