6 of 11

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

FIVE: WHAT TO DO WITH EVERYTHING LEFT BEHIND

Do not plan on foisting off items on you children and your friends, but do offer items to them. If the idea of completely letting go of an item if your children will not take it is too terrible, try to imagine someone else loving it more than you. If you can't imagine anyone loving it more than you, guess what? it goes on your "love" list: go back to step two.

Offer what you are not taking to your downsized home to your friends and family first. Send them all a letter or email listing everything that you are not keeping, with a first-come, first-serve proviso, and expiration date when it's all is going to be disposed of if they do not pick it up. Referring back to the list you made of everything you own that you made in step two will make this easy.

Consider giving everything to charity. Many charities will come by and pick everything up, and write you a receipt for tax purposes. This is the easiest way to get rid of everything, even much easier than taking everything to the dump. And the tax credit is very nice, too! Plus, helping other feels good.

Valuable items that you are not taking to your downsized home can be handled by auction houses and consignment stores. Less valuable items can be sold in tag and garage sales, or on Craigslist. Freecycle everything that you cannot sell, or donate it to charity.

By following this plan for downsizing your home, you have taken care of everything but the packing and moving. And both will be easier and less expensive now that you are taking only what you love, what you need, and what will fit to your new downsized home.

Learn more about this author, Vicky Harper.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about The secret of downsizing: Have a plan?
We want to hear your view. Write now!