Unexpected Move

I have spent the last few weeks preparing homes for sale. And I will continue for the next few weeks due to the amount of possessions these individuals own and are storing for others. Both are moving due to health reasons and they are making the decisions about what to keep, what to sell and what to give away.

And I want to stress that I would not consider either of these people elderly. Unexpected changes in our health can dictate a move we are not always ready for. Fortunately both can make these difficult decisions and are not leaving them for their children.

Parting with one's personal possessions can be a difficult chore...

Imagine how it might feel for you to have to make these decisions for a loved one when they are not able to or worse yet that your loved ones need to make these decisions on your behalf.

Sadly, your loved ones do not always know the memories or stories attached to what you consider valuable. Often these items end up in the garbage, at a garage sale or at a local charity-none of which are your choice. Parting with your cherished possessions should be done in a dignified process. In order for this to happen you need to make some choices today. Whether a person is moving to a smaller home or not, most of us can do some downsizing. Get started for yourself or encourage your parent, grandparent, or special friend to part with their possessions now.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Items not currently used or packed away where they are not being enjoyed should be passed along to your loved ones now where possible.
2. Items that you are storing for your grown children who live in their own home need to go to their home. You are not a storage facility. Set a deadline –it does work.
3. If they are young or just cannot take these items now i.e. they are attending college/university, sort and pack into bins or boxes and label for each individual. If you want your cherished stories to go along with them take the time to write a note about its importance to you or family history.

Items just taking up space in the garage, basement, closets and so forth should be moved out. Give good items to charity, hold a garage sale or places to sell them but do find new homes for these belongings.

It doesn't have to be done all in a day, a week or even in 15 days. Do it in bite sized tasks as described in my report  15 Days to a Clutter Free Home.