Why Downsizing is One of the Most Courageous Things You Can Do

[@suzettecooper382]

I started decluttering my life several months ago. Removed many physical items from my house and I realised possessions that you don't actually need do not enhance your life. I have two special items my mother gave me which I can't remove from my life. They are special to me. You are so right about decluttering ones social life . Since I had to do this my self worth has increased. I am so much happier

[@Cindy-bee]

Great topic Margaret. I downsized 5 years ago when I retired. Sold my 2,000 sf home and bought a small 850 sf cottage by the lake in Ontario. I purged 25 years of stuff. Two dumpsters worth of garbage weighing almost 2 tonnes. A shameful waste of money and space. It opened my eyes to mindless spending as a recreational sport. When I first moved in post divorce, I worked a lot and clearly was compensating for my lack of fulfillment. When purging my kids furnished their own homes with things I no longer needed and I donated a lot. At first it was emotional but then you realize it's just stuff. You keep what you love and the rest really isn't that important. These days I live frugally on a work pension and government pension. It used to go further than it does now. I love my life in it's simplicity. My main purchases are food for myself and my dog and things for my daughter and grandsons. I don't need anything other than that.

[@rose5566]

@cindy-bee - I am in the process of downsizing now and I feel so sad 😢. Thank you for putting it into perspective for me. You are right when you said it was a shameful waste of money, compensation for a lack of fulfilment in life and mindless spending as a recreational sport. Your words really resonated with me and gives me some comfort in knowing that I am not the only one who wasted time and money on shopping for stuff . As I am painfully trying to be somewhat ruthless with the contents which I have accumulated over the years. My daughter has just moved her family into a larger home and I purchased her small house that they were originally in. Now they are busy filling their beautiful new home with stuff . The cycle begins all over again! The young don’t understand until they reach their 60’s or later! They have to experience it for themselves, as we all did.😢

[@user-xc7iq4cm8t]

I had unopened boxes from my last move 20 years ago to our family home The hardest things for me to let go of were the sentimental things - but I choose to keep just a few. It’s also been an eye opener to the amount of $ I’ve wasted!

[@clairecruickshank2742]

You are right about mindless spending as a recreational sport. It is what our culture encourages us to do - think Christmas and black Friday sales etc. Buying stuff can be a compensation for other intangible things that are missing from your life, or that you are not attending to. I think it takes courage to resist those calls to spend spend spend.

[@srmrlr]

After my wife passed last year, and turning 60 a few months ago, downsizing/decluttering has become a thrill and a challenge. Retired Navy, I used to have no trouble leaving stuff behind. But, living in one town, one home for 17 years, I realized I had accumulated far more than I expected. I've had a few boxes I haven't even opened in 20 years!!! I've made a goal of donating or disposing of at least one large trash can or equivelant each week. And I still have SO MUCH to do!!!

[@sophiegolden]

I know that, a huge task 😊

[@1-catgoddess]

Margaret, thank you for sharing your story! I've been downsizing, purging and donating since before the pandemic. It's hard because the experiences of everyday life continue -- even while you work on decluttering and organizing -- and there are only so many hours in a day to dedicate to all of these tasks. Downsizing a home can be frustrating because it takes much longer than we might anticipate to get this work done. A lot of the time is taken up by the many decisions we need to make -- keep? donate? throw away? If I keep it, will I really use it and where will it go? But like you said it's about changing our mindset. When I started this "project," I expected to get it all done in a specific short time frame that turned out to be unrealistic. I changed my mind and gave myself permission to take whatever time I need. Now I choose a category or a room to work on. I've been able to purge and see the impact. I feel a sense of accomplishment. Now I celebrate the small victories!

[@jeanettepaulson4525]

We downsized in 2020 by dividing our 3 bedroom/2bath home and selling it to our single daughter. The pandemic helped her to want to put down some roots, she was working from home and realized she likes being single but wanted to be nearby. We put in a kitchen for her and frosted French doors to gives us both privacy. Now our SSI is very livable. I enjoyed the “ let go “ of the stuff. And even cleaned out dishes and pots and pans. Clutter is now gone including the encyclopedias that hadn’t been touched in 25 years. This is truly working for us!

[@netty9534]

Great tips, thank you Margaret. I've downsized, as an empty nester and moved to the very remote Isle of Jura. (Where George Orwell wrote 1984) 200 people and 7000 deer 🦌🦌🦌 Freeing up money feels amazing after skimping. The one thing I find hard is not having a dining room. I used to cook for my sons and nieces (they lived with me) to know thats all pretty much over is sad for me..... But freeing up money ensures I can travel to England every month or so and take them out. Silver linings... Gratitude and an action board, helped me no end.

[@doloresaquines1529]

I have never had clutter. If one thing comes into the home one item goes out. Mercilessly lol. And I also give items to family and Friends. Best slogan 'keep It simple". Well worth It.

[@sixtyandme]

Love that!

[@rose5566]

Wow, I wish that I had done this! I am paying for it now! Too much clutter is overwhelming me.

[@cynthiahurlburt2819]

As i shared once recently i found when downsized post two major moves, i went through a period of grieving.But now i feel relieved and free. Maaterial items now take the back seat. I am learning to live in the moment with less and treasure love for fzmily,friends and most of all My Heavenly Father. I now have room for Him.❤

[@lynnej.9357]

I have been attempting to purge and declutter in fits and starts for some time - with limited success. I'm hoping to downsize to a smaller house in about two years. In the meantime, this house needs to be both decluttered and spruced up. My husband has just had a health crisis.. I need to roll up my sleeves and really get at things. I don't want to leave a mess for anyone else to resolve after we are gone.

[@elinorcherubini9316]

I downsized twice. Once moving from UK to living in italy and second time when my husband died and i moved from a large house to a one room flat. I am happy and its true you dont need much to live well.

[@lyndamartin5045]

Thank you for this I needed to hear this today I am 74 I have a booth at an antique mall. It is not doing to well 3 years in. Deciding to let it go I have been trying to do this for months. Today is the day to start Thank you so much

[@janiewerner]

I would shop with you! I love booths in antique malls!

[@andrealazar1556]

I have had to get rid of nearly everything I owned at 4 different times in my life! Not easy and I have missed some it for a while after I had to release it to a new home. But after going through my parents' home of 60+ years after they could no longer do so, I can tell you that I am gonna do it again:) All we take with us is the love when we pass, so I'd much rather do it sooner and enjoy the gifting.

[@JLR4244]

I am in complete agreementwith you. We have become way to addicted to "stuff." Like you, I also have been declutering so that my children won't have the responsibility of doing it. I absolutely loved how you said " when we pass, all we take with us is the love." That statement is a great motivator to remember! Thank you for sharing that.

[@rose5566]

❤

[@peggyj7243]

I started several yrs ago with downsizing...it has turned into multiple stages of realization and self growth. I get to a point that I think, I don' t think I have much more to declutter and then weeks or months later....I think, what was I thinking ( so much more to declutter). I finally connected why I love traveling across the world with 1 small backback and wonder why I did not think about my home I live in everyday.🤣 Thx for the ongoing inspiration and hearing real life stories.

[@caroleccles5095]

Really helpful video. My marriage ended 7months ago, I'm still in the big house at the moment on my own. I've de cluttering bit by bit and to be honest I'm looking forward to getting a smaller place of my own with NO clutter! It really helps mentally to have a clutter free tidy home 🥰

[@doloresaquines1529]

Yes Carole and yes again!!

[@dorothymcfadzen1369]

I have. Cleared out my garage. 7 bags to the charity shop 2 bags to the dump. Feel so much better and that's thanks to you Loved your hair in pony tail.. love from a sunny Scotland. Dorothy.

[@lindadorman2869]

Starting my own successful reselling business helped me deal with clutter. Instead of wanting to keep things, I now see everything I have as an opportunity to earn and create greater financial security in retirement. I don't have kids so there's no one to leave things to. Having enough money to pay bills plus a growing nest egg is more important than holding on to any item I might have.

[@rose5566]

@@boogiefever2118when my darling mother passed, seven years ago, she had so much stuff. We kept some of the items which I treasure just because they remind me of her and dad and happier times. But it was impossible to keep everything. It sadly made me realise that we spend our lives accumulating “stuff”. Only to leave it to our loved ones who really don’t need or want much of it. I miss her so much!

[@barbschmidt3723]

It does take a lot of courage to throw or give things away. Being organized makes life so much easier😊 My sewing room needs to be decluttered! The right mindset makes it so much easier! Thank you for the inspiration❤

[@sixtyandme]

So true!

[@tsamchoetsamchoe2909]

Relation clutter is most difficult but most necessary 😢

[@devasadhvi]

What a great talk. Ive let somethings go and later wish I hadnt. But this video has reminded me, I really dont need att those things. Definitely courage needed here.

[@carolconner9216]

Paper clutter is an ongoing battle. Thank you!

[@brianna3276]

This is so timely for me as I am downsizing from a 4 bedroom/3 bath family home to an in-law suite. I love dishes/linens and books. But I will only have a small kitchen (and no dining room) and living room (and no large family room) compared to all the space I have now. I have started boxing books into give and keep piles and it is an unbelievable challenge. Yes I am giving them to a charity in the hopes they will find a new home. I need to stay strong and be courageous as the dishes will be next! I may need to watch this several more times before I am done.

[@rose5566]

@brianna -you are not alone. I am going through the same challenges.

[@jenniferjones1309]

Been thinking of going to a single bed. Its the hardest thing. The rest was not too bad for me. It felt good infact. 28 bags out over 3 months so far.

[@karinahewitt6259]

Why would you want to go to a single bed? Just asking... yes get rid of all the excess stuff you dont need but don't compromise on your comfort.

[@jenniferjones1309]

@@karinahewitt6259 yes maybe i have gone too far in my thoughts.x

[@marireid8752]

Living in a small space I'm looking at changing to single bed ( need new one away. It will give more room for a reading or crafting area! Looking at the platform style with storage room underneath!

[@jenniferjones1309]

@@marireid8752 i know,room verses empty bed side.

[@sophiegolden]

I need my big bed, I have 4 cats 😅

[@2muchpurple]

I'm a recovered shopoholic, and had accumulated literally tons of stuff, mostly clothes and furnishings. This got to its extreme after my husband died suddenlu 20 years ago. But I have a decluttering system that works for me! Every month, I fill up my car with extra stuff and deliver it to the local Goodwill. After a few years of this, I'm still not a minimalist, but the difference is obvious. I still buy a few things, but give away more. You mentioned taking photos of certain things that are difficult to part with. I do that, and it works for me! 💐

[@MelElido]

Thank you for this topic , so apt to our age . I just finished decluterring my parents ( both gone) home of 41 years last year and donated 2 truckloads of stuff to charities . I renovated the house then rented this out . I left some of the sentimental items with me . But after hearing you Margaret, I realized these have been sitting in my garage for over a year now . Now I guess I need to prioritize & declutter these sentimental things already !

[@sixtyandme]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@milowarrakah7288]

Thank you, Margaret, for inspiring me to declutter! Ive been struggling with what to keep or let go! Especially wardrobe and paperwork! ❤. Milo, Nairobi

[@elizabethannehaffner4779]

How timely is this video as I sit down from exhaustion of just moving. While I never thought of myself as a clutter fairy, I seem to have moved into a room that is: 1. Too small, 2. The closet is too small, 3. My desk is too small and the bathroom is too small. It reminds me of when clothes are too small. Somethings got to give. I will be rewatching this over & over as I go thru my too much stuff and make some tough decisions. Thank you once again.

[@sweetypatnett6123]

Thanks for sharing this video! It's always a pleasure hearing from you. 😊

[@prioress]

So helpful. I know all this but hearing it helps to know others are in the same boat. I recently refurbished my guest room (also, project room, catch all room, etc.) It made me feel terrific and looks great. It is a start but what a boost for my outlook. Thanks, again.

[@sixtyandme]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sophiegolden]

I m doing an inventory of my stuff since a while... Very personal letters, etc I started to throw away, because I don't want that my daughter read that... I think I'm going to throw away all about College...I m keeping some books, but learning psychology and specially neuro sciences are no more available... I m going step by step... It's a big task... From my ex husband, I kept quite everything, for my daughter, positive things...i m almost finished with my beauty stuff, 90%, so that nice. I have to give some stuff later, like you in an other country, but not too much kilos... But in a same time, I don't want to do it everyday, I want to live my life also 😊, sometimes I call a lady to help me, it s more easy with a lot of arthritis and less sad also... I m new on your channel, I m French living near Paris, take care lovely lady ❤

[@traceyconner6095]

I love you Margret. I feel I will be better prepared to live on my own when the time comes. I will certainly get a smaller place to live.

[@sixtyandme]

You can do it!

[@liedyMc]

The most difficult thing I have had to do , yet today it’s the most freeing thing in my life . One kilo = 2.2 lbs Clutter in my home creates clutter in my head I can’t relax. Yes sentimental clutter, it has to have a place ( in my heart ) I have down sized from 3 different homes , it’s never easy somehow new stuff moves in with me 🥴. Suitcases well it really depends vacation or a move changes everything, shipping UPS or FedEx has worked for us in the past :) Xx

[@rose5566]

Purging all of the accumulated stuff is like going down memory lane, as you come across things that you hadn’t seen in years. All the kids birthday cards, Mother’s Day cards, etc. that they had made for you. It’s very sad😢 I just can’t help getting emotional. Especially because I am doing it alone. My dear parents have passed, my siblings are either estranged or live too far. I am widowed and my kids are all working and with their own commitments. No close friends. Very painful.

[@godsgirl7353]

I moved in April from 4 large rooms to a studio apt. after 25 years & brought waaaaaay too much with me. Now I've begun to go thru everything a 2nd time and it's Absolutely the emotional things I need to get rid of. Lol the new place's freezer has the cute bunch of grapes plastic teething ring I kept from my grandson. He is 10 now so indeed I have a "lil" more to work on 😂 and your video provides the exact encouragement I needed 😊 Thank You 💃 so much 😘

[@kimberly4120]

Thank you. I appreciate that you included the paper clutter. I am like you a paper person and balance is important. There are times I find paper useful. I am also sad when I receive so much paper clutter that I feel is not only clutter for me it is clutter for the environment. I say no to receipts, no to bags and am being more aware. It can be frustrating to open a mailbox to so much that will end up in the recycle bin. Do the best we can eh.

[@sixtyandme]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sherylgergen6672]

What an experience having to empty out your luggage at the airport! I'm sure your gifts found a home, just in an unexpected country. I have had to find my personal decluttering method, which is one or two items a day, otherwise I feel too overwhelmed and just shut the door. Slow but steady hopefully wins the race. Thank you for sharing.🌺

[@jennieeklov]

Lovly clip I have down sized all my things...moving from 56 squaremeter to 35 squaremeter in 3 weeks. Declutter all spring..relationships, clothes, things, Jobs, education...its been a relief! Downsize xan come in many blessings and different forms, inner downsize and outer downsize🙏🙏🙏

[@sixtyandme]

Wonderful!

[@teresecapognabrown9325]

The hardest thing was letting go of my son’s clothing that I had kept after he passed away 11 years ago. When I sold my townhouse two years ago my two nephews stayed with me for a bit and helped with bringing my son’s clothes and other belongings to the thrift store. Having their support really made a difference. I am in a studio apartment now and every so many months I get rid of stuff in my closet. I need to do that again now. Got clothes I never wear that someone can use. Going to pack up some stuff this weekend and put as in neighborhood blog for free stuff. Thank you for your words of encouragement

[@sixtyandme]

Hi Theresa , my heart goes out to you. It must be so difficult. I hope the weekend donation goes well and that you find some peace. Have a great weekend as best you can.

[@teresecapognabrown9325]

❤ thank you. The community you created is a lovely one.

[@gerwaldron1327]

Margaret you are a life saver

[@et1016]

You are delightful!!!! ❤

[@sixtyandme]

Oh thank you!

[@arlenepoff1014]

You’re an awesome person! God bless!

[@beacavanahh5731]

Good tips thx. Now I have 2 get 2 it😊❤

[@sixtyandme]

Glad I could help!

[@chuzzthefuzz1908]

My goodness, I know this is 7 months on, but today I was just considering this very topic when I came across your video - so relevant (as always)!

[@sixtyandme]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CristiBlaser]

Just the inspiration I needed

[@cynthiasarah4286]

I just turned 50 but have been empty nest for 4 years. I still have everythinb from my 2 boys. Empty nest through me into major depression. So therr things brought some kind of hope. Thd truth is only the one in gradschool should i watch his things, he did downsizr to go to NYC for grad school. I wont throw away his real musicsl insturments or things i agreed to hold. Till hes a professor. Which wont be long. The oldest son went into thr military and i have all the welcome home weaths anf flags, and every award as he moved up the ranks for 10 years. But his new wife im mil she wont let him talk to me unless hes alone drivihg home from work. Now theve cut me off completely what brought me hope when he flew hone now just makes me physically nauseous. I cared so much😢 i get nothing for caring. Its getting all boxed up and redo the guest bedroon. And they refuse to come for christmas and im like you milliond of christmas patterns decor the placd that they should come they dont, that caused a huge rift last year. I just wanted to burn down my christmas room. With 3 trees. 😢help

[@thebaroness2977]

💔Im so sorry you are hurting ~ it's a difficult & painful situation that lessens as time passes and we become stronger by building ourselves up by standing in our own God-given power... Please remember to take good care of yourself.

[@thebaroness2977]

Only yesterday, I came across Looking at life with Dee @Cheshirelass reading the poem Let Them - Just Let Them... it helped in a way, through my tears, to comfort me & know I have already given my best and that's all I can do.

[@jomcmahon8115]

Thank you Margaret! I needed to hear that right now! I haven't visited you in quite a while. Love your "up do". Kind regards from Jo, a just turned 70 Kiwi ex-pat. t8

[@sixtyandme]

Welcome back!

[@birdlynn417]

Thank you.

[@katiamartinelli3911]

When I moved I decluttered a lot... from a big house to being single. I still have a lot of letters post cards and birthday cards... 😮

[@jeanholmes7976]

I keep those also!! And I am happy about it! I’m 77 years.

[@lisamiller4833]

Thanks so much! This was clear. You give good examples

[@sixtyandme]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bonniemullen4990]

Ineed to go thru .y clothes its so hard ❤😂😊old clothes too many😅

[@lisaburnettbutzow7093]

While you were speaking, I was deleting apps on my phone.😂 🤣You inspired me to do so! Now to work on the house, which is one of my major goals now that I’m semi-retired. Thanks for giving us such practical advice from your experiences. ❤️

[@sixtyandme]

You can do it!

[@Olga-v9m8q]

Very interesting topic and you’ve put some thought into it. Bravo!!! I want to check my clutter. Specially the emotional one. One cannot add every one in one’s WhatsApp… it’s exhausting!

[@MaryWatson-p8b]

Me and my girlfriend downsized about 14 months ago. We lived in a five bedroom/2.5 bath and quite literally had to leave because the owner sold it. I took only what I wanted/needed had room for. Almost the same with my girlfriend. I left a lot of stuff there as I don’t have a car. I take the bus wherever I go. The home belonged to an agency. I didn’t care what they did with it. I didn’t call them back or anything like that. I figured they were kicking us out, didn’t care about us. So I didn’t care what happened to my things. I left journals that didn’t mean anything to me. As far as someone reading them I figured, I most likely wasn’t the first tenant who left journals in a house they were leaving. It was tough for about a week. Live in a nice one bedroom now. I sleep on the couch. But it is a lot more cozy and sane than the place we moved out of.

[@penneydunn8850]

Good info. Very hard to do.

[@sixtyandme]

You can do it!

[@musicismysanctuary5813]

This is so timely and I need help! I have a hard time letting sentimental clutter go. Clothes is another big issue. Purses, shoes pictures. How can I get started. Please help me. I can’t stand clutter, it fee😢like wasting money to throw away. I want to travel light.

[@doloresaquines1529]

Music. Get large black Bin bags. Anything you have not worn in a year put It in the bag and head for the charity shops! Same with handbags and shoes.

[@l.c.devereaux2706]

that would be 95% of my clothing as I tend to wear the same thing over and over. I will do baby steps. Thank you for the help! Blessings to you@@doloresaquines1529

[@carolbrierley-mcginn1963]

Love the glasses xx

[@patricianigro637]

I've burned everything from my exhusband.

[@karinahewitt6259]

😂😂 love it. Very therapeutic

[@caroleccles5095]

I'm thinking of doing the same 🤔😂

[@mytube1048]

I loved this, Margaret! This is such a hot topic for us in our 60’s and beyond because we have a lifetime of stuff! I’m ALWAYS organizing and clearing out because I actually love organizing my home. But I’ve realized I’m like a little squirrel, burying some nut away for another day! 😅

[@Didot2]

I could declutter in a heartbeat but my husband.......not so much.

[@genie674]

I seriously need to declutter but my problem is my children have gone but left a lot of stuff behind! Some of it is expensive so I can't just throw it out. But I expect if I just do a room at a time I can then put all of their stuff in one and I will have less of my own. I was really sad that I've come to the conclusion that someone who meant a great deal to me has no place in my life anymore. I can't trust her and I never will again.

[@rose5566]

@@boogiefever2118I have tons of my daughters stuff still here. Every time I take her some of it, she gets upset with me l

[@MaryWatson-p8b]

Does anyone in the Sixty and Me Community like to sew garments? I like and love to 🧵 sew!

[@Maloma12]

A kilo is 2.2 lbs. M

[@janepilkington9293]

A kilo is 2.2 lbs.

[@patricianigro637]

1 kilo is 2 pounds

[@anolderlady1143]

I actually find the thought of getting rid of stuff frightening.Maybe I am not ready.

[@BarbaraWhite-cj8zg]

Good advice. Beautiful top. ❤

[@gtessgossage3867]

1 Kilo(kilogram)=2.2 pounds