A long time ago, I realized that one of the reasons I loved traveling was that I had very few things with me – fewer clothes, shoes, make-up, etc. I liked the freedom that I felt having fewer “things” with me.
When my husband and I decided it was time to move, it was easy. I made piles of things that we wanted to donate and had one garage sale. I used one of our bedrooms as a “give away room” and invited our friends to take whatever they wanted. Also any visitors always had to take something with them when they left. The hardest thing to dispose were the countless photos. So, I made 4 piles – one for us and one for each of our 3 children. I saw no reason why they also couldn’t have photos of our many friends. They will appreciate having them after we are gone. I gave away all my “every day” dishes and glasses and now use all the ones I had at one time saved for “company.”
I now regularly go through clothes, paper “stuff”, books and donate whatever I can. However, there are a couple of things that I feel I must continue to have – an ongoing collection of pop-up books and art related books.
The end result is that I no longer feel “owned” by my “stuff” and feel much more in control and happier with my new surroundings. [Please leave a comment here.]
ElderChicks 
What you don’t say is that you are always creating new and beautiful things that you share with family and friends!!! As you downsize, you continue to grow. It is kind of like pruning a tree, you branch out in new directions !!!
As always you are an inspiration. I also echo your earlier responder’s comments that were so beautifully presented.
I know of many folks to whom I’ll forward your Downsizing piece…especially a few who haven’t decided they need to do “it”. Loved the inclusion of the photo.
You are the most sane, best adjusted, creative, and modest person that I know and I’m lucky to have you in my life. You take what comes without gripes, make good decisions, and I want you to live next door to me.
I love the concept of no longer being owned by my stuff. It provides just the “attitude adjustment” I need. Thank you!
Good for you Elena. Another friend of mine has made photo albums for her 3 children and is in the process of “putting their lives in pictures” for each of them.
Bud & I moved 3 times in 2 years before we moved to our condo. We learned how much we can do without. We held 2 garage sales and gave some things to our daughters and grandchildren. We’ve also recently begun to give some jewelry and inherited items to them. We’ve composed a list of art work, etc. and gave them to us and also earmarked others of our family’s choosing.
There are still beautiful articles we love to have around to touch and look at such as the beautiful handmade card from our wonderful artist friend. I show it to all visitors and display it on our baker’s rack.
Thanks for sharing your creativity.
Eileen
Downsizing works! We’ve done it.
Eileen
I love the concept of downsizing…it’sd the doing part that is hard. Although I retired more than a year ago, I haven’t cleaned my closet of all of those business suits. Suppose I get a part-time job? What if I need a suit? So I have probably 25 suits taking up space in the spare bedroom. How do I convince myself that it is okay to let go? With more closet space I’d probably fill it up with leisure wear!
I like the idea of living with less, but the reality of actually letting go is difficult for me. I have to downsize with baby steps. When I get motivated I use the rule of five. Every day I have to get rid of five items. Initially it is pretty easy, but by day four it gets a little more challenging. Some weeks I will focus on one area of the house…for example the laundry room or kitchen. This strategy has allowed me to be comfortable letting go of stuff. It is surprising how much progress you can make in a week with only five items a day.
Fantastic attitude, Elena. Letting go of whatever seems so painful. Mostly loved friends and relatives. They go willy-nilly. But things, ouch. I have produced at least a couple of hundred paintings and about 50 or so sculptures which are my babies and can’t release them! Given away 28 to sons, l5 or so to friends and neighbors ( who are so good to me), etc. What more -60 books- clothing items to the tune of 1500 dollars, but there’s still a houseful to release. Am working on it, got to happen one day! Trying to follow your inspiration. Dotty Weinstein
I love to save “stuff” – frequently I will go through it and derive lots of pleasure from looking at old checks, (paid the milkman $3.00 for a months worth of milk) ; old purchase invoices; it is my history and I really don’t like to let go and I figure why do I have to?? So what if I have a lot of “stuff”?
We are all different and attach all kinds of feelings, I have my grandchildrens childhood drawings and letters from my kids!
I love Elena and I think she is terrific, but, my downsizing is going extremely slowly – I presently am reviewing and reliving my past travels, the brochures and photos I accumulated – I may save for another day!
We all have CHOICES and that is mine! I gave birth to those kids, the least they can do is throw out my stuff after I am gone! Hey, this is fun!!!