WHERE TO BEGIN DOWNSIZING: BOXES FOR MANY DIRECTIONS

I am often asked: What do I do FIRST? Where do I begin downsizing?

I believe there is no right answer of where to begin.

Two ways include: 

Option 1: One room at a time.

Option 2: One category at a time.

Option 1 means going through every item in that room and deciding whether it stays or goes.

Option 2 means choosing a category (clothing, books, appliances, tools). Find those items in every room and declare STAY or GO. 

My client Dave chose Option 2. Computer equipment and phones and all their paraphernalia (cords, etc.) were his first category. With treasure-hunt diligence, Dave searched every room unearthing every old device.

Dave was wise to choose an easy category with many items and few sentimental connections. This project kickstarted Dave to rightsizing his home — one category at a time (lamps, seasonal decorations, clothing, dishes, tools). 

Whichever option you choose, consider which of these STAY or GO boxes will make your rightsizing or downsizing more efficient: 

PUT AWAY, RECYCLE, TOSS, CHARITY, SELL, Re-GIFT or RETURN, AMBIVALENCE.

Set a timer to sort in 15-minute increments with another 5 minutes to return the PUT AWAY items to their appropriate location in your home.   Do you really want to put that item away? What would it take for you to let it GO? 

Attempt to release a visible number of items.  Go beyond organizing a chaotic pile. Organization looks great but doesn’t downsize for a move or right-size so you can enjoy your home more.

Pack your CHARITY box in the car as soon as it is full so you are not tempted to open it.

Do you really want to Re-GIFT that item?  Are you sure your intended recipient wants it?

Are any of your TOSS items recyclable or suitable for a charity sale?

I will say more about the AMBIVALENCE box next week. Briefly, its purpose is to hold items for which you are uncertain. Maybe you need them. Maybe you don’t. Until next week……Happy Sorting!