Earlier this year a group of 20 people gathered at a community space in Twisp to listen to Tani Erickson speak about downsizing. As folks trickled in, the silent room began filling with casual conversations, greetings and joyful pops of laughter. Everyone was there to face the same daunting idea, but it was all going to feel easier in the company of peers and with a trusted guide.

As people took their seats, Tani placed herself at the helm, curious eyes landing on her familiar, warm smile. The thought of downsizing was already beginning to feel less overwhelming by just being in the company of people facing the same task.

Like getting married or attending a loved one’s funeral, there are shared experiences that most of us have gone through at some point in our lives. These moments all ask us to do the very thing that humans often resist - to change. Downsizing is one of those experiences and everyone gathered in that room was proactively accepting that change may be coming someday and choosing to embrace it!

Attendees at Tani’s talk that are embracing the idea of downsizing

Learning From Other Cultures

“Death Cleaning” – the much less appealing title for downsizing is a practice rooted in Swedish culture that encourages thinking about your material possessions as an extension of your own legacy. According to the Swedes, death cleaning is encouraged throughout one’s lifetime and especially after significant events because every stage in life seems to come with the addition of more stuff. Just think of all the things acquired when a new baby is born or you take up a new hobby! Through careful curation, the practice frees up space not just in your home, but also your mind by creating a more peaceful home environment. That stack of books in the corner or the spare bedroom full of old estate sale finds and memorabilia add a weight to your existence that might not be serving you at this particular stage in life. When you no longer carry the weight of these items there’s room to take a deep breath and exhale. Your home becomes a sanctuary instead of a place constantly reminding you of what you don’t want to deal with.

Tani’s Tips

Tani’s tips for downsizing were practical and bite-sized. She encouraged everyone to see it positively, “I have used it and enjoyed it and now it is time to say ‘bye-bye”. You can do your friends and family a favor by doing the work yourself, especially if you start early in life when you may have more energy and physical capability to handle it. Here’s a short recap to highlight the rest of Tani’s tips:

Understand that it’s mental work – deciding what to keep, what to donate, what to toss – and also physical: boxing, tossing, moving stuff around.
Are you selling and moving? It’s very helpful to know where you are going. Most likely it will be smaller.
Start by asking your family if there is anything they want and don’t be offended if they don’t. Younger generations usually don’t want your china, crystal or heavy furniture.
Start behind closed doors, places like the garage, store room, spare room, closets.
The toughest job will be sorting through memorabilia, the photo albums (how many sunset photos does one need?).
Be ruthless. Clothes that don’t fit. Dishes you don’t use. Collections you don’t enjoy anymore. Find new homes for your favorite things.
Things CHANGE. Once it was wonderful to have space for children or that big garden or the huge workshop. Remember that family can rent lodging when they visit, yard work may begin feeling burdensome, embrace a smaller footprint.
Focus on the exciting things about your new life. Maybe you love opera, ballet, jazz clubs, walks on the beach, trips to the San Juans.
If you are moving somewhere, consider if everyday tasks are walkable and how close you are to family.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Like all of the transitions of aging you can either let joy be your compass and embrace the changes or resist the inevitable. Neither path is wrong, but accepting yourself and the path ahead can make the journey feel more exciting. If you are ready to feel the exhilaration of unburdening yourself from your belongings, but you need help – reach out to Methow At Home! Our volunteers are available to help Methow At Home members with tasks around the house. They can help declutter your spare bedroom and give you the motivation to get started. You never know what a simpler life might create space for in the future!

Not a Methow At Home member? Consider joining and start utilizing our helpful services!