Stuff n’ Things! Stuff n’ Things! Am I a Crazy Hoarder?

Truths About Downsizing.

I have good news and bad news.

The good news is- You’re not crazy! The justifications you have for having all of that “stuff” is probably sound.

For one thing, the “things” are likely in good and working condition. It is 100% against your natural human instinct to throw away something that still has use and function. In fact, you are probably smart enough to recognize that to throw away this useful item is going to fill up a landfill needlessly! Why would anyone do that?

Then there’s the plan that comes with the item. Maybe you were working on a project that hasn’t been completed…YET. Maybe you were saving it for a family member (who may or may not care as much about it as you do). Perhaps it was associated with a significant memory you cherish. Perhaps it was a gift from someone you love, and to part with it would feel disrespectful to the giver. Perhaps it was inherited, and you are holding it for the family line.

 None of these logical thoughts make you a crazy hoarder!

Now (and you knew this was coming), here’s the bad news. While living in a consumerist society is great for fueling the economy and encouraging innovation, being buried in cool toys, fashions, do-dads, and what-have-yous is the serious downside. Unfortunately, unless you choose to separate with your worldly possessions, join the minimalist (LINK) movement and build a tiny house off-grid, you are going to be confronted with your ability to part with THINGS.

Imagine where you want to be in 10 years. Who are you spending time with? Travel? Free time? What do expect your health and fitness to look like 10 years from now?

Guess what, your stuff is in the driver’s seat of your life.

You can envision the home and lifestyle you want. You can imagine waking up without yard work to do. You are dreaming of coffee on your lanai with a sunrise view instead of facing a driveway full of snow. You smile when imagining your clean laundry folded and put away neatly, without needing to drag yourself up and down the staircase to do it.

You may have even found the home you want, but thinking of downsizing has you sitting on the basement floor reading old copies of National Geographic that you haven’t looked at since 1987.  Now, I can see how that could be kind of awesome, but, if you don’t throw that thing in a box to donate you are going to stay right where you are….until you cant.

Worst of all, IT IS NOT GOING TO GET EASIER LATER.  So sorry to say it, but it is fact. It is not going to go away in the future unless the future YOU is willing to part with the Stuff ‘n Things.

Uprooting and changing your lifestyle is a major adjustment! It’s not just the stuff. It’s the lifestyle you are used to. It’s the memories associated with the home your kids grew up in. It’s the friends in your neighborhood. It’s the ease of familiarity.

But let me promise you. You can and will get comfortable in your new home. By adjusting your relationship to the Stuff n’ Things, you can and will enjoy the lifestyle that you know in your gut is where you belong for the next chapter of your life.

Here are some things you can do with your Stuff n’ Things:

1. Sort the stuff by item type and get rid of duplicates (you probably don’t need 20 pairs of scissors, for example).

2. Throw away obvious trash- medicines, old products, empty boxes, newspapers.

3. Digitize your paperwork and shred it (Sign up for our next Shed Event [LINK]).

4. Get advice from your broker on what is smart to keep for staging [link].

5. Take photos of sentimental items and pop the pics in an album before giving it away.

6. Donate books, pens, art supplies etc. to your local school.

7. Sell furniture and knick-knacks- we have several companies that buy or consign household items.

8. Donate clothes to Dress for Success, Salvation Army, Goodwill, or ARC.

9. Enlist a Declutter Expert (link).

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You are not alone, and you don’t have to do it alone. Give us a call (720) 641-9800 for a free consultation and list of resources for downsizing your home and live the life you LOVE.