Practical Tips for Downsizing - My conversation with PBS REWIRE

I had an opportunity to discuss downsizing and minimalism with Gretchen Brown at PBS REWIRE.

You can read all about it HERE.

Excerpt from “Practical Tips for Downsizing” PBS REWIRE

If you are considering downsizing or tiny living, the following tips will help you proceed with confidence!

Plan for NOW

It's important to understand that even if you believe that your downsizing is temporary, you must plan for it to be indefinite.  Anything can happen!  School transfers, job changes, meeting a significant other, or returning home to take care of a loved one - these are all circumstances that may arise in our lives.  If you hang on to items "just in case", it will make those important life decisions harder and more expensive.

Write out your values

The process of decluttering and downsizing is less difficult when you have a clear idea of what is meaningful to you. Take 5-10 minutes and write out some of your core values. Where are you now and where do you want to be? What belongings are you holding on to that don’t align with those values?

Create a vision

Ask yourself, “If someone you just met walked into your home, what would you want that space to say about you? How would you want that space to feel to them and you?

Curate!

You get to make your home what you want it to be. The above exercises will help you navigate any potential roadblocks you encounter while working through the decluttering and downsizing process. Remember, it doesn’t all have to happen in one sitting. When decision-making gets cloudy (and it will) you can always stop and reevaluate. When drastically downsizing I recommend you take your time.

It’s not about the things - it’s about you!

One of the biggest misconceptions about downsizing or minimalism is you MUST get rid of everything. That isn’t the case at all. The real work in downsizing successfully is becoming clear about your values, and understanding how your belongings fit into that vision.

Aimee Olson of Life Done Simply is a Productivity and Organizing Coach and is a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO). She is currently living in a 24’ RV and traveling the United States with her partner Ben and their dog and cat. You can learn more about their travels at www.roamsteaders.com