Downsizing in Denver: Starting From Square One
Let’s be honest, most of us have way too much clutter. While we might stop on occasion to look at those trinkets we haven’t touched in years, or that fine china sitting in your cabinet since your wedding… a lot of the time, we’re sitting on a treasure trove of unwanted stuff.
And that stuff can have a pretty profound impact on our moods, as it turns out. According to a poll, 48% of people say their home’s disorganization causes distress.
Oh, and if you’re helping a parent downsize? Well, that stress is definitely amplified as you help them sort through decades of memories while navigating your own grief.
It’s a lot to handle, and we want to make downsizing in Denver easier for you and your family. Keep reading for a few quick tips to help you get started!
Coming Up with a Plan of Action
The first step is always the hardest, so our advice is pretty simple: Just pick a single room or area and get to work.
It doesn’t even have to be the most cluttered room of your home. Eventually, you’ll start to gain some momentum, and then you can tackle the hard stuff.
Since home organization can get pretty time consuming, we suggest setting a specific amount of time. Breaking tasks out into chunks is a psychologically proven way to prevent analysis paralysis and burnout.
Even setting aside 45 minutes a few evenings per week makes a ton of difference after a few sessions. You’ll practically be done before you know it!
Staying Motivated
The thing about downsizing (and home organization, in general) is that it’s much more of a marathon than a sprint. It’s going to take quite a bit of time, especially if you’re not leveraging professional organizers in Denver, so it’s crucial to stay motivated when you eventually hit a wall.
We’ve found one of the best motivators to be enlisting help from your family and friends. Sorting through things often brings up memories, both good and bad. Having someone who knows and cares about you can be a great resource during those tougher emotional moments.
Another motivational tip is to celebrate your wins, no matter how small. You cleared your first drawer? That’s great! It might not seem like much at the moment, but it means you’ve taken the first step toward completing your organizational goals, and that’s huge!
Those small wins ultimately add up to something much, much bigger.
Sorting Through Memories
Whether you’re going through your own belongings, or those of an aging parent, the journey of downsizing always includes a walk down memory lane. As those memories start to come back, it might become harder to figure out what to keep and what to let go of.
Our suggestion is to sort items into three areas.
The first is for items that you know you want to keep. These should be limited to the things you can’t live without and use often.
Next is the pile for items you’d like to throw away. Examples include financial statements older than 6 months, or documents that could be digitized.
Finally, create a group of items that you’d be willing to donate. Things like old clothes, appliances, and even furniture can all be donated to local organizations. Here are a few of our favorites:
Most organizations even offer scheduled pick-ups, so donating should be quick and easy.
Downsizing in Denver Made Easy
While it’ll take time, emotion, and a little bit of elbow grease, downsizing doesn’t have to be impossible. As long as you set a plan, have some motivation, and organize your items as you go through them, you’ll be fine!
And if you need a little help, motivation, or just some guidance, we’d love to be part of your journey. Our team of experts makes Downsizing in Denver stress-free, quick, and enjoyable.
Reach out for a free, no-judgment home organization consultation or personal visit!
