Melissa Harmel - LESS HOME, MORE LIVING

it all with you. And remember, many of today’s Baby Boomers have millennial adult children who prefer minimalist lifestyles and don’t necessarily want to inherit their parents’ stuff. The thought of having to sort through all of your possessions, keepsakes, and knick-knacks that you’ve collected over the years can be daunting. What to keep? What to toss? What to give away? What to recycle or donate? What to sell? What to do with family heirlooms? Plus, just the idea of packing everything up and moving it out of the house can make potential sellers postpone selling. But think long-term gains vs. short-term hassles. Sure, decluttering can be stressful, but it’s something you’re going to have to do at some point, so why not now? Also, some people actually really enjoy the process of decluttering, and find it both rewarding and freeing. Further, moving from a larger home that you no longer need to a smaller space will likely lift major burdens off your shoulders and give you a less stressful life — physically, emotionally, and financially.

2. “This has always been my home.”

Many homeowners who have lived in their homes for a long time have a difficult time with the concept of letting it go and moving on. A home that’s been lived in for years comes with memories inextricably linked to that home. Maybe this is you. Maybe you cringe at the idea of letting go of your longtime family home. Maybe you can’t picture a different family living there. Maybe you can’t picture yourself living anywhere but that house. Downsizing can be emotional, even if it’s the right thing to do and you know it’s time. It’s completely normal to go through the different emotions that can crop up. Allow yourself to feel these

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