Downsizing is inevitable. Whether you’re trying to cut costs, simplify your lifestyle, address medical needs, or move closer to family, there will likely come a time when you need to sort through your belongings to move to a smaller space. But, how do you take on this daunting task without becoming overwhelmed? A Stress-Free Guide to Downsizing
Sort through your belongings.
When you’re going through your things, deciding what to keep and what to give away or dispose of, only make “yes” and “no” piles. Don’t make a pile for “maybes” because those are more than likely to become items you keep, which will contribute to extra clutter. As you’re sorting through your things, separate the necessities from the things that are sentimental. Keep in mind that if it isn’t sentimental and you haven’t used it in the past year, it should be tossed. Also, eliminate doubles of things — especially in the kitchen.
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Create a plan for getting rid of your unwanted items.
Local charities typically accept clothing, furniture, and appliance donations. You can also have a yard sale and try to make some cash off of some items. After all, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. If you have a ton of things that you don’t think will serve a purpose for anyone, you can always consider renting a dumpster to easily throw everything away.
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Go paperless.
• Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. Just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We have grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside the field of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@ mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
Believe it or not, paper can really take up tons of space in your home. Sort through old bills, contracts, receipts, paperwork, newspapers, magazines, and taxes and see what can go digital and what you no longer need. Many times, you only need to hold onto documents for a certain number of years, especially for things you no longer own, such as a previous vehicle. Don’t be shy. It’s okay to ask for help when downsizing! Recruit the assistance of family and friends to make the transition easy on you. There is no need to stress!
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