|
The idea of moving from a large house into a smaller one usually carries with it an intention to simplify life, to move through one's days smoothly and gracefully, unencumbered by the demands of maintaining a large home. But anyone downsizing their residence faces the question of what to do with all the extra stuff: the furniture, the tools, the knickknacks and collections, the seasonal decorations, the pantry shelves full of appliances, pottery and dishes--that once filled the space of many rooms.
Moving it all, trying to squeeze it into a diminutive space, destroys the idea of simplification. It creates clutter; clutter generates chaos, and destroys the serenity that most of us would like to feel in our home.
Yet, if we have a choice, it's not a wise decision to abandon everything. As humans, mementos add a sense of flow to our lives. When we stand surrounded by more than will fit in our new home, we have three choices: we keep it, we sell it, or we give it away. Here are some guidelines to help you decide what to do.
First, decide what to keep. Take a look at the furniture, since that provides the foundation. People who successfully live in a small space know that everything must do double duty; end tables must also provide storage, a couch must provide sleeping space for guests. They also look at traditional furnishings with an eye for multiple uses not necessarily built in by the manufacturer: bookshelves can be night stands, storage trunks can be coffee tables, luggage stores out of season clothes or extra blankets. Perhaps a long dresser can be used as a buffet, and hold everything from photography equipment to stationery. These unique uses can be quite charming. Two or three flat-sided antique suitcases, for example, can be stacked and used as an end table or night stand while they provide storage for holiday decorations, extra bedding or craft supplies. The luggage tags can identify contents.
Next, consider your real needs for the kitchen. How many complete sets of china and silver will you need for entertaining in a small dining area? How often will you need more than one six quart mixing bowl, a half a dozen spatulas, multiple sets of measuring cups and spoons? Take with you what you need, but, again, consider how you can use dishes for more than one purpose.
As you go through your closets, take only the clothing that fits you perfectly, that you look and feel wonderful in, and that needs no repair. This is a tailor-made opportunity to dispose of everything stained, out of style, too small, too big, and that you've never worn but you kept because someone gave it to you and you didn't want to hurt their feelings by getting rid of it.
If you have collections that take up lots of space, select two or three of your favorite pieces to display; think "double-duty" here, too. A favorite pitcher can become a flower pot, a pencil cup, or a holder for cotton balls in the bathroom. Take only the books that will fit on the shelves you have floor space for. Restrict your craft or sewing supplies to what will fit in one container or closet.
The easiest way to know what will fit is to move into your new home before you decide to start giving away or selling the excess. Once you have moved, and you know what will fit comfortably without crowding you out of your quarters, it might be time to take a deep breath and release emotionally all that you are letting go of.
If you do have things that are important to your life that simply will not fit, rent a storage unit. This is an ideal place to keep bulky items--skis, camping equipment, or boxes of holiday wrapping supplies. You can create a "back porch" kind of feel by setting up block-and-board shelves and hanging racks around the perimeter so you have easy access to whatever you store there.
Remind yourself that you can keep your memories without hanging on to stuff that came with them. Remind yourself, too, that what you no longer have use for can enrich someone's life who truly does have a need for it.
Now it's time to consider what to do with all that's left. Most labor intensive is a garage sale. You can make some nice money if you have the time and energy to devote to properly display, price, and man the sale. Least labor intensive is to hire a company that buys everything as a complete lot; they will purchase for a lump sum, and move everything out. They may also help you find buyers for extremely valuable individual items such as antiques, jewelry or artwork.
You may want to donate to local museums or the library if you have items that will enrich their collections. You can choose to give things to family or friends if they have expressed a special interest over the years, or offer them first choice of purchase.
The most important thing to remember is that in choosing to make this move, you can build your future on the best of your past.
| 
