Moving Time– Everyone is having a garage or yard sale – so colorful, all the stuff we have accumulated over the years, and than we drag it out on to the sidewalk for someone else to find that special treasure.
Today one in four Multnomah county residents is 60 years or older and by 2030, one in three residents will be a senior. The Portland area will see a major downsizing trend in the coming years.
Summer is the time to move on – downsize and unload the Stuff.
Here are some tips for De-cluttering and getting ready for the move-
1. Divide Heirlooms: Divide beloved heirlooms and sentimental keepsakes now. At the very least, parents should write down who gets what.
2. Clear The house: Designate one room for donation, another for things to keep and a third for sale. Work in pairs. Take time to share fond memories and reminisce. Take photos of the items to save for later.
3. Recycle: If it’s plastic or paper, recycle it- but shred old check registrars, tax returns and other financial papers first.
4. Spare your heirs: Get you affairs in order, organize your paperwork, and declutter your own house. In 1978, the average home measured 1,695 square feet. Now it’s 2,500 and apparently that’s not big enough. Self storage facilitates ave become a $22 billion annual business.
5. Hire a Consultant: to assist you- a couple of my favorites are Rhonda Knoche, not only a designer she is the most organized woman I know and can save you time. Spend a couple hours with her and you will be inspired and grateful. Missy Gerber with Organizers Northwest has a full service for home and businesses. Missy’s motto is Less Mess, Less Stress, Better Life!
On July 18th the Metropolitan Senior Networking will be having their 4th annual recycling event in Tigard. Bring old electronics, computers and appliances, all proceeds go to the Tigard Senior Center.
I often follow My Scandinavian Home blog that shows minimal interiors with nothing shouting at you when you walk in, just a serene bliss of calm. I am working toward this, but must get back to that storage unit that I am unpacking slowly.
Where are you at in de-cluttering and unloading this summer?