DOWNSIZING TIPS for Seniors {or Anyone}

[@randidukesrealtor]

📝 What are your best tips for downsizing a home?

[@dianecleary1054]

Imagine theres been a fire. A tsunami. A epic flood. It would all be gone in a moment. Thats how meaningless all that stuff is. Start with identifying what you need to function every day. Dining tables are useless unless they are used regularly. Xmas does not count. Go to a good restuarant. Youll enjoy it more if theres no slaving and clean up. Get rid of dusty tatty boring things. Aim for function easy clean and simple fresh atmosphere. Replace nasty grubby carpets after clear out. I have tiles and rugs which might pose a safety harness

[@Kiki-wi7px]

@@dianecleary1054 EXACTLY ! ! ! 👍

[@Kiki-wi7px]

GET STARTED ! ! ! 👍 🙂

[@seekingtruth1110]

It actually makes me sick when I look at all the money I have spent on stuff!

[@randidukesrealtor]

It definitely collects over the years, doesn't it?

[@jksimo57]

After nearly four years, I decided to sell the home we had when my husband passed away. I was having a difficult time, emotionally. My counselor told me to light a candle and take room to room, thanking that room for it's purpose, ie: bringing me joy, all the fun memories, etc. Allow yourself to cry. I did this three days before my final move. When moving day came, I had already gone through those emotions of saying goodbye. It was amazing to experience the lift of my shoulders as I looked forward to the next phase of my life. I suggest this to anyone.

[@randidukesrealtor]

I love this idea. Downsizing can be really hard, especially when a home is full of memories. This is a great way to honor those memories.

[@celesteinman56]

Love that. It reminds me when a family member is very sickly or a beloved pet. We grieve in different stages. It's ok.

[@mrsdeh2]

Love it! That is a wonderful suggestion, for any move or plan to make big changes. Thank you!

[@tracylindsey4199]

What an awesome suggestion!

[@LVT2314]

Our home was neat no clutter. I became a widow . I sold everything in our home in 3 months then the home and cars. Then I went to our vacation home small cabin sold that and everything in it. I bought a new car and took my clothes and photos and Lenox and my jewelry, nothing else . Moved and bought new everything dishes , pots, sheets, furniture and started fresh . Less is more, so much happier fresh start closer to my daughter’s home .

[@vivian9803]

The mice collection! My uncle collected owls and whenever I saw him, we’d talk about them, mostly because I knew it was a topic he enjoyed. When he died, he left them to me. I had no interest in the owls but felt obligated to keep and display them. Soon everyone in the family started bringing me owls. - gifts, souvenirs from travels, etc. I finally declared, “no more owls!” Years later, when I began downsizing, my daughter requested the collection. She still has them but has never displayed them. The things we’re burdened with…

[@randidukesrealtor]

It's crazy the way we accumulate certain things, isn't it?

[@vivian9803]

@@randidukesrealtor yes! Sometimes against our wishes! 😆

[@conniekline9881]

To also have an underlining resentment to that burden comes with its own cost. For me it was furniture and glassware. Now that I’m older, I’m trying to determine what would be helpful to my children and what will become therir burden, if I don’t part with some things now.

[@leighburville2717]

I've been downsizing forever! I've lived 6 years in each of 10 houses since graduating from high school. The last two moves have been so emotional it has taken intercessional prayer to help me let go. Serious, deep prayer was my best tool. .... .... Not kidding!

[@howardsalpeter5789]

There is light at the end of the tunnel

[@leighburville2717]

@@howardsalpeter5789 Yep. You bet!

[@amusedincali-xu6jo]

❤️ 🙏

[@grandmajane2593]

I think it is a normal thing for people to form an attachment to many of their belongings.

[@janiefender]

Oh, I feel this.......I've been praying hard!!

[@APlus-qx7no]

I downsized to a home one third of the size. It really is a mindset to be able to part with things. (Taking photos really helps.) It helped that my home buyer wanted to purchase all my furniture and rugs. Was better to not have to move or store any of it. As much as I enjoyed that furniture and the beautiful rugs, I know someone else is enjoying it now. I feel much lighter in my life's journey.

[@randidukesrealtor]

That's a huge downsize but you're so right ... you have to have the right mindset. I love that you have joy from someone else enjoying it now!

[@Kate98755]

i’m lucky i moved so much during childhood, i’m 65 and living in my 8th home….to me they’re just shells

[@robinsimons7710]

What a great way to look at homes. We can create a copy home anywhere we live.

[@Auntee-Sara]

I had a large collection of bear statues and reached out to my local hospital. For years I've donated to the children's ward but this was unusual so photos in an e-mail let them decide yes or no. They were overjoyed to receive the collection to use as prizes for games, to add visual joy near children's beds and the nurses were thrilled with the nurse bears I kept separate for their station by way of joyful thanks and appreciation for all they do. Also are our veteran's hospitals when it comes to magazines, books plus movies and music from VHS to CD/DVD.

[@amusedincali-xu6jo]

❤️ 🙏

[@DeirdreMFox]

Ty new sub feel like Ive been downsizing for yrs. Its difficult with illness and you live alone. My parents owned a high end antique store , Ive gotten rid of many collections. Now the last of furniture is going.

[@kathyabel5338]

Going through this now, we've been married 50 years, sold house, downsizing, moving in with sons and family. Such amazing helpful tips. I've scheduled a coordinator to come next Tuesday. Thank you, thank you. God bless

[@randidukesrealtor]

I'm so glad this was helpful! Best of luck with your move!

[@andrewbrendan1579]

I like the idea of having someone alongside the person who is downsizing, a kind of buddy system, someone more objective who can help in decision making. My family left a home that had been occupied for generations and with items going back even further. My mother was putting things into a garbage bag (art deco compacts used by my grandmother or great-grandmother and that still had the powder and puffs in them) that I could tell were valuable. I retrieved those items and they are now in a museum at Indiana University. Eventually the museum people sent over a moving van to get items from our home! I'm glad to be free of those things and glad that they are preserved and enjoyed in a museum.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

THAT WAS GREAT ! ! ! 👍

[@grandmajane2593]

Yes, that was a wonderful thing that happened. I had some small items that were over 100 years old. We walked in to several antique stores and we were not able to give the items away for free, even. I didn't even care about the money, I just like to have old things continue on being seen and enjoyed. But we ended up throwing a lot of stuff in the dumpster. Some things we put out on the sidewalk and people took them. I must say it was all very traumatic and I don't want to go through it again. What I have here now is going to have to sit here until someone else cleans up after me.

[@vickiescholl9453]

Would be better without the music in the background.

[@conniekline9881]

True, if someone is an auditory learner, additional sounds distract them from the words being spoken, I being one of them.

[@marcoprolo2299]

My advice. Downsize before it is too late unless gardening and DIY are your favorite activities. As soon as your grown up kids start leaving the nest start adapting accordingly size wise. Don't wait to be too old in too big a house filled up of never used old crap. I am 58 next week and I just sold our family house and will rent a somewhat smaller house for a couple of years until my last son completes his high school. Then we will buy an apartment once he is going to university. I will not wait until I am 78 to start the process. At that age you just cannot do it any more without experiencing a lot of pain

[@Kiki-wi7px]

SMART. You're Exactly Right.👍

[@howardsalpeter5789]

right on

[@Lois-o1f]

I better start at 76.5😮😂

[@emilyminer3530]

It's actually helpful for me to have family here because they keep reminding me they don't want it when I'm gone. I've hung on to things because of the memories connected to one child or another and come to find out that they may cherish the memory but don't want the item, and then I'm left wondering "Why have I been hanging on to this forever when they don't care about it?"

[@howardsalpeter5789]

great point. Think about the trophies & school projects no one even remembers.

[@SusieMullins-t6i]

I agree about the background music. It’s so faint that it’s mostly a distraction - but if it were louder it would render the whole video annoying. The content of the video, however, is useful, helpful, and worthwhile, and thank you.

[@randidukesrealtor]

It is a distraction ... I apologize. It's all a bit of a learning curve to make sure viewers are getting a good experience. I'm so glad the information was helpful!

[@teriw56]

Seniors down size for the ones left behind, they will thank you for that.

[@randidukesrealtor]

This is so true!

[@t.k3025]

I had to clean out a seven room house by myself when my in-laws died. I promised myself I would not do the same to my kids. I make myself find a box of things to go every other week to a thrift shop. Climate change is going to make so much of this irrelevant. Think of what you really need if you have to move fast, and seeing the Ukrainian women fleeing for their lives with little to nothing makes me appreciate what I don’t need.

[@howardsalpeter5789]

absolutely!

[@Jean-ni6of]

Those left behind are on their own. We don't owe them a cleanup.

[@lsu52frog]

When my mom had to go to assisted living, I got a copy of the floor plan of her new apartment. We went room by room in her house and made 2 lists .One list was what she couldn't live without and the other of things she would like to bring if she had room. We even went through knick knacks and pictures on the wall. She stayed at my brothers while we packed up and moved her. When she came to her new place everything was set up in place even pictures were hung on the walls. She was 90 at the time and I think her not having to be there during the stress of the move, helped her to make the transition easier. It took me 2 months to sort and get rid of what was left so if there was something she missed, I could bring it to her. I think there were2 things she asked for that we hadn't brought. Before she made the move we spent the better part of a day, going through her clothes and shoes that she no longer wore or that no longer fit. Overall she has adjusted well .She now has friends, activities, and 3 balanced meals a day which has improved her health. She moved from a 2500 square foot house to a small 1 bedroom apartment with a kitchenette. After I had to go through disposing of the rest of her things I started decluttering my house ,because I never want my kids to have to go through as many things as I had too .We all have too many things that we collect through the years.

[@randidukesrealtor]

This sounds like the perfect way to handle downsizing!

[@robinsimons7710]

What a loving and respectful way you and your siblings handled your moms move. After my parents both passed we had so much to get rid of. I did keep and pack a few things I was not able to get rid of but it's now gone because when I did go through it I really had no place for it. You did such a great job, and your mom felt heard and loved.

[@kaycee625]

Stressing about who will be the end user of my stuff - Bingo! She called it! A lot of sense was spoken in this interview.

[@yuw777]

a happy person by donating it to GoodWill

[@dianecleary1054]

Five piles. One trash two charity three give four keep and five not sure. Keep the not sure for one month max. Example I had kitchen utensils and while cooking realised I needed something so dug it out and rescued it. Remember if you make a mistake you can go out and buy again. Box stuff up and be amazed at how quickly you wont be able to remember what you packed up.

[@randidukesrealtor]

I like the "not sure" box idea. Great way to figure out whether you really need it.

[@valerieshy8749]

Great video and interview! I have 2 sets of parents with more stuff than any household should hold. Currently, my In-laws are downsizing/rightsizing into a 55 plus community and I FEAR they are still coming to their new place in SC with 6 sets of china and 100 dolls. All sentimental, passed down stuff. Ugh! I keep trying to promote Habitat for Humanity for the dishes - NO ONE cares about 'china" anymore and one of about 6 doll museums nationwide for the dolls, but I feel my suggestions are falling on deaf ears. I will say that IF I have to deal with 100 dolls made by my husband's grandma, they will be in a giant fire....on accident. I say keep ONE doll and move on. MIL is sentimental about SO MUCH which leads to nothing being special IF everything is special.

[@randidukesrealtor]

Great thought: nothing is special if everything is special. Thanks for sharing that. Sounds like it's going to fall on your shoulders in the future ... that's hard.

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

So sorry that your going through this and they absolutely will not get rid of this ridiculous amount of dishes! Wow! OK so now for the "dolls"! I believe they are a crutch to be obsessed with. The problem they have is so much deeper. Perhaps therapy will help or they may have to store them in a place they have to pay for. They might reconsider if they have to spend money. Lol! Keep up the good work. Remember-it's just toys. Lots of kids,yes kids not adults might like to play with them. Take them yo a museum for others to look at and they can go back to see them!? Good luck!

[@kathykaufman1244]

WOW, this is really helpful! I sold my brand new custom bult house to come out and help family members caught up in Covid and job loss problems, so add down-sizing to that mess and I was way over my head! On a positive note they are now well and moved out, securing new jobs, but I am in a tiny house where I know no one in an unfamiliar part of the country. I find myself clinging to the past and having a hard time emptying out the storage shed and moving on. This vlog expressed all the feelings I am moving through!

[@Kiki-wi7px]

Change and a Fresh NEW Start, is a Good Thing. You will probably Find, that WHAT You Will Actually Be Experiencing, Is a BLESSING IN DISQUISE. Keep a POSITIVE Attitude and as We ALL Need to Be Doing Right Now . . . KEEP THE FAITH. 🙏🏼

[@rocknroth764]

New decorations are cheaper than a year of storage.

[@pamelarust3487]

The only problem is that as a senior I do not feel like shopping for new things. Amazon can’t let you know how it will truly look

[@deliaflores6309]

Everything but necessary items in my home is being downsized by me. My stuff is going out of my spaces and to charities or dumpster. I constantly work on this project daily. Not buying anything I don’t really need is a daily activity for me. I’m not pushing this onto my husband at all. He needs to reach this idea by himself. I really don’t want a storage unit at all. I feel that I’m living in a storage unit but some rooms are empty, no furniture.no clothes in closets, and the extra bathroom is not used as a storage unit . I don’t want to leave all this stuff for my adult children to remove from this house.

[@yuw777]

The unit is just a money hog. Have to pay the rent and load it in. Then someone has to unload it to another place. Most people just pay for years for a storage unit and end up rebuying what they need.

[@wtv60]

Thanks for this.. Best tips to avoid procrastination start with time management, which includes setting priorities. Then don't be afraid to reassess your goals and action items - sometimes you have to pause in the middle to reenergize and refocus.

[@mwebb3014]

Get rid of trash and broken items first. Then work on clothes in closets and dressers. We only wear about 20% of the clothes we own. Consolidate sentimental items to one special box (unless you display some on shelves). Kitchens are full of things we don’t use. I’ve been actively downsizing for a few months now. It gets easier as you go through the process. I donate my nicer things and burn or throw away things I would not buy if thrift shopping. I’m 58 and want to enjoy a lighter retirement without all the stuff silently screaming at me in my closets, lol!

[@randidukesrealtor]

Great advice! It's definitely a process but it really does get easier as you go! Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@yuw777]

A new life and a new life style. Will need a purpose.

[@celesteinman56]

True, family members bully you, guilt you try to embarrass too. Even within a married couple. My husband would be like," just leave it or that, whatever, "I'll deal with it later". Then nothing gets done, worst more sh-t gets added. He hates to through anything away. I was like that and believe me it takes practice. But if that's what it takes, do it. I play a game, when I die, who wants my stuff. My son said he doesn't. Maybe one thing.

[@dresser6135]

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger. All of my friends tell me the same thing.... their kids don't want their stuff.

[@howardsalpeter5789]

We finally downsized and we gave our kids the option to take anything they wanted but we gave them an end date--otherwise we were donating, selling, junking whatever. They didn't want most of it, it didn't fit their lifestyles, which we understood. So out the door it all went (but it really took about 2 years), we moved and only wish we had done it sooner.

[@jeanwhite2705]

A very sincere thank you for doing this video.I am a lady dealing with the time in my life where I want to downsize our family home in order to utilize the savings tied up in that home so we can enjoy these years doing things that bring us joy.This video is very helpful in tackling a lifetime of memories and good times tied up in these walls, and things, so many things.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

BLESS YOU !!! WISH THAT MORE PEOPLE HAD COMMON SENSE !!

[@howardsalpeter5789]

Happy your on your way

[@bettyross4940]

The tips the pro expressed was spoke about in such a simple and compassionate way was heart warming and very helpful.

[@randidukesrealtor]

I'm so glad you found it helpful. She really is compassionate and caring!

[@IslandBuzzy]

Very good information and suggestions, especially the "start by identifying what you want to keep, as opposed to what you have to get rid of"....that sounds a lot more motivating! Thanks a lot!

[@randidukesrealtor]

Definitely a more fun and easier way to look at things, isn't it? I'm so glad you found the video helpful!

[@lauriefuda]

Thank you! I think I've watched this twice, but it's great information. I just started decluttering our home of 25 years because I know in a few years we will most likely relocate. Great information.

[@randidukesrealtor]

I'm so glad the video has been helpful!

[@DownsizingPro]

You might find my channel helpful. I offer tips on downsizing and decluttering.

[@robinsimons7710]

Thank you Amy Payne. Fabulous advice!

[@nancyinthegarden3160]

That’s what I thought bc once you pack up your favorites, it’s easier to get rid of junk

[@girlygirlwoman]

I LOVED THIS!!! Great tips! Thank You So Much for sharing. I think Marie Kondo also said "Don't let your family come and go through your stuff". I need to Change my mindset from "It's hard to do this by myself or one's self" to "What an OPPORTUNITY to get to do this!". Loud please help me. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Good Bless You!

[@grandmajane2593]

Actually, I don't think we should look to Marie Kondo as the end all expert on our stuff. I read her book and what she teaches has value, but not for every single person. She sees things through a young person's eyes and people are individuals. Her methods are not the solution for everyone. I hope my family will go through my stuff, if they do they will have a greater understanding of the person their mother was. But I'm more enclined to think they will drive the dumpster up to the door and "shovel" it out! If at all, they may just abandon my leavings! But I must not concern myself with it.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

@@grandmajane2593 AMEN ! ! !👍When we're Gone, We won't Know anyway. It's Just STUFF.

[@bessieoriotis5104]

Seniors downsize so they use what they use and not become a storage bin. Cutting down on unnecessary furniture means you don't have to trip or fall and recover. It means you have what you love and it is so much easier and less to clean, esp since you want to enjoy the day rather than dwell on what you can no longer do.

[@sheilakirby5616]

MY MOTHER COLLECTED STRAWBERRIES !!! AND I DON'T MEAN JUST A FEW !!! FAMILY & FRIENDS WOULD GIVE THEM TO HER ALL THE TIME * NOT JUST HOLIDAYS AND BIRTHDAYS !!! SHE WANTED ME TO TAKE HER COLLECTION AFTER PASSING !!! AND WHEN I TOLD HER I DIDN'T HAVE THE SPACE *** SHE GOT MAD AT ME !!!

[@kaycee625]

That’s my mother’s reaction too! She has “best china” which never sees the light of day yet she gets mad when I say I don’t have space in my house/life for it 🤣

[@TherealgoddessK]

That's a good reason to de clutter. You can't expect people to want your stuff. It's usually old or out of date or just to much and the sentiment is yours not theirs.

[@grandmajane2593]

Oh, I just remembered the beautiful strawberry dish I had. I had to discard it, now i miss it!

[@lindam7518]

Odiesmom, I agree. 👍

[@mariawells8026]

This was excellent advise. You show great compassion too.

[@lizzabbott]

Wonnnnderful ! I am 62, empty nester. Have downsized / moved a few xs ! Now in a cozy 1 bd apt. BUT ... I could STILL purge MORE ! And another down size / move is likely in store down the road ( still in my own home, but closer to Fam). Do I want to move all that is here ? Nope ! So I will consider reaching out to Amy when the time comes ... or sooner just to see what I can do NOW about simplifying even further. Thank you ! Liz in Buffalo, NY

[@yuw777]

only buy things light and easy to transport. Rent bulky items.

[@enadiedericks2006]

Good to learn something regarding this emotional journey. The background popcorn popping kindof noise was a bit bothersome though.

[@grandmajane2593]

@Notsure R =me too, I didn;t hear any popping noise.

[@howardsalpeter5789]

Good stuff. Not enough attention is paid by most people to the powerful emotions at play.

[@nancyrhearealtor]

Such great info! Thanks, Randi!!

[@maryjordan7724]

I think putting items in storage is a good idea. I have seen far too many people sell their homes downsize and end up in a living situation they regret, and will need those items when they decide to move yet again. Examples are as follows. Moving in with family and you end up not getting along. Letting family talk you into moving into a retirement home or small house to be near them and and finding out they only wanted to ease their guilty conscience, but don't want to include you in their lives. Finding out you don't want to be involved in family drama. You and your new roommate, family member, or friend just simply are incompatible. You move to help someone out, and when they get back on their feet they move on, and you are stuck living somewhere you really don't want to be. Always have a plan B in case plan A doesn't work out.

[@randidukesrealtor]

It might be a good temporary solution to keep items in storage. My parents downsized a number of years ago and then decided they had downsized too much. My Dad had gotten rid of all his tools and has now bought them all over again. 😑

[@howardsalpeter5789]

My experience was different. We were downsizing and put stuff in storage. But a month after we moved into our new home, we realized we didn't need it & had no room for it so we pulled it from storage and donated it all.

[@Kate98755]

family involved or not depends how old the parents are

[@jennywren8937]

Very wise. Selling up in order to help youngsters on the housing ladder is not a good idea. Friend of mine cashed in his pension because his son gave him a hard luck story about arrears with mortgage, and no sooner had he laid his hands on the cash, took his family on a luxury holiday.

[@elizdonovan5650]

Downsizing is a big project. This video is very helpful. Thank you 🙏. 🌲🌝☘️

[@mrsdeh2]

My $30 storage unit recently shot up to $131. Not worth it.

[@randidukesrealtor]

Wow! That's a crazy increase.

[@conniekline9881]

That is definitely a motivating factor.

[@jennyslavis375]

I wish I took photos when family members passed and we had to sell their home ,I like that idea. Too late now .

[@randidukesrealtor]

I wish the same thing. I would love to have pictures of my grandfather's house.

[@Kate98755]

old age is just another phase, you didn’t drive when you were too young, you can’t drive after a certain age, you didn’t leave your babies crib up, why hold onto other physical items, they’re just things, donate so someone else can use them. i’m going through this with my parents, they held onto everything instead moving on. My dad has model airplanes that he flew, but they’ve been hanging in his garage for 25 plus years, now the hobby doesn’t use fuel, so his are obsolete…plus all that time I doubt the plane would hold together in flight, the glue is too old….so no one else had the benefit of using them.

[@randidukesrealtor]

I agree. I don't have a huge connection to things I'm not using and I would rather donate them to someone that will benefit.

[@nancyselzer628]

Hey honey, let's spend $90 a month on a storage unit to put in my $100 worth of Christmas crap... Yearly net loss $980.

[@TherealgoddessK]

Agree. I've worked with hoarders who live in poverty to pay for storage units of junk they never see or touch again

[@randidukesrealtor]

@@TherealgoddessK so crazy!

[@amusedincali-xu6jo]

❤...comin and goin

[@lsloan3029]

Hi Everyone 🙏 Thank you for this video.... and everyone who commented. I read all your comments! There are helpful tips from all of you! My husband passed away 12 years ago.... And i stayed on in my home. Now my son has moved overseas... 😪 I am heartbroken ... 😢 But i know i have to move And down size! A LOT. Thank you all for your contribution 🙏 I most certainly will have your tips written down . Greetings from S.A 💕

[@randidukesrealtor]

Best wishes with your move!

[@lsloan3029]

@@randidukesrealtor Thank you ! 🙏 I am at the begining stage of decluttering.... And i have had 1 garage sale 3 weeks ago (It went really well ! ) ..... having another 1 tomorrow and praying a lot gets sold ... I have also found ... that my gardiner is very greatful ... for items i dont need.... Especially if i think it wont sell ... or i just could not be bothered to try sell it for a few rands (in S.A)... TO see the joy on his face ... brings me joy!! There are other people who are struggling .... and would appreciate a gift........ *Just because!!!* (No reason for the gift) Blessings & Greetings from South Africa 💕

[@Kiki-wi7px]

@@lsloan3029 👍So PROUD of You for Eliminating ALL of Your " Extra Clutter." Garage Sale's are Alot of FUN. You get to Talk with all Kind's of People, and Make Money while Doing It, which You Can USE for Necessitie's or Enjoyment. 🙂

[@lsloan3029]

@@Kiki-wi7px Thank you 🙏 I have a knickname for my grand daughter KiKi (spelt the same ... she is 5) And i am her KiKi 😂 You so right ! Garage sales are a lot of fun. My second garage sale went well 🙏 I look forward to my 3rd one early July . Sending you love KiKi 💌 Greetings from South Africa

[@Kiki-wi7px]

@@lsloan3029 You and Your Grand-Daughter Call one another Kiki. 😃 "5" is a Cute Age. Bet you have Alot of FUN with her.👍Glad that you Did "Well" on your last Garage Sale !! Do you know that You Live almost "10,000 " mile's from Me and it would actually take "18 hrs. and 34 min." to Travel there. WOW ! ! Sending 💜 and 🙏🏼 to You as well.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

👍Totally Agree . . . It's a Mind-Set. Move Forward and just Be Positive. Yesterday is History Tomorrow is a Mystery Today is a Gift

[@howardsalpeter5789]

Love it!

[@olgaburgos7780]

I need to downsize, but I have so many things to give away and I don’t want to take them to Goodwill. I have a collection of small international dolls in costumes that my granddaughters do not want, I am a painter and I have so many paintings to give, books, etc. I need to find who would be interested ,

[@randidukesrealtor]

Do you have a local facebook garage sale group? Those can be great ways to get rid of things.

[@queenbee7819]

IMHO just donate it to a second hand store, don't worry about finding perfect recipient. Is a win/win. You get rid of your inventory, & you may help out strangers more than you'll ever know. Books can be donated to libraries. If they cannot add them to their collection, many have used book sales, where they purchase new library books with money earned.

[@_JanetLouise]

lots of good tips - my favorite teacher is The Minimal Mom

[@bryanandstaciephilpott9896]

I cannot afford a personal organizer I would love to have one come into my home and help me but I don't have the money

[@randidukesrealtor]

It is definitely an added expense. You may want to look online and see if there are any videos or blog posts made by professional organizers that give you some step by step tips.

[@DownsizingPro]

Don't look at the whole picture which makes it easy to become overwhelmed. Start small by just sorting through a drawer at a time. You might find my channel helpful. I offer tips on downsizing and decluttering.

[@jodipirelli8480]

Well all right so I’m only starting this video but my first comment is when you go to Florida for three months you know you’re coming back to your house so you’re not gonna pick your favorite at work or your husband’s ashes or something like that so that’s me off the top makes no sense

[@randidukesrealtor]

There are definitely items that are non-negotiables and are going to go with you no matter what. When she uses the Florida example, she's talking about all of that other stuff that takes up room that maybe we don't necessarily need.

[@davidmaxey3401]

What about photos?

[@grandmajane2593]

I'm stuck on 10 or more books of pictures, stacks of framed photographs, boxes of loose pictures; all documenting my family's life over a period of 60 years or more. My children say they don;t want them. Its incredible to me that someone would not want the pictures of their childhood. What a problem, I now have them stacked in one of those rolling carts you take shopping. The cart has wheels so I'm constantly moving it out of my way. Oh woe, is me, what shall I do with it all?

[@randidukesrealtor]

I can't believe they don't want the photos! What about having them all scanned onto a hard drive?

[@marcoprolo2299]

Have the pictures scanned. It is probably a space reason they can't take stuff at home. Otherwise it is very problematic about the mental health and moral levels of your kids.

[@grandmajane2593]

@@randidukesrealtor - That's a good idea. I will have to check on that. Thanks.

[@leighburville2717]

@@grandmajane2593 Last year I said a lot of prayers and shed a lot of tears over my family photos as I placed them all in a huge beautiful hand decorated box and buried it ceremoniously under my bed. Quite naturally I say prayers over my children and our ups and downs every night. Letting go of past motherhood foibles, failures, disappointments is a huge part of growing old. It is a huge part of growing emotionally, mentally and spiritually mature. I need to come to terms with our passage into the complex realities of old age . . . so much of it is not going to be real pretty. The box of photos under my bed is a prayer altar of sorts... I forget that it's even there, but when I do remember it, I remember to say some special positive prayers. I'm really growing more as a greatful and contented person because of what I'm doing with that box....

[@grandmajane2593]

@@marcoprolo2299 - Your remarks are interesting and worth a lot of thought. But I was thinking, todays young people aren't so familiar with photograghs on paper. They snap a picture on their cell phones and it stays there a while then may get deleted, like a passing rainbow. That might be part of the reason these dusty old photos may not mean much to them. Also many of the relatives are dead and they never met them anyway, so what the heck, they don't care.

[@jennywren8937]

No need for children to be burdened with clearing out, there are plenty of youngsters glad to earn a living doing just that. My cousin allocated the task in his Will.

[@randidukesrealtor]

Allocating that was a smart idea!

[@NoMoreTears64]

I need help with other kinds of things. My ex passed away and I inherited a couple of boxes of MY keep sakes from MY childhood that were there at his house. I get the taking pictures idea, but then what? Throw them in a dumpster? Things like my Girl Scout Sash with merit badges, cheer leading sweater letter, year book from High School... I hate filling up the landfill with STUFF but there is no other place I can think of.

[@howardsalpeter5789]

I get it. My wife still had her grade school notebooks. She even kept some old fishtank from her grandmother that never saw the light of day...It all went to the dump. And there has not been a thought about it since.

[@yuw777]

Thumb drive? Photo book or CD

[@bonniebrown1112]

Back ground music is always BAD , not everyone likes the same , BYE

[@Lois-o1f]

C U😊😂

[@mariasalcedo3414]

I don’t see the information where I can hire the young lady in the video. I need help but it will need to be virtual because she obviously does not live in Chicago where I live. Please help me get her contact information. I want to declutter and downsize for a future sale and move. Thank you

[@randidukesrealtor]

The website is lastingorder.net. If you go to that site, you'll see the contact information!

[@wintersteele310]

love your blouse...

[@melaniemcgarry5271]

What does “let it go” mean? It’s not a very helpful statement! The problem most people have, is actually getting rid of stuff. They need permission and specifics on how to throw things away.

[@howardsalpeter5789]

The permission is internal--they have to allow themselves to do this.

[@rayjennings3637]

What kind of Degree does one require to become a 'Certified' organiser? Is it a BA, BSc, BO or what? Is there some quasi 'professional' body that oversees the vast array of organisers? I understand that there are people out there who make a living out of taking the load of companies when events have to be arranged, or helping individuals with a forthcoming wedding, one of my very best, long-term friends runs her own company doing those things although mainly within a corporate environment. I think the whole idea of certification to her would be just laughable. After all, it's the work that's done and the final achievement that's worth much more than a piece of paper. If you do a crap job, word quickly gets round and very soon you need to look for a different occupation! What good's your piece of paper then?

[@valeriehadfield7083]

I'm not a senior but my husband is and we have to leave company housing. We'll be in a one bedrooms flat (we live in England so not unusual here.) I am disabled so w e started downsizing a year before we're due to move in March 2023. I'm a crafted and have so much stuff. I'm trying to give bits away but our church have said no more as well as friends and family 😂

[@grandmajane2593]

I'm a crafter, a dress maker, and I dabble in quilts. I have a whole wall full of receptacles full of cloth, tools, sewing notions, etc. I have a tiny bedroom, but I just can't get rid of these things.

[@lsloan3029]

Aaaww 🙏 You know what... there may be other churches that want your crafts... or old age homes .... where people do crafts and even schools would like to take it off your hands All the best 💕

[@grandmajane2593]

@@lsloan3029 - No way! They will have to pry my sewing supplies out of my cold dead hands! I'm sewing until I'm dead! Thanks any way! : )

[@jennywren8937]

​@@grandmajane2593Good for you. I respect a grandma with a mind of her own. Enjoy.

[@lynng2886]

you can turn tea cups into bird feeders

[@grandmajane2593]

I sold a whole collection of tea cups and saucers one by one on EBay. They sold very easy, every one of them. (Bird poop all over my tea cups wasn't an option for me. LOL)

[@annlittle6193]

Or pincushions

[@howardsalpeter5789]

I have friend who started a candle making business using teacups as the holders,

[@scoutmockingbird3833]

Please eliminate the background noise and re-upload.

[@randidukesrealtor]

Sorry it's such a distraction.

[@scoutmockingbird3833]

@@randidukesrealtor It's not a distraction. The background noise makes it very hard to hear your voice clearly. Mature aged persons, often require this consideration :)

[@randidukesrealtor]

@@scoutmockingbird3833 I really appreciate that feedback. I can't do much on this video but I'll improve that on future videos.

[@antoninagaras7894]

Minimize

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

Mice always reproduce!

[@pajimmerson]

I'm not too sure you both are the best representation of helping seniors downsize, sounds like a lot of unnecessary patronizing and "poking fun at" how seniors act or how they determine what is best from them. Perhaps you should look at the situation of someone at any age on how they would downsize, afterall, hoarders are of all ages and all ages could have a hard time moving to another location, not just seniors. Nothing wrong with trying to help seniors, but lets treat seniors with respect just like everyone else instead of making fun of them.

[@jennywren8937]

Well said. We decide for ourselves, not others.

[@susanhill2459]

Such annoying background music