Not Downsizing, Just Simplifying Life
By Pamela Wong
Pamela is a Trained Professional Organizer based in Oakville, Ontario and is the owner of Zen N Organized. She helps homeowners and small business owners transform their homes and home offices into organized spaces. She has a practical, non-judgemental approach to organizing. Her objective is to create functional and harmonious spaces for her clients.
“Does your home reflect your current lifestyle?” This is a question I often ask my clients.
Just because you are approaching (or at) retirement age doesn’t mean that you have to move into a retirement home. You are still healthy, mobile and want to enjoy your next phase in life.
The challenge is that your home is telling a completely different story. There is 30+ years of stuff accumulated in the house. Your adult children have left their belongings in the basement. The tools in the garage and shed are collecting dust.
Some people call the process downsizing. I’d like to call it simplifying life. The idea is not to get rid of everything in your home, but it is for the belongings in your home to match your current lifestyle.
“So where do I start?”, you might ask. Here are some ideas of where to start and things you can say goodbye to:
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Dated decors and old toys – decor pieces from the 60’s and 70’s, over-abundance of Christmas decorations and your children’s old sports equipment and toys. Remember the objective is to only keep items that reflect your current lifestyle.
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A room or an area in your home that has a lot of unused items – for most homeowners this is often in the storage area in the basement or in the garage. If the box or bin has not been opened in over 10 years, it is highly unlikely that you will need anything from there.
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Home office – now that you are semi-retired or retired, your need for a home office is greatly diminished. You may still want a small office space, but the amount of “stuff” that you need does not resemble what you have.
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- Closets – you are in your next stage in life, you no longer need to be in a business suit every day. You may need to keep a couple for “just in case” purposes but you are ready to say goodbye to majority of work attire.
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China, silverware and small kitchen appliances – let’s be honest, your adult children will take over the job of hosting family gatherings, Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. Things like china, silverware, large and heavy mixer, crock pot, hot plates can be donated to a good home.
This simple decluttering process will transform your home into an inviting space. You can now enjoy your new and improved home that is both calm and relaxing.
Enjoy your “new” home!
Pam at Zen N Organized
