Downsizing the Empty Nest

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Renae and I are downsizing.  We are selling a lot of things we own, and what we can’t sell we are giving away.  We are keeping only the essentials and will put those in storage while we build a new home.

Right now we are sleeping on the floor.  Literally.  We sold the head board and frame to our bed, so the box springs and mattress are on the floor.  Reminds me of the 70s when I had a water bed.

It’s kind of fun because it’s a new journey for us. 

It also reminds me of our newlywed years.  When we first got married we had two bean bag chairs for seating and an ice-chest for a table.  That was the extent of our living room furniture.   It was fun because we started out with nothing and built a life together.

We improvised, adapted, and overcame.

Now, here we are 32 years later and we’re at the place same place we were when we started out…. the two of us building our lives together.

Empty nesters.

We are de-cluttering.

I read online this week that 84% of Americans say they worry that their home isn’t organized enough.  According to IKEA data, people spend an average of 55 minutes per day looking for things they can’t find.

We live in a culture of clutter and 80% of what we own, we don’t use.  The clutter adds anxiety and stress too.  A de-cluttered home is a more calming environment, reduces stress, saves money, improves the quality of your life, and (according to one report) even helps you lose weight!

Preparing for the empty nest is the perfect time for us to part with items that no longer serve us.  Downsizing our home is another option.  We’re getting motivated, and doing a room-by-room purge.  We’re even doing a digital purge (canceling subscriptions, Internet, media com, home phone, deleting e-mails and computer documents).

10 Reasons to Get Rid of Stuff

1.  Because we already have too much

2.  Because it’s fun

3.  Because someone else needs it

4.  Because there’s no logical place to keep it

5.  Because it will make our lives better

6.  Because we can make a little money

7.  Because it’s old and expired

8.  Because the last thing I need is more paper and plastic lying around

9.  Because it has no sentimental or monetary value

10.  What’s the worst that could happen if we throw it out?