Downsizing? You Won’t Want to Miss This Advice!

Downsizing? You Won’t Want to Miss This Advice!
On the surface, downsizing sounds simple… just put everything that you don’t need in boxes, throw them away - and voila! - you have successfully downsized your life.
In reality, downsizing is more complicated. The scale of the problem is overwhelming. You have to deal with emotions. Sorting through valuable and sentimental items is tricky. The list goes on and on!
So, today, I want to offer some advice for downsizing without the stress.
Come join us for a cup of tea (or coffee) and a chat. And, if you enjoy the show, please tell one friend about us today. Your support means so much to me!
Here are today's community questions...
Are you downsizing? Or are you happy with the number of things that you have in your life? Please join the conversation and tell one other woman about Sixty and Me today. The more the merrier!
Here is the link to the article that I mentioned: sixtyandme.com/...
Visit Sixty and Me to learn more: sixtyandme.com/...
#Downsizing #SixtyAndMe

[@teddysmum8900]

What a great conversation. I am 60 years old and in perfect health, but about two years ago I saw a video about a young woman who had to go through all her deceased mother's belongings. It was the saddest thing I'd seen, and I swore I would never put my children through such an ordeal. I decided to "purge" my things under the happy circumstances of today. And I did not want my home to become a "museum" of old things. It was hard because we have lived in this house for more than 25 years. We took it one room at a time and decided to go back through a second and third time to continue to thin out our belongings. It was the most freeing thing my husband and I have ever done. We gave most things to the Goodwill and envisioned all the people who would be excited to find these things there. We gave our children all their papers and childhood projects and baby books, etc. We also gave them family heirlooms. One child was excited to get these things; another child was upset we were doing this process but she came to understand and only kept some of the "treasures" we gave her. I had to remember that just because I once treasured something didn't mean my children would. Our third child is still in his early twenties and not really settled yet, so I did save one bin of childhood things for him once he buys a home too. Our home is so much easier to take care of, we feel freer, and our children will never have to go through the sad journey of dealing with all the "stuff" in their parents' lives.

[@Anita-silver]

I too found that items I thought would mean something to my children, just didn't. This was a load off of me as I could then release it as well.

[@marilynpeppers4552]

Gail Adamo What a wonderful thing you have done. This is great motivation for me. I must look at things the way a child will see removing a parent's belongings after that parent has died. I had to do that after my sibling died and it was painful. imagine how a child feels! Thank you.

[@terrigarrity9378]

My father-in-law commented, "we have spent all our life collecting these things and nobody wants them". Sad but true.

[@markgoodwin183]

Gail Adamo

[@lindafrazier8092]

Such wonderful idea thank you!!!!

[@pattiecake11]

I love your videos! My life was just one big pile of junk! It's a long sad story that I'm writing about. My husband was a hoarder and we had thousands of books and records that we sold on line and at flea markets. We also paid hundreds of dollars a month for storage. Years passed and now we are both retired. I am a breast cancer survivor and my husband is disabled. We moved from Tampa, Fla to Manhattan, Kansas to be with my daughter and her husband. All we took with us was our bed and clothing and about 15 boxes of stuff. I got rid of so much stuff it's unbelievable. It wasn't easy and there are a few things I wish I still had, but I made a promise to myself I would never look back!! I feel like a new person, and now I am obsessed with being organized and cleaning my new apartment.

[@galecopp5578]

I'm going through this now moving from a 4 bedroom to a two bedroom. I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff and it actually feels wonderful! Simplicity is best! You can do it ladies!

[@dawnstonerock884]

I downsized after retiring from teaching. It was sooo hard. I found young new teachers and gave a lot of things to them. They loved it and it made me really happy too!

[@kathietuttle9720]

Having moved many times, downsizing has become so familiar to me that I actually enjoy the process. Too much and clutter is very distracting, so depressing. Having just what I need and love is a relief. That was a meaningful talk...thanks.

[@annrichardson7169]

This purple looks so good on you! I so enjoy your videos.....I am a 71 year grandmother in the Dallas, Texas area. Ann

[@mbd6054]

Oddly enough, I got some health news yesterday, which means a change of lifestyle. I came across this lovely video today, and it has been very comforting and helpful. I am very grateful to you. Thank you so much.

[@sixtyandme]

Good luck Brett - hope all works out for you - sending hugs!

[@mbd6054]

Sixty and Me Thank you so much, Margaret. You are a very kind, and lovely lady.

[@chrischabre9382]

Wise to downsize while you’re still healthy!

[@cherylstasak7054]

I am not downsizing residences but I still have a rule I live by that I set up a few years ago. I go through every drawer, cupboard, closet, the garage and basement every year 1 time. and my rule is that anything that has not been used in the past year must go. if I feel it is something I will use in another year or it is of sentimental value I either give it a stay of execution of 1 year or I put it to use right then. Storage is an evil word in my house. 😎 I try to make a game of it as well to see how empty I can make a closet , drawer or cupboard. It is very liberating when you realize that you really need nothing. that your existence has nothing to do with objects but us truly based upon your intellect , good health and sense of humor.

[@gloriaj.pinsker9577]

We are considering a move to Florida, so what motivates me is when I pick up an object I say, "Would I bring this to Florida and use it there?" If the answer is no, out it goes! What also motivates me is, as you said, thinking that someone else could get joy out of this object. That makes donating it a lot easier! Taking a photo of something sentimental that you can no longer keep helps a lot too. Another vlogger suggested making a scrapbook of these photos. Great idea!

[@susancaleca4796]

Florida is mot these greatest place in the world ppl! It has it's downside too. My sister and a brother both lived in different towns and left after 2 o 3 yrs.

[@malu1917]

God bless you and thank you so much for your honesty and inspiring and encouraging words. I am 46, I wish so much that I would have realized to not accumulated so many clothes, things, home decor and stuff in my 20s. Now I feel that less IS more. Thank you so very much for your genuine videos.

[@janr2133]

I was faced with cancer, now I am fine but it made me think about all the "junk" my kids would have to go through when I died. We tend to go to those dark places now and then. When I recovered from my surgery. I went room by room and cleared out. Anything I thought the kids would want I gave to them now, their Christmas ornaments, their baby box/book, etc. I would call them and ask if they wanted such and such (I have 4 sons, one daughter-in-law). I took books to the half price book store and DVDs and made over $100!!! and gave the tredclimber to my youngest cause every time I looked at it I felt guilty for not using it! I am 67 widowed and not trying to "impress" anyone anymore!! I have 3 pairs of shoes, black winter, tan sandals and tennis shoes! I have 2 purses black winter, tan summer! All I need to do now is clear out the garage when the weather gets warmer. I love that I donated my used clothes,kitchenware, sold books and DVDs,so other people can enjoy those items like I once did. I feel lighter and so free from the burden of "things".

[@sharonworyn8024]

I know this is often necessary but sometimes keeping things is a blessing to later generations. When an Aunt passed away, we found letters my grandfather had written to my father. My grandfather was a Polish immigrant and his handwriting and English were impeccable. The content of the letters gave us real insight into my grandfather's life. I am so glad somebody kept them amongst a lot of "stuff."

[@manalani3724]

Your voice is sooo pleasant. Thank you for sharing

[@suemetcalf1849]

This is such an important issue to discuss. I am 60 now and have moved twice in the last 15 years and each time we purged unnecessary furniture and 'things'. Even so more needs to go, and through the process of working through my deceased dad's belongings and house, I have become mindful of what I don't want to leave for children to deal with when we are gone! So I've been reading about and listening to podcasts on the topic and this has helped reset how I feel about my belongings. (Can recommend podcast 'The Minimalists' and Marie Kondo's book 'Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up'). More importantly this information has helped me resist consuming so much and I find myself window shopping like I did when I was young and poor! It is so freeing!

[@TheAbledGardener]

I was going through my jewelry yesterday and getting rid of what I don't wear. I also think that the extra stuff I have stored in my house is a cause for frustration and anxiety to a point. Once the house is downsized and simplified maybe our lives will too. Thanks for your videos, I love the colors you wear, I'm a "cool" color also. Kim

[@jamesmiller9492]

The Abled Gardener m

[@dianparrotta2118]

I am planning on moving to Tenerife, Spain and am faced with emptying my home filled with all that you covered in the video! I plan on just taking myself, my cat, my laptop, cell, and one suitcase! It is hard to think about leaving everything behind but I want a new beginning!

[@julieblackstock8650]

so helpful, Im 52 and I plan to move from a 3 bed town house to a small 2 bed cottage in a village when I can retire in 3 years, So I decided to start decluttering now. If I cant imagine it in my new home in Suffolk I get rid of it. It really helps and I feel much lighter for doing it

[@nataliaemanuel64]

Yeah I am getting rid of a lot of things. I am going to start giving my jewlery to my daughter. It feels good to clean out an give! I have stopped spending on what I want. I buy what I need.

[@galecopp5578]

You look wonderful today, love the color on you, it makes you glow!

[@sixtyandme]

Thanks very much Gale - I love your hair! :-)

[@sunshine9016]

Good advice. I have silver dishes etc. that I never use anymore so all I do is clean them... I'm working on convincing myself they must go. Love your videos!!

[@catb8661]

Where can you go to get rid of real silver? I don't want it anymore, but I know it's expensive.

[@elizabethrussell2419]

It's good to talk about death, my mum and I talked about it so when she died I knew exactly what she wanted. Although I was sad, it gave me great comfort to know she would be happy to have things the way she wanted them😀

[@cherylliz99]

I’m am trying to downsize w/o help!!!! So overwhelming!

[@TheNid08]

I replay this video periodically. Just keep trying, to let go of things. The great fires in CA caused me to realize that many documents can be gotten again or are online. Re-assessing what papers I need.

[@tracythomas343]

For the last year and a half my husband and I have been purging everything. We were married in July of 2015, so I then moved in with him. We had to combine our households which was difficult because we both owned homes that we had lived in for 20 years. Sadly his mom passed away soon after we married and he wanted to move into his childhood home. Now we had 20 years of my stuff, 20 years of his stuff and 40+ years of his moms stuff. We still have not gone through everything. It has been a long tedious process and for my husband at times painful. It sometimes feels like we will never get through it all.

[@janesmith5871]

That hits the nail on the head for me; getting the stuff out of the house and to the thrift store! I love cleaning things out, and have been trying to downsize for years now with only some progress. I am not a hoarder. :) But getting it in the car and off the property...that's the hard part for me!

[@joanjohnson9438]

Enjoy this meeting every day, & thank for being so interesting. I am getting along now at 83 I really need to un collect treasures! This segment of downsizing is very helpful.....Should have started when l was 60! Should’ve & probably could have ...thank you for sharing so much of your life....Have a glorious day.....Joanie

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

Never too late to start decluttering or downsizing. Just start and enjoy the process. Someone may need what you no longer need. Hugs

[@prettyblimp]

I have thought taking photos of precious or dear things would be a great idea too. Ornaments perhaps, cards, things the kids made. Then the photos can be stored on the computer and the clutter is gone. cheers to all.

[@laurawalker546]

Downsizing from one home to another made me realize just how much I acquired and how abundant my life was to the point of anxiety. I got rid of 8 car loads, a lot of furniture and big items. The biggest discovery in doing it is I don't remember or think about what I gave away at all. No regrets. The more I release the clearer and free I feel. I still have more to do here but it will be a bit at a time once I am retired. I don't have a garage or a basement now so no temptation to store items more than what I have. I now have a rule: an item comes in, at least one must go out.

[@leawallace1366]

Thank you for this program. I’m going through downsizing now. I got through the easier things (like a dining room table and chairs that won’t fit into the smaller apartment) but have come to a dead stop now that I’m sorting smaller treasures and family items that I remember from early childhood. You offered a number of great ideas. I am new to your series and so far have enjoyed everything I’ve watched. Thanks again as you are a positive delight to have in my life right now.

[@lynnewilliams3241]

My mother died recently. Im a newish retiree and i have no children. Im weeding because i dont want others to have to go thru this stuff, my family is geographically scattered. Downsizing makes me feel in control and makes sense while my brain and my body still can cooperate.

[@maylien]

Oh, I forgot, taking Before and After pix are very motivational for spurring one on to Do More!

[@joaniemione8410]

Great advice! Getting rid of my storage unit as we speak. Purple tones look wonderful on you!

[@sixtyandme]

Thanks very much Joanie . Congratulations on getting rid of your storage unit!

[@Jazzygurl222]

This was a big help, thank you so much! Have a blessed and beautiful day! :)

[@gailkeefe]

Stepping on my toes about the Christmas decorations! I LOVE them!

[@dkulikowski]

I will be tackling a couple drawers today. Thank you very much.

[@EHD351]

Very Good. Gives me encouragement to start again.

[@nata3467]

I can not wait to downsize...three years and counting. Retirement will be liberating in so many ways

[@snuggleb100]

Great advice and so appreciated it. I'm raising my granddaughter who is 3 now with my husband and am 61 yrs old he's 57. We are still working on downsizing even tho she will be in our lives till she's 18. My son is 19 (not his child) and working on moving out in the next year. Its a lot harder when your raising another child heading into our senior yrs. I'm a bit lost doing it but still feel we need to downsize from our 4 bdroom 3 bath 2 story house to a single level 1400 sq ft home or smaller. Anyway, you are very encouraging and love your ideas. God bless.

[@maylien]

Inspiring. We've lived in the same house for over 40 years and I have all those things you mentioned. I've done a few minor clean outs of small areas and it does feel good but I need to get back on The Stick about it.

[@maggiemay97]

I retired 2-1/2 years ago and moved from New York City to the south Texas coast and did a very major purge of my belongings and was determined to live exactly as you’re describing. I haven’t been perfect, but I think I’ve done really well in only keeping or buying the furniture and decorative items I really need and love and have even managed to say no thanks to desks, chairs and household items that friends and family tried to give me because they were redecorating or moving. I made a few missteps when I left New York and am regretting some of the things I left behind, but I’ll get over it. And I find myself thinking of the family members who will have to get rid of what I leave behind and don’t want the chore to be too onerous or expensive. My mother, who is 88, moved to assisted living and then to a nursing home a couple of years ago and all the furniture and personal belongings in my parents’ house was overwhelming to deal with. And these days you can’t even give it away! No one in the family wanted or needed to furniture-nice as it all was-and younger people generally don’t cook or entertain like those married in the 1950’s did, so China, silver, etc. are just albatrosses. We were shocked to find out that even most charities wouldn’t take the furniture! We spent thousands to pay for it to be taken away. I had a chat with one of my mother’s assisted living neighbors and she had the same experience and was as shocked as we were. No one wants the furniture and cherished items people accumulated over 50 or 60 years. By the way, purple and pink are definitely your colors! You look beautiful in the blouse and makeup you have on in this video.

[@joyl.7970]

My roadblock is in the form of my husband. I long to downsize and simplify our home. He collects. It's very frustrating! One example is that we have eleven rakes and usually we use a blower to move leaves.

[@cynthiakritikos3851]

It's especially challenging if you have no kids to give them to. I personally don't want to live in a smaller place I want to live in a bigger house with acreage or have more than one place to live depending on the weather. I think the challenge is researching what your style is today and ask yourself what you even like anymore in decor and not be pushed to what you see on Houzz, all white, grey and no color excepts maybe pops of color. Most of those pictures if you were slightly tipsy, you wouldn't even know it was your home as they all look alike. I think younger people don't even think about doing what you are suggesting and that speaks volumes about ageing something I don't agree with.

[@youtuber-nah]

You're cute when you wink. I love this topic and find you motivational and inspiring. Keep it up. :)

[@nancymorrow4933]

This has helped so much!!

[@tarandondesigns6956]

I just stumbled on your channel this evening. I've subscribed of course! I'll be binge watching your videos for a while this evening. I like your style...

[@julies166]

This was very thoughtful provoking and helpful!

[@manalani3724]

I appreciate your wisdom and videos

[@havana2banana]

This one was good for me. I have the ability to travel with very little but am a terrible header at home. I had a session of E F T about that. My new step is to move bedrooms. I am going to sleep in the spare room as my own bedroom gets the best sun and would be good for the daytime. My plan is to decorate the new bedroom really nicely and only take into it things that aren't going to look cluttered. That way I should feel better when I wake up .

[@SIMARSONG]

Margaret, I like the way you have done your hair today! It looks very nice behind your ears.

[@sixtyandme]

Thanks! :)

[@ritafreeman3252]

I have got three beautiful boxes and sorted out my kid school photos and any rewards they received what I thought was special put their names on the boxes so at least they know which are their things it’s not everything but it is a start as I too have a problem with getting rid of things due to sentiment my youngest who is 24 just tells me to throw everything away but it is hard to throw 38 years of memories away

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

My daughter did not want her athletic awards and ribbons from high school. Did not want her yearbooks, either. I did not want to keep them, as we may move in a few years, so I donated them to the local museum. They were happy to get them, as they wanted items from the local school. Win win and not burned up, as she told me to fo orginally.

[@VictoriasRoses]

I just found your beautiful channel. I am 49 andI love your channel!!! :) My problem is that I saved so many little dresses and items from my daughters childhood that I have no place to put them. It is hard to give them away. I also collect a lot of collectable glass wear. I may sell it on ebay for vacation money. I really enjoy your channel. I hope tonight I can watch more videos and catch up. :) Have a beautiful day!! Becki

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

I kept way to many of my daughter's little baby clothes. We had to relocate in 2004 and decided to give the clothes to a charity that our former church supported in a poor area of the United States. I imagined a mom enjoying the clothes on a baby girl and it was easier to let the baby clothes go. Had pictures in the baby books of them wearing the clothes. Had to get rid of lots if things as moving stuff is costly, and if item was outgrown or we were past that stage in life, well some one else could use it. I thought I would never get rid of the baby crib, well I sold that about a year after my youngest outgrew it. A nice couple bought it for their first baby, so I knew it was going to a good home. Win win.

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

Your table lamp is so pretty. Did you decorate the shade. So pretty. Love the content of this.

[@carolcross_aiexperiement]

I really like your color choices. Very nice job.

[@lruss5050]

I love the way your place is decorated!

[@donbolton4771]

I have learned to say is it a need or a want . Most of the time it is a want, then I don't buy.

[@mcbrineart]

You look especially pretty today! The purple is a great colour on you both on your top and your eyelids. And your hair looks nice too. We are in the process of selling our vacation beach house and our city home and are moving into a two bedroom apartment along with our 20-year-old. I’m looking forward to the freedom.

[@roseb.7104]

Thank you So Much Margaret!

[@Mradm86]

We moved a lot just trying to find the best place to live and we finally have our favorite area but we still have some of our stuff even still packed up can't bring ourselves to release some of the junky items we kept thinking we might use it. We don't have a lot but there still is clutter

[@juanitagibbs2100]

Your talk made me think of things i have to come to accept I closed my eyes and just listened and realized things I have to do my stomack is so upset now that t have to accept and do thanks for your talk and advice so glad i foud your videos

[@helenknecht2407]

You look especially pretty in purple and pink. Love your necklace!

[@MsSkyscape]

I must downsize, due to circumstances beyond my control, but I am terrified and absolutely unable to keep on.

[@Marvyvans]

Valerie Knobel I am in the same predicament. It is overwhelming at times so I understand how you feel. one thing that bothers me is that I have worked so hard and saved for some things that I wanted for a long time and now I'm being forced to give them away. I do have friends helping me which makes it a little easier. do you have someone who can help you? I hope things work out for you.

[@manalani3724]

thank you...i learn from your videos

[@ruthmrozek2531]

I'm facing some downsizing issues. I've always cooked and baked but as I get older I find I don't do that as much. I have so many baking dishes and small appliances. We recently moved into a smaller space. Trying to find places to put all this stuff is insane. I have to lose a lot of it but am afraid I'll need it back at some point. Deciding what to let go of is really hard.

[@dianafeldman2826]

I love your necklace and all your colors you are wearing. It looks very soft and feminine on you.

[@cosmickate4947]

Great videos thanks

[@lienwessels1214]

From Amsterdam i love youre vidios

[@susancaleca4796]

Regrets about giving stuff away

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

I give stuff away and don't regret doing so. The items that I no longer use or want can bless someone else. Makes my home feel lighter to me and easier to clean. Cheers from Indiana.

[@vixinav1014]

Pukkah are the best. Pricey but great!

[@patriciagimay9195]

Loved your video. Found it so helpful. May I ask you something too. i loved your purple eyeshadow that you have on today. Can you share what it is. Thanking you so very much.

[@sixtyandme]

Hi Patricia - its Bourjois - they only do one purple - I love it!

[@patriciagimay9195]

Thank you so much for answering and explaining. You looked so lovely in your video today with that eye colour. Made your eyes so very beautiful. Thank you so much. Love your style love your tops that you wear. i live in France and my darling mum wrote to me every week over the past 40 years of living here. She passed with Alzheimer and I have kept every precious letter,and every birthday card ,everything that she sent me. someday's I can read them,someday's I want but can't. i miss her so. One day I must decide what I want to do with them. But for now I can't It would be like she died a second time. Blessings to all. XXX

[@Marvyvans]

I have been downsizing lately and it is difficult to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. My problem is that circumstances have forced me to downsize, which makes it harder for me. I'm not doing it because I want to, I'm doing it because I'm forced to get rid of things. I'm trying to be positive about it, I know I have a lot of things that I don't need anymore and there are other people that can use the things I'm getting rid of. However, I think it would be much easier for me to downsize if it was my choice to do so. This is the difficulty that I have.

[@dorisdavis3642]

Kim S.

[@TippyPuddles]

You are not alone. I too am forced to make a decision. After separation I am left struggling to catch up on the mortgage and property taxes. After four years, I'm on the fence trying to decide to stay or just let it all go and move on.

[@Marvyvans]

Ann Korn It is difficult and I hope everything goes well for you.

[@ruthmann238]

Great! I could do big down size after school's out I babysit the young granddaughter she's 3 yrs. old. Yes good idea eBay,

[@kmkackle9524]

Good segment this motived me Awesome conversation!

[@sixtyandme]

Glad you enjoyed it! You may also want to check out another site I have started called Learn to Simplify www.learntosimplify.com :-)

[@marybachmann]

I struggle with the memory joggers. As more things crowd into my brain, it seems I need them more, rather than less. If a day comes where all I have is my memories, I will need these things. So I'm getting out the camera...

[@lindsandkev]

Such a nice lady❤

[@lanipowell7287]

I greatly enjoy your video but I have a hard time hearing you. I'm sure I'm not alone. Could you increase the volume?

[@sixtyandme]

Sorry about thatf

[@andreasclafford5728]

💜

[@marilyngrass416]

Not black, Hot Momma.