@becsbuddy When we relocated up here, we did it in stages. I severely downsized my clothes and books. But did not downsize my craft supplies. Guess that tells where my priorities are. I felt the need to review and organize myself, to make decisions. My husband had a couple buddies come over, and they went through his huge collection of tools and gadgets. He got a lot rehomed, but still brought up more than he figured on.

Do you have a timeline, as that makes a difference, too.
Ginger

This is an interesting conversation, from many different perspectives. I'm single, for 25+ years. My firance died in an auto accident several years ago, so my life and goals have changed. I've lived in my 2-story condo for 30 years. Didn't plan to stay here, but my mother lived on this property, so I bought one on another street. Now, Mom is gone, my fiance is gone and my disabled son moved to a condo across the street. Bob and I were beginning some renovation of my condo before he died. I've been working on the reno, not getting much accomplished since I've been in and out of the hospital, recouperating, up and down on the medical roller-coaster. I've been on that roller-coaster for many years. It gets in my way!!! Well, now that I am doing better.....currently....I have new window installation scheduled, have plans completed for the kitchen and all baths, have moved to storage most of my furniture I plan to keep, got it out of the way until the work is finished. I've cleared out all my closets, have clothes hanging on all the upstairs doors to take to the recycle store to sell, and boxes of clothes to donate. Yes, it's taken me several years to do this! Years! But, by myself, in between serious health issues. Now, I've hired my housekeeper to come one day a week for a few hours and help me go through everything I have, all collections/dishes/pottery/whatever, pack up to sell at the antique shop & help me transport clothes to sell. So, I have the keep, sell, donate and toss 'piles'. My son and I are discussing what he wants to keep. I guess the hardest part was getting past the time I looked at the antiques Mom and I collected or I inherited or whatever, collections, et al and seeing the memories with each item. How can I let it go? Well, it's made of wood. Or glass. Or metal of some kind. The memories are in my heart and mind. The wood and glass and all need to be polished, used and enjoyed. I'm giving my piano to my church, donating a collection of dolphins, (mascots), to my alma mater, etc. It actually feels good. Freeing. Lighter. I'm renting a POD to put in the parking area, fill with the furniture and stuff I'm keeping and living with now, clearing out for the workers to have a clean canvas. Samantha (kitty) and will I stay in a long-stay hotel near-by for a couple weeks until the condo is completed. Then, I move back in with only the furniture, dishes, only the things I want to keep. I'll live and enjoy my 'new' home until I can no longer handle the stairs. I will get a 'stair chair' when I need it. Then, move to a retirement community I've chosen. (putting my name on the wait list). Got a plan. Have had a plan for years!! But, may actually implement this plan soon. Then, I can enjoy my life as long as I can. Pray for me, folks. Wish me well....lots of work, but at least now I have someone who will help me w/packing/moving things, my health is better, I'm stronger and can move forward....until I can't again. Thus, I am determine to finish, to enjoy my home the way I want it and then move when I must. I'll be ready then.

Hi @becsbuddy,

Yes, hiring someone to help you sort and organize is a great way to deal with all of the stuff so that you can down-size. As I have lived in apartments since my divorce many years ago, I haven't accumulated as much stuff as if I had a house, basement, garage, etc. but still, my closets get pretty full at times. When I no longer have room to hang my coats, then I begin the sorting process.

I try to give as much as I can to shelters or organizations that help women who have escaped abusive situations. That makes parting with my stuff much easier because I know it will give a woman and perhaps her kids a new start in life.

As a younger person, I too had more energy (as well as focus) to accomplish a project of this type, but not so much anymore. Give yourself as much support as you need to make this transition!