The Sad Truth About Downsizing And Decluttering That No One Wants To Hear

You've spent a lifetime collecting beautiful objects and accumulating mementos from travels, events, and family gatherings. Surveying cabinets and cupboards as you contemplate downsizing and decluttering, you know surely someone in your family will want all these lovely things. Then again, will they? Honestly, it's not likely that your family members can take all those possessions. Hanging onto items "just in case" is one of the things you have to stop doing when decluttering, not only because your loved ones don't have room for more stuff, but because they simply don't want it. 

Liz Brown, a realtor serving the Richmond, Virginia area, often has to break the sad truth to her clients as they navigate decluttering and downsizing. As she shares on Instagram, one of the questions she hears time and again is, "But what about the china cabinet?" Her reply, as heartbreaking as it might be, is that family members just don't want all that stuff they can't put in the dishwasher. When you realize that you'll no longer have room for that big china cabinet full of formal dinnerware, you'll have to plan for the likely scenario that nobody else wants it either. That goes for the crystal, knick-knacks, and other collectibles, too. You don't have to toss all the things you love, though. There are some tricks you can consider to help you downsize to a smaller space and move into the next phase of your life with less clutter.

When downsizing before a big move or retiring to a smaller home, one of the first things you'll need to do is decide what to keep. Karen Shinn, cofounder of Downsizing Diva, told Business Insider, "You want to identify the things that make your house a home." This includes wall art and other possessions you love to look at. When you move, adding these most joyful items first will instantly make your new space feel comforting. You'll also want to set aside your items that have the most sentimental attachment. As you're culling, purge things that are worn out and chipped, try not to save too much for future generations, and don't insist that anyone take your stuff. "Be a generous giver," Shinn counsels her clients, "Don't ask where it went." While these items may have been precious to you at one time, their new owners may not want to keep them forever — and that's okay. 

After giving things away, you can explore options like selling some of your more costly possessions, hiring an estate sale company, or having a garage sale after decluttering. Donating excess belongings to a charity that aligns with your values is also a great option. If you still have lots of stuff that's too far gone to donate, special junk removal companies can help you sort through and dispose of these things too. It takes some planning and coordination, but you can indeed find a path to letting go of all the belongings you no longer need and your family just doesn't want.