It is Never Too Soon to Prepare to Downsize and Move

We all procrastinate in some shape or form, because we always know that there will is tomorrow.  Well most of the time there is, however the older we become there are fewer tomorrows.  And over the years the majority of us have accumulated a lot of stuff. Good stuff but still stuff.  What will happen to this stuff if we put off until tomorrow doing what is necessary to downsize and prepare to move someday? Well nothing because tomorrow it will still be sitting in the basement, attic or garage.

If you don't start the process it will never get done, or at least it won't get done in your life time.  After you have passed away or have become too feeble or ill to do the job, your family or someone will come in and plow through your belongings.   You should decide if that is what you want to have happen.  There are items that you value and they may also have some monetary value, that you would like to pass along to your family, special friends, or charities.   If this is the case you need to start thinking about doing this project sooner than later.

You may not have any thought of moving out of your home in the near future but downsizing is not always about moving.   There are four reasons to consider downsizing.   Moving is only one; the other three are:

1. Safety- As we get older our belongings start to get in our way.  They could cause a fall, or just make it dangerous to maneuver through the house.
2. Enjoyment- We have accumulated many items and we have enjoyed them through the years.   We have used them to entertain, make family memories and for decoration in our homes.  Because we have enjoyed them, sometimes our families would like to have them for their enjoyment and to create memories for their families.
3. Physically and Mentally- Right now you are physically and mentally able to cope with the task of downsizing.  Downsizing can be overwhelming and physically challenging so sometimes if we wait too long we cannot do it and we will need to ask for help.   Mentally there will be a lot of memories as we start to dig through the stuff.   There will be items from our deceased parents (and even grandparents), as well as memories of life as it was when you were raising your children.
4. Moving -This could have been 1st or last in this list, but it is still important where ever we put it.   When we get to a certain point in our life we start to think about going smaller.  What do we need with so much space.   Or we come to the conclusion that we cannot continue to maintain the house and the yard.  When the decision to move comes, you will need to do some preliminary downsizing even to just sell the house.  Then once the house is sold then the fun begins with the serious downsizing and you only then have 6 to 8 weeks to get it all done.   The pressure is on.

These are all very good reasons to start this process as soon as you can.  Stop procrastinating.   No one will critize you for doing this.   Downsizing over the course of time at you own pace is just common sense.   Yes, you still might need to ask for help, but so what!   That's what family is for, and if you are not under any time constraints and pressure getting the help is a lot easier.

So don't feel like you have to start downsizing, but consider the options and alternatives.   Our tomorrows are not as many as they were a year ago.   And if you are honest you would probably feel better going through your things than having your children or a stranger do it!