Sellers, let it go. As you think about downsizing, right sizing, whatever you call it, you will inevitably come upon things that you can’t decide whether to keep or let go – to the dump, to donate or to sell. As I was considering all morning what to write about, all I could think about was a 30’ extension ladder, a hot tub and a boat. All have been sitting for a long time without being used. For at least 3 years my husband and I have talked about either selling the boat or putting it in the water. We love the boat, but with our dogs the V-bottom doesn’t work very well. They want to run back and forth and the ride that we took to relax would become just the opposite of a relaxing experience. Excuses include that we want to get it cleaned up, or putting it in the water would be a better way to market it, among others. Then it never happens.
I run into sellers all the time who need to de-clutter before putting their house on the market. They are downsizing and all of the “stuff” they have accumulated won’t fit in the next house. But when we go look, they are trying to find a house that all their current “stuff” will fit.
So, how do you decide what stays, what goes – and if it goes, where does it go? Maybe the issue isn’t the “thing” or the time, but the memories. So, how does one get rid of something that has memories attached to it? The memory ties are strong and can keep those items in our lives, even if those items are ugly and in the way.
Here are some strategies I have heard for keeping the memories without keeping the bulk:
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Take pictures and create a photo collage of the memories surrounding the item
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Get a small notebook and write about the memories the item evokes
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Have a going away party for the items – invite friends and relatives to help sort through stuff and talk about the memories – record people talking about their memories of those things
Any of these things take up less space than the actual item and keep the memory close. For me and the boat – it was the boat that one of our most beloved dogs, Max, thoroughly enjoyed riding in; it was the boat that Jessie and Nipper learned how to “tube” behind; it was the boat that we rescued from a junk yard and Jay brought back to life. But the reality is that it doesn’t work for our current situation and it is not doing anyone any good sitting in the drive. It is time to let someone else create some memories. It is time to let it go.
If you would like a Downsizing Made Easy brochure,
please give me a call at 913-322-8301 or
send an email to SuzieT@kw.com
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