Simplifying vs. Downsizing

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Is there a difference between simplifying and downsizing? Not really. Using the word “simplify” is a gentler way to identify the real action of downsizing. If we want to move a quantity of belongings out of our space, we can either downsize them or simplify the space. Whichever term you … [Read more...]

Benefits of Downsizing

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I’m sure there’s a part of all of us that never wants to have to downsize. It conjures up all kinds of anxiety—the work involved, what to do with everything, whether we can physically deal with all that must be done, or who will help deal with all of this. Or we may deny the importance of … [Read more...]

Reasons to downsize

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There are probably just about as many reasons for downsizing as there are people—with slight variations. Here are some of them: Realization that you have too much “stuff” and want to live a more peaceful life with less. Planning to move to a smaller place that won’t accommodate … [Read more...]

Downsizing another person

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If you’re in a position to have to downsize someone else, whether a parent, relative or friend, it can be a challenge. In fact, you may experience deep grief as a result. Here are some tips to help you through this. 1. Focus on what’s coming. Be honest about your feelings and coping … [Read more...]

Reduce paper clutter

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All of us have tons of paper and wonder where it all came from. So, how to downsize this collection? The easiest place to begin looking is right at our mail box. What comes into the home that can be ditched into the recycle bin right away? Purge now Do you really read all those weekly flyers … [Read more...]

Downsizing a Senior

Senior Couple

Is downsizing a Senior any different from downsizing anyone else? Who is a Senior anyway? The answer to this is very clear—it depends It depends on: Your relationship with that person. Is she/he a parent, relative, friend or client? Each relationship will evoke a different approach. The … [Read more...]

When to downsize

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Downsizing can be a sensitive issue for some. It might indicate the end of the road, where we lose all our independence, but it need not be that. There are degrees of downsizing, depending on the situation at hand. It’s not age related at all. Anyone might decide to eliminate some of their … [Read more...]

Is it Time to Downsize Your Commitments?

Balance

We’re part way into another new year, and with the holidays behind us, it’s time to consider where our time is going. Let’s first decide what our time is worth. Remember that once it’s gone, there’s no way to bring it back so it’s important to spend it in ways that are most important to … [Read more...]

Electronics—the overload

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iPods, iPads, iPhones, tablets, e-readers, Smart Phones, Android devices—how much technology is too much? Do we really need every device ever created? Maybe it’s time to let some go. Knowing that many devices can do the same job as others, perhaps having just one general purpose piece of … [Read more...]

Downsizing and Holiday Food

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Before Thanksgiving was over, the recipes started appearing in my in-box for how to use the leftovers. While I enjoy turkey for days after the main event, all these ideas were just too much for me to deal with! Then an article appeared that talked about how wasting food is bad for our … [Read more...]