Clients R

Date: April 2016 – November 2017
Space: 2000 sq ft house to 1100 sq ft patio home

Clients R wanted to downsize from their 3bd ranch house to a 2bd patio home. In addition to losing square footage, they also lost a large garage and yard.

Clients R had lived in their home for over 15 years. Tough decisions had to be made and priorities placed. The clients had one major advantage. They were not planning to move to 6 months to a year.

Because we had sufficient time and many of the decisions were emotionally charged, we made an initial cut, focusing on one space at a time. All like items – mugs, dish sets, pots– were brought together at a work table. The questions that helped this client make decisions were:

1. How many XX do I really need?
2. When will I ever use XX again?
3. Does XX make me feel good?
4. Can I use something else to do what XX does?

Items were placed in “Donate”, “Consign”, “Sell Online”, and “Keep for Now”. By selling selected items in the relevant marketplace, the client was more comfortable letting go.

When we started packing boxes we made a second pass. During the second cut items were put in “Get Rid of”, “Unpack First”, and “Save for Space” categories. On moving day, “Unpack First” items, were unpacked and put away. The “Save for Space” items remained in their boxes. Detailed packing lists made this temporary storage easier. Over time about half of the items found permanent space inside the house.

Lessons to Learn:

• Thinking you might downsize? NOW is the right time to start preparing. Leave yourself plenty of time to make decluttering decisions. If you have time make several passes.
• Find the right new home, whether it is sold, given to family, or donated.
• Focus on one space (kitchen) or type of item (home décor) at a time.
• Figure out what questions enable you to make the hard choices. Print out and post these questions in your workspace, work with a friend or professional, or simply use as a mantra as you go.
• You will find it gets easier to let go as you work the process.