Organized for Life » Downsize / Move

Advantages to Downsizing BEFORE You Have to Move

Martha — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:27:02 +0000

Simplicity is the answer to chaos.

Whether you intend to downsize your residence or to streamline your current space, there are benefits in starting now. These are four great advantages to downsizing possessions BEFORE you have to move:

1. By letting go, you actually save money!

When you accumulate for years without weeding out less-used possessions, it becomes very difficult to keep track of where you have stashed things. Often that means buying a 2nd item when you know you have one somewhere.
Eventually you will max out on available storage. Then what? You may decide to rent a storage shed. That can mean hundreds of dollars per year spent on storing “stuff’” you never use.

2. You enjoy increased health and safety

When a house is filled to overflowing, floor space slowly disappears. Furniture, piles of papers, magazines, boxes and bags can slowly narrow walkways and stairs. Emergency workers are adamant that clear walkways and stairs are a must for safety.
The other hazard of a cluttered home is that effective cleaning is impossible. Your home becomes a prime breeding ground for mold and mildew as the dust and dirt collects. You will breathe easier – literally! – once the excess is gone and regular cleaning is restored.

3. You control the process

When you are able to downsize your possessions over time, valuables won’t be overlooked and discarded by helpers. You will be the one choosing what to keep, give, sell, and donate. If you have a charity you feel strongly about, you will know your donations are helping that cause.

True story: A friend who is a busy business owner gave in to her children’s desire to de-clutter her home. The children rented a dumpster and she watched them enthusiastically pitch many of her recently deceased mother’s possessions. Fine jewelry considered “only Grandma’s baubles” were some of the “junk” that was not worth keeping in their eyes.

When no deadline is looming, there is no time crunch. You can attack each room one at a time and at your own pace. Also, you are able to choose who will value precious objects and gift accordingly.

Two practical suggestions about gifting to relatives or friends:

Ask first if they would truly like to have that object.
Give treasures away NOW so you can experience the joy it gives both to you and to the receiver!

4. You give relief to your family

Sorting through 20+ years of accumulated belongings is a daunting process. That is why we put it off! Yes, downsizing possessions before it is absolutely necessary takes a supreme act of the will. Removing that burden from loved ones to face later is truly a gift of selflessness!

True Story: I was surprised when at age 72 my mom had already signed for an apartment in an extended care facility. She sold the family home and contacted her five children asking them to come take things that were meaningful to them. Whatever else she would not use in her one bedroom apartment was donated to charity.
I became convinced over time that the move added years and quality to my mother’s life. However, I did not know what a gift my mother had given us (her children) until her death. My sister and I were able to empty her 1 bedroom apartment in less than 6 hours. We were spared much physical and emotional pain as a result.

Downsizing now can also be a practical way to pass along a living family heritage. You know the stories behind the objects that make their history come alive. Writing down the stories is an even better way to ensure they survive intact.

Do you feel light and free of spirit or weighed down by too much “stuff”? What would you do with the time and money you can save by letting go of possessions you neither use nor love?

Leave me a note on my blog in the comment section below to let me know where you stand in the simplifying process. I love hearing from you.

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ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Fabric, Sewing Supplies

Martha — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:18:37 +0000

I like the bumper sticker that reads, “She who dies with the most fabric wins!” I want to do more quilting in my golden years. Quilters, embroidery artists, and fabric crafters know you have to have a good “stash” for your palette.

But, what do you do when you have moved on to another passion (organizing, grandchildren, coaching, etc.) and want to let someone else benefit from your bounty? To whom can you donate such a wonderful collection of fabric and sewing notions?

These are three worthy organizations that will use donations of fabric to make quilts for injured, hurting or needy folks:

Columbus Area Linus Project

This organization’s mission is “to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer ‘blanketeers’.”

The Peanuts cartoon creator Charles Schulz approved the use of his lovable character in the cause of providing security blankets for needy children. Each blanket is marked with a Linus tag before it is given to a child.

Donations welcomed include: washable cotton fabric, flannel or polar fleece, batting, yarn, thread, stamps, cash and gift certificates to fabric and craft stores.

Contact: Amy Chapter Website
(614) 327-1041 colsprojectlinus@gmail.com

Columbus Metropolitan Quilters

CMP members donate their time in the program “Kids Quilts”, by making and distributing baby quilts for the Columbus Board of Health. The CBH provides these “blankets of love” to a visiting nurse program and to the Ohio Health Community Outreach, a mobile unit that goes to schools to provide obstetric care for teenage mothers.

The quilts also make their way to infants who are considered at risk due to HIV infection, a mother’s alcohol or drug abuse while pregnant, or abandonment.

For more information about Kid Quilts or to donate your time or fabric, please contact Rita Herzberger, 614-213-3893.

Quintessential Quilters Guild

QQ has an ongoing relationship with “Choices“, a local women’s domestic abuse shelter. Since 1995, over 130 quilts have been made and given to individuals who seek this shelter’s assistance.

QQ also participates in the Quilt of Valor (QOV) program. “The mission of the QOV Foundation is to cover ALL war wounded and injured service members and veterans from the War on Terror whether physical and/or psychological wounds with Wartime Quilts called Quilts of Valor.”

Email Quintessential Quilters with questions about how to help.

Donating your extra fabric and/or sewing supplies to any of these Central Ohio groups is a great use of the resources you no longer need or use.

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7 Big Mistakes that Keep Us Stuck in Chaos

Martha — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:37:15 +0000

Begin with a gigantic organizing project.
“Yeah! The bigger chunk I bite off, the sooner I will be done!”
This is a perfect way to ensure failure and disillusionment. Instead, start small to ensure immediate success. Choose one area – a drawer, counter top – that you see daily.
Dive in without any thought of HOW to proceed.
“I’m going to organize this space if it takes me all day!”
With no plan, at the end of the day you will have simply rearranged a mess and made a bigger one. Use an organizing strategy that will walk you through the process one step at a time. You can use the steps on my blog post Clearing the Clutter or find an organizing book you like for a guide.
Jump around from one area to another.
“It’s too boring to stand still in one place for too long.”
This is what gets us into a mess in the first place – lots of unfinished projects and the latest organizing products waiting to be used. Determine that you will finish organizing one area completely according to your plan. Actually finishing what you start is a great boost to confidence and momentum!
Put off distribution of giveaways.
“At least the stuff is in a box or bag. It can sit there for a while.”
Your goal is to have an orderly, usable space. Once you have identified things to let go, get them out of there within 2 weeks at the latest.
Pile, stack, stuff items into their assigned home.
“If it fits, it’s all good.”
Container, container, container. When you have a place to put belongings/supplies that is customized to hold certain items, you will be much more likely to keep up your newly organized system. Find containers that are appropriate, label if necessary, so you automatically know what goes where.
Organize large spaces back to back.
“I’m on a roll, gotta keep going.”
Psychologists say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. When you make changes in your environment, it may take you a while to get used to your new configuration. Choosing a room or area every other month will give you a fighting chance at maintaining your new organization.
Go it alone.
“I want to be totally independent and rely solely upon my own efforts.”
Accountability helps. First, announce to a friend or family member that you plan to organize (choose an area) this month. Ask that person to quiz you by a certain date to see if you have started. It’s amazing how much more motivated you are if someone knows your intention.

Better yet, organize with a friend. Help with his/her project and then work together on yours. Both tasks will go twice as fast and be much more fun together.

If your job seems too overwhelming, contact a professional organizer who knows where to start and can keep you on task.
Lastly, don’t forget to build rewards into your organizing efforts. Celebrate each victory with an activity or purchase that holds special meaning for you. You did a great job!
Remember though, if you bring one new thing into your renovated space, let another go.

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Radio Show New Resource for the Sandwich Generation

Martha — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:08:52 +0000

Are you raising children while trying to navigate health issues for your aging parents? Perhaps you have a boomerang adult child (He’s back!) only to learn your parent can no longer safely stay in his/her home. These extra pressures can take a toll on relationships both in your core family and with siblings.

Here in Columbus, Westminster-Thurber Community, part of the Ohio Presbyterian retirement Services (OPRS), provides community education opportunities to seniors and their families. Through monthly Coffee Time speakers, support groups, and informative workshops, WTC actively seeks to provide timely answers to senior issues.

Recently, OPRS began a state-wide service to older adults and their families through a weekly radio program on WRFD 880AM radio. The program, Journey Through Aging with Joel, airs on Saturdays at 8 am and features leading experts, who provide practical advice on senior-related topics. Joel Wrobbel, Marketing Director at WTC is a caring, “get to the heart of the matter” host.

Martha is currently being featured on the program in a series organizing spots each Saturday at 8:50 am. You can visit the website at www.journeythroughaging.com to hear shows you missed, ask a question, and find links to senior related services.

You can also listen to Martha’s 3/26/11 segment right here:

WTC has ongoing programs about issues affecting seniors. To see an example, browse the winter Skylines newsletter outlining programs through March. Martha’s article Conquering Paper Piling was featured in this issue. If you are interested in receiving info about upcoming WTC programs, contact Valerie at 614-228-8888.

Giving Up Space, Gaining Room to Live the Adventure

Martha — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:21:44 +0000

When my husband first told me he wanted to move to a downtown condo, I called the idea “Jeff’s Folly”. Granted, our four children were almost grown. I, however, was ready to fill the empty bedrooms with a sewing room for me and an office for him. I also was not into the increase in housing cost.

Then a family crisis became the catalyst for change. I embraced and even pushed for the move. We pre-packed and staged for a quick sale. In six months we had sold our home just before the market took the downward swing. The condo was not ready, so we moved in with Jeff’s parents and lived in their basement for three months! Not the scenario I had envisioned!

Little did I know the benefits we would realize from that push beyond our comfort zone.

We were forced to let go of belongings that reflected a former military life, raising four children, and maintaining a house in suburbia. At first it was hard to release the things we had accumulated over 30 years of marriage, but once we got on a roll it felt so freeing! We were able to let go of hardware, lawn care tools, formal kitchenware, unused clothing, and books.
Although we lost 1,000 sq. ft., we actually gained in usable space. By eliminating the rooms we were not using (DR, LR, 2 BR), the spaces we live in daily are larger and easy to keep clean. We love it!
We spent precious time with Jeff’s folks. Having lived much of the last 20 years hundreds of miles away, we did not maintain a close relationship. Little did we know that Jeff’s dad would pass away suddenly three months after our sojourn in their home.
Selling early made our move possible. We found that other potential residents of our condo waited too long to sell their outlying homes. They were not able to find buyers when the time was “right”. Our basement dwelling was a blessing in more ways than one.
Instead of sewing, I started my own solo practice as a professional organizer, a field I have been practicing for more than 20 years. Our second bedroom is now my office and a sometimes guest room.

Now rather than “Jeff’s Folly”, I call the move “Our Mid-Life Adventure”.

We walk across the park to the Arena Grand Theatre at least once a week for the “Two For Tuesday” movie night special, complete with a healthy dinner of pizza, popcorn and soda.

We walk across Nationwide Boulevard to Columbus Blue jackets games in the winter to cheer on our neighbor Mark Methot who just made first line as defenseman.
We walk a block to the west in spring and summer to Huntington Park for the Columbus Clippers minor league ballgames.
When grass needs mowing, leaves raking, or snow plowed, we watch out our 5th floor balcony as the Nationwide crew takes care of it.
Our family physician, optometrist, and pharmacy are in the Eye Center one block away.
We can walk 6 blocks to Giant Eagle, or drive 5 minutes to Kroger.
There are over 30 restaurants within the Arena District we can choose from if cooking a meal is too much trouble.
The south facing windows allow us a perfect view of First Night Columbus (New Year) and Red, White and Boom (4th of July) fireworks.
When we want to travel, we alert the building manager to collect any stray packages. We cancel mail and newspapers, lock the door and are off!

I knew we had made the perfect choice for our new home when our 30-Something daughter and son-in-law asked if we wanted to exchange homes for a week sometime. Fist pump – Yes! We gained much more than we gave up in space and stuff. We are living an adventure and planning our next move.

I’d love to hear from you! What step have you taken out of your comfort zone? Is there a decision or move that you are putting off that might be your next adventure? Send me your comment.

This is What “Downsized” Christmas Decorating Looks Like

Martha — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:05:11 +0000

I took this photo on Weds morning, 1 Dec with fluffy flakes coming down.

What perfect timing to have snow to usher in the last month of 2010! Just had to turn on my Christmas tree lights and tune in to 93.3 FM for some easy listening holiday music.

Yes, my tree is 4” tall. I have a wreath on my hall door, an entry vignette, and several other holiday touches. Decorating took me a little over an hour. This is what “downsized” Christmas decorating looks like.

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Victory! Purged Clothes Lead to Organized Closet

Martha — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:49:31 +0000

Recently I received this wonderful email from a friend and O4L reader. With her permission, I am letting you read over my shoulder. I hope you are encouraged and inspired to make needed changes in your life.

Dear Martha,

Here’s a praise report and some good [news] about how the LORD has given me the needed desire and encouragement to purge and organize my clothes and closet.

I had wanted to lose weight to be healthy and The LORD led me to a ‘diet plan’ that has really made a big difference. I am down 22 lbs. and have reached my goal with 2 lbs to spare. In the meantime - the lost pounds and inches – meant lots of my clothes needed to go - He has given me a new mindset - that this is the healthy weight for me and I’m making the lifestyle change to stay within two pounds of it.

So I no longer feel the need to save the larger sizes “just in case”. When I lost the first 10- or 11 pounds I gave away some of my ” too big for me but in good shape” clothing to friends and family. It was a joy to pass things on to others (who were blessed) and to have less “stuff” cluttering up my closet.

Then two days ago – after losing this final 11 lbs - I tried on every piece of clothing I own – summer - winter – all of it and I’m actually purging at least 2/3 of my wardrobe!!

We have always had limited closet space and even though I’m not one to buy tons of clothes -I did save old ones for WAY too long and I have had to use the spare bedroom closet to store seasonal clothing.

Both the spare bedroom closet and our closet are so organized now. I purged every part – old shoes – purses – belts you name it – WOW what a euphoric feeling on all fronts !!! Also I’ve done what you’ve mentioned and used the summer sales to buy a few ‘nice replacement items’ in the new sizes – but only a few.

I still have to find homes for some of the clothing I think friends might like – but all that is decent and not something specifically thought of for individuals is boxed up and in my car to be donated.

YOUR message is timely and I’m blessed by God’s grace to make healthy changes which I know are improving our quality of life. MOVING Forward into a lifestyle of organization. Thanks for your help and inspiration.

Blessings, Cyndy

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