I am truly fulfilled by what I do and love telling people about it. I write and share short weekly articles called “blogs” on the themes of: family treasures, letting go of stuff, sentiment & nostalgia, preserving memories, supporting the moves of our elders, and more. You can receive these blogs weekly by email by signing up at the bottom of the page.
Feedback is aways welcome. Enjoy!
What can I do in one hour to prepare "treasures" for the next generation?
This question came from someone whose full life allows little free time. However, Jen wants to start organizing her stuff!
I suggested she start with the 20 items hanging on her living room and hallway walls.
Throughout this Fall, I will be reviewing two books that have greatly helped me in my own downsizing before a move and rightsizing to enjoy my current home. The first is the international best seller The Gentle Art of Swedish Death-Cleaning: How to Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Clutter (2018) by Swedish artist Margareta Magnusson.
I love the title! The phrase "Death-Cleaning” can be startling!
Read MoreToday is Thanksgiving Monday — a day that Canadians give Thanks and express Gratitude for the goodness in our lives.
Expressing Gratitude can also be a significant part of downsizing, rightsizing and estate organizing.
During those times, I have found it helpful to have a Gratitude Chair.
Read MoreConfession: I sometimes have difficulty letting go of items in my own home. I may spout a good line about downsizing, rightsizing, and estate organizing, yet some days I can be brought to a standstill when I sort my own things. There is nothing I love more than unearthing a happy memory of my past. I am sentimental and sometimes nostalgic, and I can hold on to items well past their shelf-life. For this reason, I have an Ambivalence box.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreWhat does Rightsizing one's home mean? And who is doing it?
Rightsizing means reducing what is in one’s home as you prepare to move or so that you can stay where you are and enjoy your home more!
Read MoreWhether they are packrats or minimalists or somewhere-in-between, helping parents to downsize can be a challenging and meaningful experience!
Many of us as adult children will be called upon to help our parents downsize from a family home to condo or apartment. As you lend a hand, consider these questions together.
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