I’ve never downsized, because I never upsized. Teacher in London. Never had the money to upsize. Probably a really good thing - downsizing seems pretty time consuming! I have a one bedroomed place that makes hoarding impossible. I’ve always travelled light and I highly recommend it. I have friends who many, many years ago had 3 very young children, born very close together. They lived in Ireland and would hop on a plane to visit me here in London for long weekends, with just a small backpack for each adult. I always admired their artistry in paring down their luggage - I’ve seen buggies weighed down with all manner of things and wondered if it was truly all necessary. We used to hunker down in my flat and have a giggle all squeezed together sleeping in my tiny space. The kids loved the adventure of roughing it a bit, and there was lots of laughter. There’s something rather joyous about connecting like that - easy when you’re all still young, and perhaps a little more laid back about things. Anyway, great times. Travelling light is cost effective, practical, and makes life ever so much simpler. And there’s something wonderful about simplicity as we grow older, and hopefully have more time to be a human being and not always a human doing. These days, our older bodies need a higher degree of comfort, so I have invested in a expensive pull down sofa with a great mattress, and super quality linen, and friends who stay seem content with what’s on offer ( well, they come back for more!) . In fact, recently a friend from Switzerland slept on my sofa for a few nights and said how much she had enjoyed being here. I was very touched. She was going on to friends in Chelsea ( a very well heeled part of London) as a house guest, for a few more days, and said things would be a little more formal there, and not so much fun! I took that as a compliment. She is coming back to stay over Christmas... ( Ooh, open fire, and candles!). I am chronically sick, and lost my partner 13 years ago. Whilst life is not always a bowl of cherries ( I’m in constant pain now) I am lucky enough to live in a part of the world where I can have clean water, central heating, access to health care ( not always up to scratch if I’m totally honest ), a little garden full of plants and flowers, free public parks, art galleries and so on. Your memories and photos and treasured little things can all travel with you, but for me less has always worked well - as long as less is enough to live on, keep you safe, and sheltered, and warm. Just my ( rather rambling) thoughts this evening.
@laurelynnorthrup1363
6 жыл бұрын
I keep a box in my garage for donations. Surprisingly as I'm working around my house I find things to put in that box! About once a month I have enough items in the box for a trip to the charity shop. One major rule I have is never go in to the shop to purchase. Drop off my donation and head back home!
@colleenlouise4521
3 жыл бұрын
this week got rid of two truck loads of clothes, dishes, glasses, and house hold paraphernalia. house feels light ☺
@fatimabenefeldt681
6 жыл бұрын
Morning Margaret, Agreed, transformation/decluttering can be emotional especially when realising that life has taken such huge steps as one is entering the departure lounge. But staying focused, being appreciative and gratuitous for the blessings around makes it so much easier. Thank you for a very refreshing video, as always... Hugs from Johannesburg, South Africa.
@patriciarussell7487
6 жыл бұрын
My daughter is moving.That started alot of decluttering! we are dropping off many bags at thrift store,and some at dumps! I can't stop,i keep organizing and looking at things differently.You are right,life changes.I live more simply.🤗 Big hug from Fla. USA
@dawalama9500
6 жыл бұрын
De cluttering is really giving lots of good energy and feeling very organised
@isabeller2115
6 жыл бұрын
I 've been downsizing for ....3 years now! I had and still have so many items and stuff from my deceased parents and sister that I couldn't check and get rid of : too many negative emotions would make me feel so miserable that I would stop for a few months. But now I'm trying very hard to rewind my mind since 'the past is the past !' and I don't need all of those things.I need a new life if not a new house !!!And videos like yours and the comments you get are really helping a lot . So thank you all of you ladies!
@DrLoriV
3 жыл бұрын
For years, I have advised people about the Power of Ten.. It is the method that if you feel you must keep family keepsakes after a loss of a loved one, you may only choose ten items to keep as you grieve. No more. You can't keep everything.
@user-pw2dq4lf2p
6 жыл бұрын
Re: Downsizing. Part of my trouble in "getting rid" of stuff is accepting that certain parts of my life are over. For example, I was never a frequent entertainer, but I do have nice tableware that is used for "company." Letting it go would signal that that part of my life is over. The same could be applied to sports equipment. What I mean is it is more than getting rid of extraneous stuff. It is like saying that part of my life has gone forever--I am moving into decrepitude where I won't need my silverware or my tennis racquets!
@sewing_myhappyplacepauline223
6 жыл бұрын
M Parton Hi, my solution is to use the ‘best’ crockery glassware etc for everyday. It feels so good, try it I’m sure you will appreciate the feeling 😊
@user-pw2dq4lf2p
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Pauline. That is a nice idea.
@carylhalfwassen8555
5 жыл бұрын
I deliberately donated my stoneware every day dishes when I moved to a condo and decided to use my Wedgewood china for every day instead. It is a minor inconvenience that I cannot put them in the microwave.
@DrLoriV
3 жыл бұрын
@@carylhalfwassen8555 I think the beautiful items should be cherished and used. When it comes to evaluating pieces like Wedgwood I tell my fans that the value is monetary and intrinsic. Use them if you love them and treat them with care. Collectibles are to be used and enjoyed, not just collected and stored. Downsizing is very chic.
@carylhalfwassen8555
3 жыл бұрын
@@DrLoriV I moved from a 4 bedroom plus home to a 3 bedroom minus condo 😉. I did feel very chic and love it but I do miss the garden.
@leeluan08
3 жыл бұрын
I am even 60 and still listening to your channel. 😀
@henriettalazo9243
6 жыл бұрын
A very difficult and challenging exercise. Your mind has to truly accept the quest. It makes total sense. Thank you for highlighting this. A sweet hello from the USA.
@catherinebullock9748
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this thoughtful video. I've been the family purger for 30 years, but now that we are selling our very large home, and spending more time with grandchildren, Elderly parents, and travel. I realize it is a constant choice. Possesions do not enter our lives as clutter, they become clutter when we grow and change. My question is always 1. Is it useful? 2. Do I or (we) find it beautiful? 3. Do I have room and space for it? 4. Does it work with our current lifestyle? Good luck to all that are working to clear the stuff, and clear their energy and time for living!
@maureenramchan531
6 жыл бұрын
Good morning Margaret, thank you for always sharing a topic of interest, l am going to start downsizing today, the kids are all grown and went their own way, now l don't need all this stuff, but still we all want to hold on to things, God bless you.
@jennifernethery3841
6 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed this video! Please do more on this subject.
@sandragrace4613
6 жыл бұрын
My downsizing experience is ongoing. So far, I have learned that I am no longer in purchasing mode. This is good.
@doryberry501
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this videos, I just subscribe and binge watching now... I’m glad for this blog, I will be 69 yrs young November... hugs and kisses from New York 🇺🇸learning so much and I’m going to minimizing my home....clutter giving it away, it’s overwhelming....
@pattil7947
6 жыл бұрын
Dory Berry Yes! Dory,your certainly not alone in this venture...:)💞😊👍
@annahorton650
6 жыл бұрын
I used konmari method. Started two years ago. It was brutal in the beginning because I was recovering from a stroke. So it probably took me twice the time. Now I'm going through photos and albums. I am sending photos taken of relatives back to each family. I don't need or want them any longer. One cousin said she cherished her photos that I sent her as she lost all hers in a fire years ago.
@sunnysmilessunshine4060
6 жыл бұрын
Good video. Thank you. I've been downsizing for 10 years. Moved EVERYTHING from the Mid-West to Arizona; found that 'style' didn't 'fit' SouthWest design, and thus the downsizing began. From 3 bedrooms, to now just my master. From 6 huge bookcases, to 3 smaller ones. Interesting how some of my family and friends who aren't into downsizing yet, think I'm broke and 'can't afford'. Fact is: I've Given it ALL away. Even the Antiques. I've found it brings me more JOY to 'give it' than mess with trying to sell it. I am 'thinking' of buying a home and really having a lot of anx about: Small Cottage, or ?? Perhaps you'll have a video for that. : ))
@laduke4324
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Margaret, great advice again! Two Summers ago our Mom went into assisted living and it was up to my sis and me to make arrangements for Estate Sale, home inspector, realtor, cleaning crew, etc., Mom had enjoyed and lived there 39 years, she passed last month (June). I am trying to convince my husband of 40+ years to at least downsize not only with the land (lake and guest house lol) but house size also, he had colon cancer earlier this year (all clear) and that was a wake up call. Please share more on your downsizing adventures, I really enjoyed your background history and how you came to Zurich, blessings.
@sixtyandme
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Latresa - have a lovely day!
@deborahallen627
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video. I have been downsizing lately thought we were going to move but decided now is not the time. Love things cleaned out and cleaned up. This video will keep me focused.
@lynn9935
6 жыл бұрын
Margaret, I love your videos. More than that, I love your outlook. You make getting older less daunting. My day is not complete without watching you. Thank you for your wisdom.
@tribbles2955
6 жыл бұрын
I downsized four years ago when we had to move because of health reasons. Like you, I am still disposing of things that I brought along and haven't used in four years. I only have one regret. I threw out two pairs of jeans that I dearly wish I had now.
@carriemoon-dupree7875
6 жыл бұрын
Downsizing is a constant battle against the tide of things coming into your home. I try when something new is bought, to give something away. I do fine until I go to an art fair and boom I’ve bought too much. I suppose there are worse things in life than having too many nice pictures.
@DrLoriV
3 жыл бұрын
I agree... art is wonderful and it increases in value as you enjoy it.
@MoniLove143
6 жыл бұрын
I am literally in the process of downsizing now. I have a storage closet in my apartment and I realized that I hadn’t touched it in a year except for holiday decorations. I have been shredding old papers, sorting through things that i thought that I’d use one day. I bought clear bins with lids and labeled them. I am determined to feel lighter and much more organized. You definitely have to mentally prepare yourself to downsize. I wasn’t ready last year. This year, I’m going at it with a fury. 😂🤪 Yay Me! Good luck out there! It’s fun, but definitely a challenge.
@ruthtorphy2204
6 жыл бұрын
Love that color you are wearing today. It has given me an idea to take a few photos of myself in some of my fav colors and if I feel joy in them that's the color I'll go for.🌞
@bay9886
6 жыл бұрын
I am a coffee person. Got the coffee and ready! Thank you for your videos. Hugs from Tennessee!
@jhwwebster7273
6 жыл бұрын
We are trying to downsize while we are healthy. I just don't want to have my kids to deal with a house full of stuff should something happen to us in the future.
@pattil7947
6 жыл бұрын
Jhw Webster Yes,! I feel it's my obligation:) my only son is enjoying his own " taste" in things and not mine". I kept my Grandmother's things & my Mom's bc I grew up with them " dishes, Crystal, Sterling Silver serving dishes Table cloths for different for All occasions:) etc. Very sentimental to me of my childhood etc. Beautiful Antique furniture, & they are "minimalists"! I know I'm not the only one who is having a hard time parting with these things! Anyone else?:) No one wants these things unfortunately, what to do with them??? Even thrift stores Charities don't want them. I know it's just " stuff"! I would like to " gracefully" part with these things! Ah so much!😱😁 Thanks for this video & all that you share Margaret!👏👍❣️👋😁
@knitnkitten
5 жыл бұрын
Us too!
@havana2banana
6 жыл бұрын
After twenty years in this house I am moving. Getting the place in order for viewings was quite a task. Now I have accepted an offer and don't need to keep the place quite so tidy but some things like just a toilet bag in the bathroom instead of a basket filled with back up shampoos and all sorts I really like and am not going back to my old ways. I like the feeling of space created by putting things away. I did manage to fill my landfill bin and recycling bin a lot as well as going to the clothing recycling place but it is well worth it to have a feeling of spaciousness. This is a great subject to think about as we get older. After all our children can have whatever they want now instead of waiting.
@janebute2541
6 жыл бұрын
I am starting this adventure, as of a few months ago. Very enlightening!!
@relax-studio8933
6 жыл бұрын
Downsized five years ago. Sold my 250 qm House and moved into a 40 qm flat. It first hurt. Now I am moving into PlusKommune where I will have one room. And I am looking forward downsizing again. Light weight = more freedom. Thank you for your videos 🙏🏻 Be blessed 😇
@francesdaw6299
6 жыл бұрын
HELP!! I am the antithesis of decluttering. I keep items on my counter so as to remember to use them. I turn vertical spaces (eg fridges or anything metal) into vertical desks. My son often quoted William Morris back to me saying, "Mom, is this, beautiful? Is it functional? Is it beautiful?" To which I would reply, "It is functional, it is sentimental". I cannot find things because they are lost under something else. I will take 're-education' . So many of the communities comments, as well as Margaret's video, are very helpful.
@spotlight1220
5 жыл бұрын
Downsizing has been extremely hard for me. Many things have sentimental valve and it tears at your heart to let them go. Other things it is a relief, after the purge. It’s not easy and a slow process for me but I know it has to be done.
@jannalynn1137
6 жыл бұрын
Awesome video!!!!!
@muhlenstedt
6 жыл бұрын
Nice video, thank you.I am using the flylady method and it works for me because every steps are done between 2 and 15 minutes.
@lorimurguia9337
6 жыл бұрын
Nice video! Thanks from CA, USA🇺🇸 I Love tea!!
@viverbem9810
3 жыл бұрын
Lovely video!! Thank you!
@sixtyandme
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@holdmyyarn
6 жыл бұрын
Open a flea market booth with your friend😉
@veejo9535
6 жыл бұрын
I’m on the threshold of downsizing so I am beginning to declutter now and I know it is not easy. Isn’t it strange that we humans collect so many possessions around us. I wonder why we do this? Is it because we are aware of ourselves and in order to feel real we need constant reminders? As far as I know we are one of the few animals who do this. When wild animals die they leave no possessions behind them. The only possessions which our pets have are those we have given them and in the wild they would not need. Food for thought I think. On a completely different note, I too had a number of berets which I decluttered down to three. In my case it is because I am constantly looking for a at suits me. I really don’t think I know how to wear a beret so I would love to see you in yours. I would also like to see how you put it on. Are you able to oblige in one of your future videos please? Vivien.
@carolynhiscock9457
6 жыл бұрын
This is something I need to do....thank you.
@piahess9738
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks all good idea's.It will be the sentimental and can I use the item later that is going to be hard for me to decide whether to keep it or not.A set of 4 little ceramic cowboy pigs my 1/2 Brother sent me when we first met.I really like them but if I don't display them I won't enjoy them.If I display them they become dust catchers,and that space could be used by other items I like better.Like a little vase I can put fresh flowers in.So I will put them in the question mark box Sentimental for now and the date on the box and come back to it later.Then I better limit it to one box for sentimental items,and one box for useful small items.This isn't going to be easy but necessary.Be well.
@RG-hf4et
4 жыл бұрын
What is everyone doing with their mother's old china and silverware? Nobody in the family wants it. You can't even give it away. Does anyone know what to do with real sterling silver? Can you sell it to a gold/silver buying place? Serious questions here.
@Rita_Lewis
5 жыл бұрын
My husband and I are in our early 40's and are about to sale our house, payoff debt, and save $$ I have accumulated so much stuff in our 2000 sq ft home looking to downsize into a 1 bedroom 860 sq ft apartment and I dont know where to begin. 😔 I guess I'll start with your kitchen motto keep the counter sacred now it's the opposite.... junky ugh🤦🏾♀️
@sandragrace4613
6 жыл бұрын
Any thoughts aboyt downsizinf the family photo collection/legacy?
@bvquilts
6 жыл бұрын
Sandra Grace Great question! How do you get rid of pictures of the kids without thinking you’re abandoning them?
@sandragrace4613
6 жыл бұрын
Brenda Vinson Yes, exactly. And how to get other family members to take on some of the financial burden. I also plan to research who would be interested in old family films, perhaps cultural or ethnic writers or archivists. I must say, the single bigest spacehog in my tiny apartment is the family image archive.
@suzanne529
4 жыл бұрын
@@sandragrace4613 I have considered throwing the box of old pictures off of a cliff!
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