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Boomers Divest Their Empty-Nest Melinda T. Mitchell
Special to AgeVenture News Service 07-02-03

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As a 50+ professional organizer, I find that downsizing is a huge lifesytle trend. So many boomers are in a state of transition! Although change is definitely scary, it is also the threshold to exciting times and opportunities. I'm so sure about this that I developed a strategy for helping boomers down-size after the kids have "left the nest". Boomers will appreciate how down-size can actually be an opportunity, rather than a problem.

There are many reasons to downsize your living space but underneath them all is the basic desire to simplify your life. Perhaps you are relocating from a large family home to a smaller home, apartment or condo. Or you might be moving from an “empty nest” to a retirement community where things are more compact and accessible. No matter what the reason, a move of such magnitude can cause even the most organized person to balk. And, although the thought of sifting and sorting through years of memories and collectibles may seem daunting at first, it can be easily accomplished with a minimal amount of trauma.

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Down-sizing is what you make it ... problem ... or, opportunity. Follow these tips for a positively moving experience. You'll be glad you did.

• Start where you are:
  Get into action, now. Formulate your plan for moving to your next great adventure.
• Create a Plan of Action:
  01. Enlist the help of a family member or friend to help you create easy-to-follow Action Steps.
  02. Break large projects into bite-size pieces.
• Do a little bit each day:
  01. Set aside time each day to sort, eliminate and contain.
  02. Complete one drawer, closet or room at a time.
  03. Set a timer for 15 minutes, take a break, repeat. Do this several times a day.
• Discard, gift or donate items as you go.
  This is the time to let go of possessions that no longer fill you with joy.
  The ongoing creation of space and energy will help to keep you focused and
  moving toward your goal.
• Ask for help. Seek the advice of professionals:
  Spend a little extra now to ensure that your new home is comfortable,
  organized and works for you.
  
• Consider hiring a professional organizer to help you categorize as you sort.
  An objective eye often helps in the decision making process.
• Enlist the skills of a space designer
  to help you create more room with less square footage.
• Trust your intuition.
  01. Do what feels right for you.
  02. Remember that there are professionals who want to make your dreams a reality.
• Re-affirm daily what this new adventure means to you:
  Moving freely to the next exciting phase of your life and creating it exactly
  as you want it to be: this is a well-deserved gift you can give yourself!

I'm an organizing specialist who delights in helping clients create clarity and flow in their lives.
My book, “Downsize Your Home: simplify your life!”, offers 50 tips for enhancing space limitations.

Those of you who have additional questions, feel free to visit my web site at: www.greatsolutionspress.com
Photo credit: Great Solutions Press.

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David Demko reports on lifestyle issues and trends in Aging America. Submit reader comments to: demko@demko.com This column may be used, free-of-charge, by print and broadcast media with the following attribution:
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