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6 Tips on How to Downsize Things but Keep the Memories
Downsize. I have disliked and resisted that word. To me it has been a synonym for ‘getting old’ or not having the ability to ‘do the work’ anymore. But oh how I misunderstood! Believe it or not, the word downsize and I are actually becoming friends! In this post I’m sharing six tips on how to downsize – even if you’re not moving anywhere.
The other day I paused at the door of ‘The Playroom’. It was our son’s room growing up. It has also been a guest room, a sewing room, an office during the pandemic, and most recently ‘The Playroom’ for the grandkids.
I did a quick survey of the contents. There is a vintage chrome table and chairs that used to be in the small kitchen of my dad’s produce office. The antique chalkboard stands in the corner.
My gaze continued to a chest full of Thomas Trains that belonged to our son, and a couple of bookshelves filled with puzzles, legos and other toys. Some from our kids childhood days, and some that are fairly new. And of course I couldn’t overlook the basket of stuffed animals.
It’s been awhile since the girls were here, and it might be quite awhile before they are here again.
Their summer is filled with visits from relatives, and lots of fun activities in their community. I think this might be the perfect time to go through that room, clean it out, organize the contents and dare I say it….take some steps toward downsizing..
I have learned that even if I’m not moving (at least not yet!), I can downsize my belongings, my calendar, and even to some extent the expectations I place on myself!
We want our future years to be as free as possible from the constraints of maintaining and cleaning things that aren’t needed.
I want to have a calendar and schedule that allow me to serve others and to spend time with the people I love. I believe that can start one room at a time.
So here we go! Six tips (or hacks as they call them now!) for decluttering, simplifying a space or downsizing an area. These tips can be used for any area, but I am going to tackle the playroom.
1. Be Open to Change
It all begins here. And sometimes change is a little scary. Or a lot scary. There are days I have a vision for how a downsizing/simplification project might turn out, and days I just start, as is the case with this playroom. Either way is fine!
2. Start Small
This does not have to be done in one huge session. Pick a small area, or type of item, and begin to look through what you have. The first thing I am going to tackle is a stack of puzzles. I’ll save the huge assortment of craft supplies for later!
Ask yourself some of the following questions as you go through different areas:
- Is this age appropriate?
- Do the grandkids still play with it?
- Is this the best spot for it?
- Is there another similar item? Multiples may not be needed.
- Will another grandchild be able to use it someday? If so and you have the space, you might get a clear tote, clearly label it (toddler toys etc…) and store it elsewhere.
3. Keep just part of a set.
Tea sets with too many pieces to count, Barbie dolls with more clothes and shoes than a fashion influencer, and boxes full of toy cars. It’s easy to keep things. I’m going through the things I consider to be a set, and considering how I might simplify them.
For example, the cups and teapot are the only part of the large box of play dishes that get used. And those barbie clothes? Some of the clothes are difficult to put on, or just never get worn (kind of like my own closet!). The cars? I’ll keep the best of the best. And there will still be plenty to play with. Game pieces, but not the whole game? This might make a great shadowbox with pieces from those favorite games, or move the incomplete pieces into the craft area and see what the grandkids make of them!
4. Reduce the physical space of memorabilia
I’m a keeper of the grandkids art and writing. I may even have a box of my grown kids work stored in this room.
I’m going to set aside some time, grab something to drink, and enjoy some time in this museum of masterpieces. As I do, I’ll pick out a few pieces to keep.
But how to downsize the rest of it?
- Snap a picture of some favorites, and add the name and age of the artist as the caption.
- Use a piece of art as stationary and write a letter to the artist on the back, sharing what you loved about their creation.
- For older kids, package up some of the favorites, and pass that package on to them to see and read one more time. But you have to be okay if they let it go afterward. You can’t ask for anything back!
5. Come and Get it!
Toys that belonged to our grown kids when they were little are some of the hardest things to part with. I can still see them playing, and hear their little voices as if it were yesterday. But sometimes, it is just time.
Here are some ideas to help with the process:
- Again – take a picture of the item (it takes up far less space!)
- Perhaps you already have a picture of your kids playing with the toy? Get it out, and write down your memories of what they loved about it, how they used it, if it was a gift etc…and then donate the physical item.
- Is it a toy that your grown kids still love? It’s not our job to preserve our grown kids childhood. Give them a call, and offer to have it ready for them to pick up the next time they visit.
6. Consider what you will look forward to in the space
As you work through a space little by little, it begins to feel a little different, and you begin to see how it can be used differently. That’s when the excitement begins to build, and the stamina to keep moving kicks in.
I’m now imagining a cozy chair for reading stories to the grandkids in the corner instead of the overflowing basket of stuffed animals, and perhaps some enclosed shelving in the closet for some of my own creative supplies. After all, play rooms aren’t just for kids!
Most importantly if you are struggling with how to downsize, remember that you are letting go of things, not memories!
I hope that as you ‘downsize’ the amount of items in your home, you also begin to dream and look forward to how the process will upsize your joy in the future!