Downsizing And Moving Toward A More Sustainable Lifestyle

De-clutter: downsizing and moving toward a more
sustainable lifestyle

Multigenerational, not just empty nesters

The American ideal of the big house, a family showplace full of accumulated belongings, has
gradually eroded and is steadily being replaced by a more economical and environmentally
conscious mindset. It’s a new paradigm that crosses generations, from millennials to empty
nesters, who want to simplify their lives and be shed of the physical encumbrances typical of an
acquisitive culture. It’s tempting to chuckle at the fashionable “mini” houses, extreme
manifestation of this movement, but it’s a symptom of a deep-seated conviction that “bigger” no
longer means “better.”

Sustainable & Environmental Friendly
Reduce

Downsizing isn’t just a reference to moving from a large, suburban house to a compact, more
efficient use of space. It also means getting rid of all the things you don’t need anymore, and
doing it in an environmentally friendly, socially responsible way.

Donate

Members of Gen X and the millennial generation have led the way in this revolution of reduction,
donating clothing and other items to charitable organizations or thrift stores, and using the
opportunity to make a little money. All in all, an inspired form of recycling.

Communicate with your family
Empty nesters are of a similar mind, though their motivation is considerably different. These are
people looking to get their children to take as much “stuff” with them when they move away from
home. Whether they do or not, it’s not necessary to throw things away without any forethought.
Instead, try choosing an item to get rid of every time you acquire something new. Don’t assume
that your kids will want objects just because you think they should. They have their own ideas
about what’s useful and important. Talk to your children about what they’d like to take with them
rather than trying to foist your excess on a young person who may not have room.

Timing
Be Proactive

For aging couples, a good rule of thumb is to move when you’re able, not when you have to
move. If your children have left the nest, it might be an ideal time to begin looking for a s

Location
People in their 50s are increasingly interested in having the freedom to walk to shops, theaters
and restaurants in a more urban setting, without the burdens and cost of home maintenance. It
makes sense to make such a move when you’re still young enough to enjoy the benefits.
Consider the potential cost of remodeling when you consider purchasing a smaller home. Bear
in mind that the costliest upgrades will be in the kitchen and bathrooms.

How to
Three Categories
As you begin to weed through your belongings, divide them into three categories : donate, give
away, or throw away. This will help you begin the process of parting, emotionally and
intellectually, with things you no longer need or want. It also applies a rationale to your actions,
making it a little easier to part with things you may have owned for a lifetime.

Ask For Help
You may consider hiring a professional organizer, someone who can help you downsize in ways
that make sense from a financial and logistical standpoint. According to HomeAdvisor, on
average, it costs about $483 to retain an organizer, though in many areas you may be able to
find one for as little as $100. A professional can help you clean out closets and overstuffed
drawers and provide guidance on de-cluttering before you move.

Simplifying one’s life is a natural and desirable goal. Today, it’s the objective of both young and
old. A growing sense of personal responsibility to the environment and the unsustainability of
our throwaway culture have encouraged new generations of Americans to “de-clutter” every
aspect of their lives.

"Thanks to Gene Ramsey for this article!" For more information on downsizing you can visit Gene's website, http://downsizingdad.com/category/posts/

Bela Vora, REALTOR®,
Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton Real Estate.
Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127
Website  |  Facebook  |  Blog