Our stuff after downsizing had to fit in a overseas shipping container.

You want motivation to downsize? Move to Costa Rica like we did.  But it doesn’t have to be that dramatic.

Downsizing is not easy, but there are so many reasons to downsize as you age, and downsizing in general, has many benefits. Wondering how to make downsizing easier as you age? This post is for you! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made (to downsize), but it definitely was not simple and easy. It can actually be pretty challenging, timely, and trying. As you go through the process, special memories will definitely pop up and it’s completely normal to have big feelings while going through your things that bring up memories. If your downsizing process also includes moving away from the home that your kids grew up in, there might also be tears, sadness, and maybe some anger, as well, that arise during the transition. Don’t worry, though. Even if the process is hard, the end result is well worth it.

If you are in the process of downsizing and if the process has been very emotionally trying and draining for you, please continue reading. Know one thing first: it is normal and you will get through it. This process takes time. Time to physically downsize and time to accept the process (mentally). Are you wondering how to make downsizing easier as you age? Here are a few tips:

Take your time

Sometimes, it just takes time. If you go through your home and you are not ready to get rid of something, or multiple things, set them aside for a few weeks and come back to it. You will eventually be ready when it’s time. If you are moving, you might be a bit more rushed and in this case, it might be time to call someone to help you out. Give yourself time and a lot of grace during this process. It is not easy, or quick.

Focus on the positive memories

Yes, you are “leaving behind,” or selling some of your best memories, but that doesn’t mean that they are gone. Your memories will always be with you and I need you to keep that in mind. There are many different types of downsizing, so let me just give you a small example that a lot of people can relate to – retired individuals to parents, and everyone in between. The baby stage (especially if it is your first or last baby) is so precious and so many memories are being made. When that stage is over, you might consider selling or donating some of your baby items – it makes sense, right? You probably need to make room for other toys and bigger sizes of clothing. When you go to sell or donate the items, all of the emotions hit you at once. Your baby isn’t a baby anymore. This mindset can be so hard to get past and honestly, most people do not get past it. Instead, they keep the clothes and toys stored away, in hopes that they will come in handy one day, but newsflash: they probably won’t. 

Does this mindset sound familiar to you? I bet it does! So many people go through this with children, old homes, wedding items, etc. and it can be so hard to get past those feelings of not wanting to get rid of the items because they are special. But, you can do it. This is extremely important to remember as a grandparent who is downsizing. You have created so many memories and you need to know that you can do it! Instead of thinking about how you are losing the items, you need to think about all of the positive memories that the items created and you need to think about how they will make another family so incredibly happy. That’s how you get through it by focusing on positive memories, instead of the fact that you are ‘losing’ the memories – because you are not! 

Get help from professionals

There are a few professionals that you might want to consider using:

1. A junk removal team: they can help you if you need help with throwing a lot of things away. Even if you have a trash service that comes to your home, there might be way more than you can toss through them. Hire a dumpster or junk removal team and it will save you time!
2. An estate company: these people are so skilled in selling a ton of items at once. If you are really downsizing your entire home and selling a lot, this might be the way to go.
3. A counselor: if you are really struggling with the emotional toll of downsizing and/or moving, you might need to talk to someone. Definitely keep this in mind!
4. A moving company: if you need a moving company, there’s one in FL that I recently heard of called MT. Zion Moving & Storage LLC. They do long distance moving Tampa, residential moving, office moving, junk removal, senior moving, and more.

Involve the entire family

To make the process easier on yourself and everyone involved, get everyone in on the decluttering and downsizing process! This will 100% help with closure, moving on, and it will definitely make the process easier for you, as well.

Look forward to the future

Last but not least, start looking forward to the future! Things are looking up and if you downsized, you probably feel a lot lighter and freer. The possibilities are endless and you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. Congratulations!