What gift will you leave your children?

Downsizing. It’s a word we use to describe the process most seniors undergo when they leave their family home of many years for smaller quarters, be it another house, condo or independent living community. In reality downsizing shouldn’t be a one time event that we wait until we are seventy to do. Instead, it should be a life style we all practice, regardless of age. The National Association of Professional Organizers, Southeast Michigan Chapter (NAPO-MI) wants to share some tips to help you start the downsizing process.
So why downsize?

1. If you don’t downsize, your kids or relatives will be burdened with dealing with all of the stuff you’ve accumulated throughout your life. “I can’t believe they kept this,” is a phrase organizers hear often.

2. If you pare down regularly it gets easier to do.

3. You might just make a little money. Our clients have found cash, uncashed checks, and jewelry they forgot they owned. One client sold an antique watch for $800! What would you do with $800?

4. Statistics suggest that your home will sell faster and for more money if it’s not full of clutter.


It’s very easy to put off downsizing until there’s a crisis, upon which you have the added stress of dealing with a bad situation and your stuff in a short amount of time. By making a concerted effort on a regular basis downsizing doesn’t have to be a burden on anyone.
Downsizing is really the process of letting go and getting rid of those items that no longer serve a purpose in your life – like your 30 year old sons tricycle. For more tips on getting organized, visit www.NapoMichigan.com.

Article submitted by Chapter member and Director of Administration, Cynthia Gentit.