Getting organized can start at any time, on any day, but why not today?

So have you decided to declare your freedom from clutter?  Are you looking for more space in your life for summer fun?  Are you struggling to find items you tucked away after last summer?  Have a closet or two holding your suitcases or camping equipment hostage?

The first step is to take baby steps and start with one space.  Pick one table, closet or drawer to tackle TODAY.  Take everything out and decide if you need it – if you truly love it, keep it!  If you don’t REALLY love it, then decide – is it trash or can I give it away?  Once a week, do one space.  Make room to put things away, and cut down on clutter on your tables, counters and shelves.  Give yourself permission to give away things that were gifts or even items you purchased but haven’t used. Their purpose was served – to make you happy in the moment of receiving them or in the moment of purchasing.  But now that time has passed and their usefulness is done.  Let someone else find pleasure in these items.  It will fill your heart with pleasure to gift them away.

Cutting down on what you have in your space, and storing it in a way that is easy to access, slows down your pace of life and leaves you time to spend with  friends and family.

So, let’s enjoy this summer, in peace and independence from clutter in our space!

Downsizing is about changing your space to suit your current needs and is a rite of passage for many. It can be done in place, or by moving to a new residence and a key element in the process is letting go of the past to embrace the future. The age and time when downsizing occurs varies widely and depends on individual needs and circumstances.

Common Reasons to Downsize Include:

• Saving money (smaller space equals smaller mortgage)
• Decreasing maintenance and upkeep
• Adopting a new lifestyle or adjusting to new health needs

• Types of Downsizing Include:

• Minimalism/Simplifying (with or without moving)
• EmptyNest/Repurposing (with or without moving)

Downsizing is beneficial as it creates an opportunity to take a fresh look at your space and it breathes new energy and new purpose into your space and your life, whether you are downsizing in place or moving. As the furniture and clutter shifts and is removed there is an opening for new beginnings.

One of the greatest challenges to downsizing is going through belongings and deciding what to keep or let go. In any life transition there can be sadness, fear, and the feeling of loss as the adjustment to change occurs. Hard decisions are necessary concerning what to keep and what to donate, recycle or gift to family and friends.

It is best to make plans and goals for your space and new needs and consider which items will fit those needs. Start the process as early as you can and work in phases, systematically going through rooms for an initial sweep, and then returning for a second look, rather than attempts to make all the decisions at once. This will help you manage the process in steps and feel less overwhelmed by the size of the task.

Expect and prepare yourself that letting go of items can be emotional. Belongings are a part of a family’s history and often tell a story of how a family lived and grew. Experience, feel and discuss these emotions with those close to you and give yourself permission to feel whatever you are feeling, and permission to move forward. Keep yourself focused on what lies ahead and the benefits of the changes being made.

Five Tips to Help You Navigate Downsizing;

Start the process as early as possible

Work in phases

Focus on moving forward and staying present focused on your new lifestyle needs

Look at the process as a chance to grow

Get help and support as needed

Open Space Organizing is happy to help with planning, purging, packing and unpacking for your transition. Take advantage of our free assessment!

Call 630-453-2582

Downsizing, Tiny House

Key to going minimal is to gather memories and not stuff. Less is definitely more! Strive to own less to feel increased independence, freedom and peace. July is coming to a close so take the remainder of your summer and choose independence from material possessions, focus on simple pleasures and spending time with those important to you. Summer is the perfect time to keep it simple, spend time outdoors and focus on activities with family and friends.

The Price Of Clutter

The accumulation of clutter can cost you, both in terms of time and money. “15-20% of the average American budget is spent buying duplicate items that have been misplaced” (National Association of Professional Organizers). Clutter makes it difficult to find what you need, when you need it because you have to sift through multiple items to find anything. “The average American wastes 55 minutes each day looking for lost items” (Newsweek). Is that how you want to spend your time? “Decreasing clutter would eliminate 40% of the housework in an average home” (National Soap and Detergent Association). Save energy by decreasing clutter, rather than collecting more and more things. So be aware in your own life how clutter is affecting you. Forming new habits to keep clutter minimal can bring you the freedom and peace you are searching for.

Tips To Gather Memories:

• Spend time outside
• Find healthy, active hobbies
• Plan outings with friends and family
• Prioritize investing in relationships

Tips To Gather Less Stuff:

• Spend less time in stores, shop less
• Use a shopping list
• Keep focused to avoid impulse buys
• Avoid shopping when you are tired or stressed

The minimal accumulation of stuff equals more time, more energy, more peace and more money in your pocket. In addition, keeping your focus on relationships and gathering memories helps you to remain connected to what is important. If you need help to form new habits, rather than adding to your collection of stuff, contact Open Space Organizing today! We will be happy to help you create the space and the lifestyle you are seeking!

Minimal Gardening, Wild Flowers