What does “downsizing” mean to you? Does it mean less stuff and a lighter heart? Or does it mean parting with family possessions and, God forbid, potentially offending your mother-in-law in the process?

As someone who is currently downsizing and has helped others do so too, I can tell you that the truth lies somewhere in the middle! 

So, whether you’re hoping to simply pare back the number of your possessions or you’re hoping to create a fresh, new environment for yourself, I have some tips that should remove all the guilt for you!

I hope these will lead you to the weight-off-your-chest, fresh start that has you feeling young and free again. 😉

Things we tell ourselves… “It was a gift from family or friends”

We all have items in our homes that were either made or purchased for us by friends and family. I know this type of gift is well-intentioned, meaningful, and from the heart, but if you don’t like looking at the item every day, it shouldn’t stay in your home — and that’s okay!

When it comes to your home, YOU are the one living in it. I know it seems cruel, but there just has to come a time when you decide “It is my house, and I want it how I want it!”

And if it helps, you have my full support. 😉

 

Things we tell ourselves… “It was free or a great deal”

I hear this one every so often, too: “Oh, but it was such a good deal!” You might be right, but does a fair price change the fact that you don’t like the color anymore? Or that it’s not actually the right fit for your new (or even existing) space?

Nope — those little details are still true. Which is why I highly suggest you forget all the conditions in which you acquired your furniture or accessories, and answer these questions instead:

• Does it make you happy when you see it? Comfortable when you use it?
• Does it fit the space and aesthetic you want for your home?
• Could you reupholster/repair it in a way that makes you say yes to the questions above?

If the answers are yes, keep it. If the answer is no… give it the ol’ boot!

Things we tell ourselves… “It is too memorable or inherited”

This is probably the most difficult scenario when deciding to part with something you don’t really love that much — the memories of the people you associate with that item. 

I have seen this with my own husband — he usually wants to keep everything. That is, until we lost both of his parents and got completely overloaded! But what we have to remember (and I know this is easier said than done) is that the item is not the person. 

Instead of feeling “stuck” with things you don’t really want (your grown children’s onesies, departed parents’ dishware, etc.), try replacing those items with framed photos of your loved ones instead.

A gallery wall of great memories you lived together is more special than a piece of furniture anyway, don’t you think?

Things we tell ourselves… “I have to downsize A LOT”

Okay, one last tip for you, and hopefully this one can allay any guilt you might have about needing to downsize enough to live in a tiny space.

There is such a thing as over-downsizing. Yes, you read that right.  (And yes, I’ve done it!)

If you downsize too much, you won’t have anywhere for all the extra furniture and memorabilia headed your way over the coming years. My husband and I also love that we still have enough space for our grown kids to come over and stay when between homes or renovating.

You also don’t have to get rid of ALL your old possessions just to get a fresh new look — I think the mix of old and new is what makes it feel youthful, even for my old self. Youthful, yet comfortably familiar. 

Lastly, I just want to say that I know this process isn’t an easy one (and it’s not going to happen overnight), but it could be exactly what you need to feel as happy, comfortable, loved, and alive as possible. And if you need any help along the way, we’re here to support you! 

Some services that could be helpful to you…

• Reupholstering or repairing old furniture or window treatments
• Design consultation to help you conceptualize a fresh, new space
• Step-by-step help with paring down your possessions and adding new ones!

Just call us or stop by the store for some help and friendly faces!

Xoxo,
Sheri