Advice for Downsizers - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

Advice for Downsizers - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

Yes, I realize I have written quite a bit about downsizing, and perhaps I’ve overdone it. But, because I have learned a fair amount with on-site, firsthand training, I would like to share my share with you. This is most likely my last piece about the downsizing process. We’ll see.

Start to downsize soon. And if you think you're starting soon, it's not soon enough.

Be ready. A new place can come up overnight.

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Engage an engaging realtor, one who listens.

If you find the right place, you'll know it, so pounce. Don't postpone thinking you’ll do better.

Stock up on boxes (shop for the best prices), sticky notes (assorted colors), tape and a dispenser, and Sharpies (assorted colors). Label your boxes and where the movers should put them.

Get your house ready for sale. Look up what “staging” means. Consider hiring a stager.

Measure your new space room by room. Measure your furniture.

Contract with POD people.

Get a one-year pass to the dump, errr, transfer station. Get to know your dump, errr, transfer station guy.

Recycle all the plastic flower pots.

Become friendly with your local librarian. The library is the place to donate your books. Do not fall in love with your books. Let ‘em go.

Get rid of holiday decorations. You know . . . the ones that eat up your cellar.

Get rid of all those half-full paint cans you thought you might use and never do. Do that even if you’re not downsizing.

Get to know your local historic society. They may want stuff to sell to fundraise.

Give stuff to the consignment shops. Don’t worry about deducting for charity. It won't make that much difference in your taxes.

Put stuff out in front of your house. Be happy when people take it.

Don’t expect your kids to take stuff, especially that china you thought was so special.

Ask for help. Don’t be surprised by someone you did not expect offers to help. Don’t be surprised by someone you expected might help does not.

Get homey with eBay and Craig (of the list). Make a list of all consignment shops.

Change your address with everyone, every subscription, and the post office in your area.

Be patient. Be tolerant. Be generous with hugs. And tips for workers.

Be prepared to be exhausted every day until you settle in the new place. Because of that exhaustion, you will need a late-day distraction. Go to the movies. Indulge in popcorn. Go out to eat. Get a cone of ice cream.

When you move to the new place, be sure that you set up your internet connections, especially the TV, first. Get a teenager to help. Watch a nice movie, one with no murders, exploitations et. al.

Be sure to know where your Band-Aids are. And the Voltaren Cream. And the aspirin.

You ain’t done with the dump, errr, transfer station, even after you’ve moved in.

Be prepared for an emotional charge.

Stock up on Melatonin.

Listen to the advice of those who have downsized.

Don’t be afraid to engage a psychiatrist.