As I packed up recently in preparation to travel cross country in my Honda Fit, I did some downsizing. (In case you missed my last update, check out my 2023 Review & 2024 Preview.) Downsizing was harder than it had been during my last couple of moves because this time I had more stuff. I’d been living in a bigger space, but I’d also been at My Apartment at Punalu’u for 3 whole years, which was a long time for someone who’s been as nomadic as I have been. I had moved to Vermont with just what fit in my Fit, so I knew that anything I hadn’t brought with me had to be carefully considered.
I was fascinated by what I had accumulated while I was living in the ADU. Much of it had been very intentional, but some of it was accidental creep, too. My apartment was a studio, but it was still many times bigger than the Lucky Penny! I’d acquired furniture including a sofa bed, a table, dining chairs, a 4-piece bedroom set, and a desk. More kitchen things to support my renewed interest in baking. Rugs, lamps, a bunch of winter clothes. It took time and dedication to sort through and make choices about what to keep, what to sell, what to gift, what to donate. It reminded me that this process is a challenge for people who have even more years worth of accumulation or more space to have accumulated. (And, of course, always the reminder to self that having Too Much Stuff is typically an affliction of privilege. So as I sorted I also counted my gratitudes.)
I talked with several people about the experience and a handful of them said “oh my goodness, I need to do more of that!” So I’ve decided to offer a 6-week Downsizing Tune Up for people who have previously taken my downsizing class (or who have done some signifiant downsizing in their lives in some other way). We’ll tackle problem areas in our homes - especially those that need a periodic tune up - and develop organizational systems to keep them corralled. We’ll also have the opportunity to tackle areas people might not have gotten to before like photos or sentimental items.
It’s been fun this week to watch the registrations come in for the Downsizing Tune Up, recalling the stories some of these folks have told as they’ve sorted through things, both the tangible - like childhood treasures, stacks of paperwork, the books on their shelves - but also the intangible - like memories, the inherited attitudes about stuff from our parents and grandparents, the challenges of a couple who have different philosophies about Tupperware.
“While trying to begin the “look at your closet” activity, I came face-to-face with some things I was still holding onto of my [late] husband’s...which now (it’s all about timing) I needed to let go. Then, quite by accident (is it really?) I stumbled upon old paperwork from his final year etc...which I no longer needed. So, there too, I want to thank you and this e-class for arriving in my life at this perfect time. Decluttering is a lot about letting go of more than your physical stuff!”
I’ve also decided to offer my Digital Downsizing e-course again. In this six-week series, we'll cover everything from where files go when we download them to how to see those photos that make us grin more often. Each week of this e-course will include a weekly focus area, a weekly challenge, and a 2-hour work session with fellow digital downsizers. I’ve tried a couple of different formats for this one and what I find works best is dedicated, supportive group work sessions so we can tackle the projects right then and there.
With both courses the best part is we get to do this with the encouragement of other people who are embarking on a similar journey. If you’re interested in joining us, please register today!