Prep to Downsize | Know Some Creative Ways

Need Help with Prep to Downsize?

Recruit Family Support Creatively… Throw a Party!

A Fun Alternative to Merely Asking for Help…

Creative Ways: Prep to Downsize with Help from Family and Friends

You’ve already discovered that your kids and grandkids want little, if any, of your stuff. Apparently, decorative objects and collectibles often don’t suit their taste. Furniture isn’t the right style or scale for their apartments. And, they already have all the kitchen gear they need.

Downsizing is never easy. Add to that, the burden of having to label, pack, and get things out the door to a suitable recipient can be overwhelming. Of course, asking for help is never easy. Meanwhile, the first steps seem to be personal decisions about how to get some belongings out of the way. Often, help can be nearer to us and easier to recruit than we realize!

If looking for ways to minimize your stuff, a downsizing party may be just the thing

A recent Washington Post story (Link: Anything You Want, Take it; Downsizing Party After 45 Years) talked about how one Washington, D.C., couple, Karen and Fritz Mulhauser, threw a party and invited friends to cart away things – linens, glasses, books, decorative objects – from the house.

You never know who, among your friends, neighbors, and relatives, has had an eye on something you have which they would gladly pay for. For years, they may have admired a particular collection, painting, sculpture, or decorative object, and may be willing to take it off your hands. If attached sentimentally, parting ways with something to a close friend or family member is easier.

For you, keep the party preparation simple. For example, you label or put out things that you want to be taken away, then invite friends to bring paper, boxes, and bags and cart them out. Provide some snacks and beverages – the Mulhausers were ready with 200 flutes full of champagne – and a little good cheer, and within a couple of hours, your load could be lightened. That makes a high return for you on the investment of a few pizzas and soda. And, you are ready to take the next steps to prep to downsize.

Endnote

Downsizing can be a fun activity and a stress buster too. Get rid of most of the unwanted things that need to be separated from the rest of things. Resulting in less and keeping the most important and worthy things with you. At the same time getting organized with your house making things more easy and convenient.

Prep to Downsize – Throw a Downsizing Party!