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Downsizing, To Move or Not to Move? That is the Question
Aging Well | Last Active: Mar 23 9:13pm | Replies (473)Comment receiving replies
I know how you feel about giving up family treasures and heirlooms that your kids don’t have a clue about the value.
We were face with that also. However, at the time of downsizing from one state to relocate to another to assist my mother who had cancer and recently passed away I came to the conclusion that those things were my treasures and cherished by me.
My mommy overtime dealing with her battle with cancer came to realize the things she treasured became valueless as nothing was more important than her life and health and easily gave things away to friends and other family members if we didn’t want them.
When my father n law passed away his treasures just became dust collectors. His kids keep a few things and threw away somethings they couldn’t give away or donated to charity organizations.
When it was our time to downsize and move into our final home I offered my kids some of my treasures and they took what they wanted.
After giving them what they wanted we sold what we could and gave away the other items to friends, family, and charities.
We realized that when God calls us home we are not taking any of our treasures with us.
So why let someone else dispose of your treasures? Do it yourself while you’re alive making sure they go to someone who appreciates them as much as you do and sell what you can.
We are enjoying life from the treasures we sold traveling, eating, drinking, living, loving and enjoying life.
Why let someone else sell my treasures and enjoy the monetary benefits.
Happy living and enjoy your life and time on this earth without being tied down to things.
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My brother-in-law and sister are dealing with this right now. His Mom lived in her home for 59 years, and every nook & cranny is filled with treasures. The 5 kids and many grandkids have taken what they want, but it has fallen on them to arrange & conduct a huge estate sale on very short notice because the home is sold and the new owner is waiting to take possession. They have been working on this many hours a day for the past month - How much better it would have been if Mom had gifted each of her many friends with a single memento?
My Mom downsized many times, and did exactly that. At then end, 90% of her remaining possessions went to her children & grandchildren, often based on her guidance. Finishing up took my sister & me, with our husbands, just 2 days.
Where I spend 1/2 my year, in a community of tiny homes, when we lose a friend, the possessions their families choose to take away usually fit in an SUV. The rest are sold with the house, to be loved by the next owner, or passed on by them to neighbors. We have all learned to limit, let go, and share - a lovely way to manage.
So when I come home, I try to take the same view of possessions in my larger, but still small by 2022 standards, home. As a result, we are making space, recycling belongings to those who will use them, a simplifying. And we are getting to the point that we are surrounded only by "things" that are in use or truly bring us joy. Each Spring & Summer, I clean a few more spaces - sheds, closets, cabinets...and find I need fewer things than I imagined.
Sue