Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go

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Kickoff your review of Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go

I have already had to go through this process for both my in-laws and more recently my mother. It does give one pause to examine their ain household and the task they leave backside to their loved ones. I had previously said to myself that I would be better off non owning a business firm every bit I approach the end of my life. It would be all-time for all to just rent (a small place with limited storage). I hope I tin can live up to that goal.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Now!, Before you fill your li

I have already had to go through this procedure for both my in-laws and more recently my female parent. It does give one pause to examine their own household and the chore they leave behind to their loved ones. I had previously said to myself that I would be better off not owning a house as I approach the end of my life. It would be best for all to just hire (a pocket-sized place with limited storage). I hope I tin alive up to that goal.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Now!, Earlier you make full your life with stuff. Information technology helps i remember that the world is not full of fabric possessions nor passions. Spend your resources on time with your loved ones. Think fondly of those who accept passed and if you keep a trinket or two that is okay, only don't let it dominion your life. In turn, don't accumulate an insane amount of stuff, just to have someone later afflict over having to dispose of your treasures. I take far too many of my parent's old things that are worthless, except to a son holding onto old and priceless remembrances.

Take a GoodReads.

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I recently lost my husband and will presently be moving to a much smaller place. I read nearly this book on the AARP website and thought information technology would be very useful in helping me begin the daunting procedure of downsizing. The championship and synopsis of this volume suggested that it was for people of all situations looking to downsize. Nonetheless this is not the case at all. In that location are a few bits here and there about general downsizing with basic suggestions on how to brainstorm sorting things (keep, can't determine, trash) b I recently lost my hubby and will soon be moving to a much smaller place. I read virtually this book on the AARP website and thought it would be very useful in helping me begin the daunting procedure of downsizing. The title and synopsis of this volume suggested that it was for people of all situations looking to downsize. However this is not the case at all. At that place are a few bits here and there nigh general downsizing with bones suggestions on how to begin sorting things (keep, can't decide, trash) just it's written for adult children who are faced with cleaning out their parents home. If this is what you need, you will find most of the information helpful. I did not. There are chapters on when to make up one's mind to sell the house, how to sell the firm, having an estate sale, deciding that it's time to move your parents to another identify, etc.

Some of the full general suggestions were helpful (keeping a swatch of a dress/shirt and framing it) but some were quite odd. I cannot see emptying an unabridged cupboard and so having to put everything back only so that it's easier to eliminate things. The writer promised that she would requite suggestions on how to "let become" of things out of sentiment and so forth, but all through the book she stated that she only "couldn't' exercise information technology"and somewhen hired professional help. About two/3 was more than like a memoir of her childhood memories. She complained that she was only able to take a week off from work to fly to her childhood dwelling house, simply some of united states of america don't fifty-fifty take that much fourth dimension, let alone the money to hire someone to help.

If you are in the state of affairs of having to go through a parent's dwelling and determine what to keep and what to toss, I recommend this book just because it's geared for that "marketplace", simply don't expect to see whatever awe-inspiring suggestions on how to let go of things.

In all fairness, the title of the book is "Downsizing the Family unit Home" then perhaps I should have paid more attention, but I am disappointed that at that place wasn't much information on how to let go. I guess I take to figure that out for myself.

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Oct 13, 2016 Debbie rated information technology really liked it

Great volume for people who are clearing out their parents home and don't know where to start. Though subsequently reading about the author'due south feel with selling the contents and the abode of her parents, you'll exist tempted to hire professionals to handle it for you based on the free energy and time delivery involved. Ideally the book is read well earlier a motility is needed; information technology will act equally a motivator to get readers to get much of the work washed ASAP.

Overall a applied book, an piece of cake read with helpful takeaw

Keen book for people who are clearing out their parents home and don't know where to start. Though afterwards reading about the author'due south experience with selling the contents and the domicile of her parents, you lot'll be tempted to hire professionals to handle it for y'all based on the free energy and time commitment involved. Ideally the book is read well before a move is needed; it volition act as a motivator to get readers to become much of the work done ASAP.

Overall a practical book, an easy read with helpful takeaways at the cease of each chapter, and personal anecdotes that are entertaining and brand for a lighthearted read. All the same Jameson yet addresses the topic with sensitivity, acknowledging the emotions and challenges that arise when dealing with family unit and in some cases crumbling parents.

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A lot of the gripes I've read in other reviews about this volume had to practice with the writer calling in celebrity organizer friends for communication. Surprisingly, this didn't carp me, as she did her best to share their insights and a bit of their "expertise". My problem was that I've watched these celebrities on Telly and they take e'er run into as seeming much more concerned almost a firm looking like a magazine embrace than a dwelling house to a family with history. Then I pretty much disregarded what they had t A lot of the gripes I've read in other reviews near this book had to do with the author calling in celebrity organizer friends for communication. Surprisingly, this didn't carp me, equally she did her best to share their insights and a bit of their "expertise". My problem was that I've watched these celebrities on Idiot box and they have e'er come up across as seeming much more concerned almost a house looking like a magazine comprehend than a domicile to a family with history. So I pretty much disregarded what they had to contribute (especially the one who said he's never had a single regret over a determination to go rid of something - baloney). The same tin can be said of the authors of other books I've read nearly downsizing and getting organized.

Simply Jameson is the showtime writer that I've come across who truly seems to get the visceral emotional attachments people take to stuff. I've dealt with downsizing three times with parents, and am now going through it myself, with a possible move in mind, as well as trying to minimize the brunt for my kids when the time comes. This reader thought Jameson had some good communication on how estate sales, auctions, etc. work, as well as data nigh protecting the heirlooms one decides to hold on to, and what factors should be considered while making those decisions. Not all of information technology was new, simply it was laid out well, concise, and took into account psychological factors as well as monetary concerns and blueprint preferences.

I didn't agree with everything that Jameson brash, and I wish some of the content had been more than specific to my particular holding (of form). Some of what she had to say simply fabricated me incredibly sad, i.due east. that nobody, including your kids, wants most of your stuff, and that a lifetime's worth of accumulation sold at an estate sale, on average, merely brings in a few thousand beggarly dollars. But my experience tells me that these things are true, and equally much as it may hurt, it's a reality that has to be confronted.

Bottom line: having finished Downsizing the Family Habitation I have fresh ideas, and certain decisions seem much easier to make. I'm motivated. No other book I've read of this blazon has had the same result.

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Jan 11, 2018 Charlotte rated information technology really liked it

I received this book (from Santa) at my daughter's family unit home. Santa seemed to know that I"thou on the brink of seriously downsizing my possessions in grooming for a move to Rhode Island to exist nearer her family, and to experience living in a community far from where I've spent my life thus far.

I institute the book to be actually helpful. It has a number of guidelines to follow when deciding what to do with things, (Practise yous need it? Volition you use it? Practice you lot love information technology?) and resources for disposing of items

I received this book (from Santa) at my daughter's family home. Santa seemed to know that I"m on the brink of seriously downsizing my possessions in preparation for a move to Rhode Island to be nearer her family, and to experience living in a customs far from where I've spent my life thus far.

I constitute the book to be really helpful. It has a number of guidelines to follow when deciding what to do with things, (Do you need it? Will you use it? Do you dearest it?) and resources for disposing of items that don't pass one of those as well every bit other criteria. Even more helpful to me are the ways she reframes the reader's attitudes toward possessions and living life. One that struck a chord with me is to move from thinking of downsizing to personal upgrading (freeing yourself to do things you actually value.) I am blessed to have had the opportunity this by year to gustation what that kind of freedom can bring.

The author organizes the information based on her process of emptying and selling her parents' dwelling later on they became unable to do it for themselves. Mid manner through the book, she also shares how she is simultaneously making the determination to simplify her life by living in a smaller space. I feel affirmed in that she lifts upwardly doing this process when you can do it as a family unit, rather than having the decisions have to be made by your adult children, equally that is the plan I am choosing to do. The book is written both for adult children who have this task before them, and adults who brand the decision to take the lead. I liked that while she presents a number of means of doing the various aspects, I am not feeling pressured to follow every insight she shares and she included examples of points she made decisions inconsistent with what she is "instruction." This book helped me experience free to follow my heart too as my mind in this next step in my life.

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Aug 30, 2018 Kate Hornstein rated it really liked it

OK, and so I am in the middle of a downsize and this volume was helpful, mostly considering the author describes the many emotions you lot volition go through, giving away, selling, and throwing away your "fully loaded" firm, or your parents' house.

As a practical volume, it could have been organized a chip better. Anecdotes are mixed in with practical "how-to's" and specific advice is hard to locate--then I just read the whole thing! I learned a bit more well-nigh estate sales, and the new online manor sales. Information technology would b

OK, so I am in the heart of a downsize and this book was helpful, mostly because the author describes the many emotions y'all volition go through, giving away, selling, and throwing away your "fully loaded" firm, or your parents' house.

As a applied book, it could have been organized a bit meliorate. Anecdotes are mixed in with applied "how-to'due south" and specific communication is hard to locate--and so I but read the whole thing! I learned a bit more than about estate sales, and the new online estate sales. Information technology would be proficient if she talked a fleck about the "Buy Nix" move which recently enabled me to give tons of stuff abroad that I thought no i would want.

As Jameson says, "if you're ever frozen in a pocket-size well of pity, merely schedule the painters." So true. This is probably my fourth lightning-fast downsize, having been through my mother's possessions right after her expiry, my babyhood things in a quick weekend as my dad was moving, going through my father's possessions a month or and so after his death, and now getting set up to movement! Jameson has that shared feel of living far abroad, having express time, and having a real deadline (painters are coming and house is being sold). You really don't take the luxury of waffling over things, but you still experience all the emotion at warp speed!

Jameson reminds us, "When everything is important, nothing is of import." Her suggestion to cull five things that help you to think a loved one/a time gone past is super helpful. Otherwise, yous're going to cease upwards with a museum. She also sums things up quite wisely by saying, "We are non our stuff. Our loved ones are non our stuff." Cheers.

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Looking for motivation to tackle my house. I almost passed on this 1 because I didn't remember I was quite AARP material yet, and that'south who published this book. But, actually this book had sound advice. The author takes the reader through her own downward-sizing project and over the class of the project offers advice and perspectives that helped her and others. Her writing style is breezy, self deprecating, and empathetic. I think the #1 tip I'll take away from her book was to treat the project Looking for motivation to tackle my business firm. I most passed on this i because I didn't think I was quite AARP material still, and that's who published this book. But, actually this book had sound communication. The author takes the reader through her own down-sizing project and over the class of the project offers advice and perspectives that helped her and others. Her writing style is informal, cocky deprecating, and compassionate. I think the #1 tip I'll accept abroad from her book was to treat the project similar a treasure hunt. I'm going to take iii - 5 things from this phase of life into my next phase. They should make me grin and "spark joy" and all that. And so it'southward less nearly whittling away possessions and more about choosing the perfect treasure. Of course, the challenge in grief is that not a lot sparks joy and she'southward right about the process being open up eye surgery without anesthetics. Still. It must exist done. Wish me luck! ...more

Oct 31, 2016 Theresa Jehlik rated it actually liked it

Jameson shares her hard-earned wisdom about downsizing homes, both her own and her parents. The book reads quickly and includes a few other case histories too her own family. The author too provides resources for finding help and walks the reader through the process of ownership a business firm. Advice includes recognizing that this is an emotional procedure which volition hitting you difficult and edit your own life then your children aren't surprised with the crisis that the Jameson and her blood brother faced. She repeat Jameson shares her difficult-earned wisdom nearly downsizing homes, both her own and her parents. The volume reads speedily and includes a few other case histories besides her own family. The writer as well provides resources for finding assist and walks the reader through the process of ownership a house. Communication includes recognizing that this is an emotional process which will hit you difficult and edit your own life so your children aren't surprised with the crisis that the Jameson and her brother faced. She repeatedly reminds the reader that your stuff isn't worth as much as you think it is and your children don't desire it. ...more

April xxx, 2016 Barbara rated it it was ok

I didn't find this book helpful. Aye, it was about downsizing the family unit home simply it was about the authors journeying liquidating her parents abode. The author had several professional contacts that helped her. How many people can just contact Miller Gaffney? The average family doesn't have access to those contacts and could be prey to unscrupulous businesses when seeking assistance.

The book was more than about the authors emotional journey during the process and her own recent life changes.

I didn't find this book helpful. Aye, it was nearly downsizing the family unit home but information technology was about the authors journey liquidating her parents abode. The author had several professional contacts that helped her. How many people can just contact Miller Gaffney? The average family doesn't have admission to those contacts and could be prey to unscrupulous businesses when seeking assist.

The volume was more than nigh the authors emotional journeying during the procedure and her own recent life changes.

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Mar 21, 2018 Miriam rated information technology it was astonishing

And so skillful! I checked this out from the library merely after reading information technology I purchase a copy to keep. I think this is then relevant for anyone with aging parents. And things I need to go on in mind as I become older and think about the things I am leaving behind every bit well.

May thirty, 2016 Gina rated it actually liked it

Nosotros are non our stuff. Our loved ones are not their stuff. Continue what you lot love and nurtures you lot. Get out a few treasures for those yous love to remember you by. Good communication!

Feb 05, 2022 Gayle rated it really liked it

Writer Jameson non but downsized her own home, she had 9 days to empty and list the firm she grew upwardly in, when her parents moved to assisted living. Fortunately, she had experience and connections, and so she pulled information technology off, simply the emotional challenges were there, and she grappled with them equally we all must. This volume tackles both the logistics and emotional roadblocks that come up as a person must empty the family unit home, whether the elderly parents are dead, disabled, or doing information technology themselves, or if Writer Jameson not only downsized her own home, she had nine days to empty and list the firm she grew upwards in, when her parents moved to assisted living. Fortunately, she had feel and connections, and so she pulled information technology off, but the emotional challenges were there, and she grappled with them as nosotros all must. This book tackles both the logistics and emotional roadblocks that come up upwardly as a person must empty the family dwelling, whether the elderly parents are expressionless, disabled, or doing it themselves, or if information technology is a child or children, with a timeframe of days or months, and with diverse capacities for keepsakes or useful things. Many topics are addressed, including how to evaluate things, how to evaluate and sell items, how to wrangle the really tough stuff, where to notice assist, how to archive correctly, how to sell the house, and variations on this theme. I wait this to be useful in the about futurity. ...more

Downsizing the Family Habitation by Marni Jameson is a book I should accept read 45 years agone and at least every 10 years since. Marni Jameson, writing for AARP, is responding to the loads and loads of stuff everyone collects and leaves for their children/ grandchildren to dispose of. She starts out by suggesting ways to respectfully get rid of parent's junk when they go into retirement homes, or laissez passer on. Then she tells those who are still lively to get rid of their junk while they are yet able as the Downsizing the Family unit Habitation by Marni Jameson is a book I should accept read 45 years ago and at least every 10 years since. Marni Jameson, writing for AARP, is responding to the loads and loads of stuff anybody collects and leaves for their children/ grandchildren to dispose of. She starts out by suggesting means to respectfully become rid of parent's junk when they go into retirement homes, or pass on. Then she tells those who are even so lively to go rid of their junk while they are still able as the greatest gift you lot can give your children. That's where I am at, although I went through the disposal of parents stuff twice, both when my mother moved and when my husband'due south mother moved. That is where part of my gigantic overload comes from. "Keep what yous want; it is yours now and y'all will never go some other take chances at it. You lot tin can go rid of it after." is/was a common phrase I repeated to myself. Then I kept and kept, and kept, and at present I'm not sure I can appropriately deal with it all. No one to blame but me, but hither I am.
Marni's advice is excellent. Live (while sorting the junk) in the present, not in a glorious memory field of the former good times (they were with people, not their stuff) or a mythical future when your children will want all the same stuff your grandparents did (they won't; it is no longer applied. Fine mainland china and cut glassware won't last in a dishwasher.) Keep only what yous yourself decide to. To make that decision, inquire iii questions about each piece: Do I need it? (final year's revenue enhancement returns and the title to your property aren't attractive, but you demand them). Exercise I use it? (Cut glass is more than attractive, merely a bent pot you lot use everyday is more worthwhile). Do I really dearest it? (Hold the item for five minutes and ask whether you really want to grit it every day for the rest of your life.) Let everything else go. First-class advice and I wish, I wish, I wish I had followed those 3 questions well-nigh every detail I ain for the concluding 50 years. I didn't.
Now I have a huge chore in front of me. If I succeed, it is my gift to our children. And of course hither is where Marni's book falls short. While she does make suggestions, she plainly was not faced with the hideous task I am. I will endeavour, but I honestly don't know if I tin can succeed without assistance--more help than a book can give me.
I do recommend the volume as an excellent start at putting y'all in the right mindset. Practical help? You may demand more. ...more than

Jan 19, 2018 Terri rated it information technology was amazing

I read "Downsizing the Family Habitation" by Marni Johnson in less than a day (and I am a slow reader). This volume was EXACTLY what I needed at this time in my life - both in terms of being the child of my aging parents, and in terms of being a homeowner and a parent myself.

What I loved almost Johnson'due south book:

- its current entreatment - I take read the statistic many times that x,000 Baby Boomers reach retirement age each day in America - she tells us that, "Between 2010 and 2030, the U.S. population historic period vi

I read "Downsizing the Family unit Domicile" by Marni Johnson in less than a day (and I am a slow reader). This book was EXACTLY what I needed at this time in my life - both in terms of existence the child of my aging parents, and in terms of being a homeowner and a parent myself.

What I loved nearly Johnson's volume:

- its current appeal - I have read the statistic many times that x,000 Baby Boomers reach retirement age each day in America - she tells u.s. that, "Betwixt 2010 and 2030, the U.S. population age sixty-v and older will spring by lxxx percent. By 2030, ane in 5 Americans will be eighty-five or older." - as a result, our traditionally youth centered culture will need a significant paradigm shift - we volition need to look at alternative visions of what "home" will look like as we historic period and what "quality" of life will look like at each of these stages
- that she weaves her ain personal journey into the advice that she gives - it gives the book legitimacy because she has lived this
- unlike nigh of us, Johnson had experts that she could consult along the way - and she shares the wisdom of these experts with us
- the organizational style - she looks at each stage in the process of "downsizing" chronologically, and at the end of her description of each stage, she gives us an piece of cake to follow listing of takeaways - I can now hands go back and consult each of these lists as needed - I garnered a lot of practical knowledge hither that will be useful to me

I could non put this volume down! I have read a lot of books on the "third act," merely this one spoke most loudly to me. Highly, highly recommended for Gen-Xers, Boomers, and the Silent Generation!

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I of the best things y'all can exercise for your grownup children is to start cleaning out closets and get rid of "stuff" yous no longer want or need so they don't take to deal with it old in the future. This book talks about the task of emptying the dwelling house you grew upwards in because your parents died or moved into assisted living, every bit well every bit tackling the clutter in your current domicile saving your children from facing this monumental task. There are expert suggestions of ways to let go. One woman had collect 1 of the best things you can do for your grownup children is to start cleaning out closets and get rid of "stuff" you no longer want or need and so they don't have to deal with it sometime in the hereafter. This book talks near the task of emptying the home you grew up in because your parents died or moved into assisted living, as well every bit tackling the clutter in your current abode saving your children from facing this monumental job. In that location are adept suggestions of ways to let go. One woman had nerveless tea pots from places she traveled. She chose five to go along, took pictures of the other 70 and put them in a photo album. Remember that yous will have the memories even if you don't accept the items. Y'all could experience a sense of freedom when y'all don't take all those possessions to have care of. Bang-up advice but difficult to follow through because it's easier to put if off until later. ...more

I highly recommend this volume for anyone facing a move or a parents or grandparents movement. Information technology offered practical advice and tips for the whole process. The volume also provided a needed hand to hold from someone who'southward been there before. The task tin be physically, mentally and emotionally taxing.

The book showed that while downsizing may be hard it can ultimately be a very rewarding process for everyone involved.

It offers skillful communication for what to salvage and what to let go and how to do it right. This

I highly recommend this book for anyone facing a movement or a parents or grandparents move. It offered practical advice and tips for the whole procedure. The book likewise provided a needed paw to concur from someone who's been there before. The task can exist physically, mentally and emotionally taxing.

The volume showed that while downsizing may exist hard information technology can ultimately be a very rewarding process for everyone involved.

It offers good communication for what to save and what to allow go and how to do information technology correct. This is a proficient book for elderly adults, their adult children and even their grandchildren. This volume is for anyone going to be a part of a downsizing movement and wants helpful applied communication given with a little heart.

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May 31, 2019 Nichola rated information technology liked it

We need more of these books out in that location. Generally a journeying through the author'southward disposition of her parents dwelling when they were besides onetime to do anything about it and were moved into assisted living. They had not sorted or updated anything for years, and the children were left with the entire task. Information technology helps challenge the notion that our stuff has value, equally mostly it does not. She worked out a cake of uninterrupted fourth dimension to tackle it all, and used many professionals to assess furniture, re-carpet, pai Nosotros need more of these books out in that location. Mostly a journey through the author'southward disposition of her parents home when they were too former to practice annihilation almost it and were moved into assisted living. They had not sorted or updated anything for years, and the children were left with the entire chore. It helps challenge the notion that our stuff has value, equally mostly it does not. She worked out a cake of uninterrupted time to tackle information technology all, and used many professionals to appraise furniture, re-carpeting, paint, list the business firm, and yet had to deal with charity shops, consignment shops, antique dealers, trash and a garage/estate auction. A cracking reminder to do more now, or someone else volition exist stuck with it later. ...more

Mar 14, 2019 Julie Cherry rated it it was amazing

This is a great book. This is a book most going in an cleaning out your parents/family unit abode. It as well suggests what yous can do, as a parent, to go on from having to kids to go through this ordeal. What I would advise is that y'all read sections 3 & 4 first. It talks about how to disassociate yourself from your "stuff". So go back and kickoff from the outset which explains to yous the different ways of getting rid of your stuff. At the end they had to somewhat update the dwelling house and so they could put it This is a dandy book. This is a book near going in an cleaning out your parents/family dwelling house. It also suggests what you tin can practise, equally a parent, to keep from having to kids to get through this ordeal. What I would suggest is that you read sections 3 & iv first. Information technology talks near how to disassociate yourself from your "stuff". And then go back and beginning from the starting time which explains to you the dissimilar ways of getting rid of your stuff. At the end they had to somewhat update the abode so they could put it on the marketplace. There are some inexpensive ways to really bring up the value of an older habitation. Worth the read. ...more than

Dec 06, 2016 Michele H. rated it really liked it

Very helpful for either cleaning out your house yourself or helping someone exercise it.

Helpful when sentiment and emotional attachments are a barrier to downsizing, and likewise provides many applied tips for disposing of different types of possessions.

May 03, 2020 Lisa Woodruff rated information technology information technology was amazing

In May 2020, the Organize 365 book reviews will focus on estate planning and dwelling house organizing. My first volume to review is Downsizing The Family Home: What to Salvage, What to Let Go past Marni Jameson.

Marni wrote this book as she was clearing out her family estate after the loss of her parents. I loved how applied this book was! She shared existent, logical thoughts and her process for dealing with all of the stuff. The near profound suggestion in the volume is to focus on what to go on, not what to let become

In May 2020, the Organize 365 book reviews will focus on estate planning and home organizing. My first book to review is Downsizing The Family Domicile: What to Salve, What to Let Get by Marni Jameson.

Marni wrote this book every bit she was immigration out her family unit estate afterwards the loss of her parents. I loved how applied this book was! She shared real, logical thoughts and her process for dealing with all of the stuff. The most profound suggestion in the book is to focus on what to go along, non what to let go. This was particularly helpful when Emily and I settled our Dad'due south estate. The volume besides led us through unpacking the memory behind the items. This book likewise helped me to understand the actual budgetary value of the stuff left in the house.

If you are anticipating settling an estate or downsizing, I highly recommend reading this book soon!

Lookout man my full review on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Yo5s30ZMqd4

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Although a lot of the links and companies she mentions (endorses) are outdated and parts of information technology involve a lot of name-dropping, there is plenty skillful information and tips in this volume to make it worth the read. Most AARP publications read like a infomercial anyway, so you lot merely have to overlook that to go to the meat of the affair.

It'south a quick read. I read it in literally one twenty-four hour period. While information technology would have been enormously helpful ten years ago when we were faced with having to clear out two houses -- w

Although a lot of the links and companies she mentions (endorses) are outdated and parts of information technology involve a lot of name-dropping, in that location is enough good information and tips in this book to arrive worth the read. Most AARP publications read similar a infomercial anyhow, so yous simply have to overlook that to get to the meat of the affair.

It'due south a quick read. I read it in literally one day. While it would have been enormously helpful ten years ago when we were faced with having to articulate out ii houses -- with not only l years of paperwork in the attic, but scores of "collectibles" -- after a death in the family, it's still an constructive kick-in-the-pants reminder of how to go started with some good old-fashioned de cluttering and downsizing before "should" becomes "must."

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Jul 08, 2021 Maria LeBerre rated it it was amazing

A lot of common sense communication readers probably already know, just still a proficient overall book, particularly almost the various ways to get rid of stuff.

I borrowed this from the library and information technology was so worth the read. It helped change my perspective on "stuff" and upon finishing information technology I promptly passed it along to my mum. I borrowed this from the library and it was and so worth the read. It helped change my perspective on "stuff" and upon finishing information technology I promptly passed it along to my mum. ...more

I just finished selling and packing upwards my own house after the decease of my husband. I wish I had months to become through what I did. But I didn't. And the writer Marni Jameson had less time so I did to go her parents business firm cleaned out and ready to sell. I read this volume to give myself a form every bit to how I did.

While she said storage units are not a practiced idea, oops I have iii. I feel that I can brand some good decisions on what I accept left to go through. I loved her: Do you need it to alive your life

I just finished selling and packing up my own house later on the death of my husband. I wish I had months to go through what I did. Merely I didn't. And the author Marni Jameson had less time then I did to get her parents firm cleaned out and ready to sell. I read this book to requite myself a grade as to how I did.

While she said storage units are non a good idea, oops I take three. I experience that I can make some practiced decisions on what I take left to go through. I loved her: Do you need it to live your life right at present? Would you use it? Am I keeping it out of guilt?

I moved my female parent into a retirement heart days before my hubby'southward diagnosis. I moved her again a twelvemonth later on. Unfortunately she has a cottage so at present I need to go through all of that. My dad was an avid photographer, what to practise with negatives? She covered that well and I will exist looking into proficient archival boxes.

In the beginning it bothered me that she had such an extensive list of professionals she could contact at the drop of a hat. Who has those people? Just what she learned she passed on. She leaves you lot with lots of contacts to help your situation. While I may be out of my house and my mother in a retirement community I yet have a skilful deal of sorting to exercise. If I utilize at least three-five of her ideas then I am mode ahead of where I was earlier I saw this book on the shelf at a library.

...more than

This was the accented right book for me at the absolute right fourth dimension. I have cleaned out my parents' house and am now in the process of downsizing my own house with a view to moving. Don't call back that if you are staying put that this book would not be relevant. If you've gone through the gut wrenching ordeal of cleaning out your parents' business firm, you know that minimizing your ain junk will be much easier on your children when the fourth dimension comes. Miss Jameson has been both downsizing her parents and herse This was the accented right book for me at the accented right fourth dimension. I have cleaned out my parents' firm and am now in the process of downsizing my own business firm with a view to moving. Don't call back that if you are staying put that this book would non be relevant. If you've gone through the gut wrenching ordeal of cleaning out your parents' house, you lot know that minimizing your own junk will be much easier on your children when the time comes. Miss Jameson has been both downsizing her parents and herself and so she has seen this consequence from both sides. The book is absolutely full of hints, ideas, strategies for accomplishing this yourself. Since Ms. Jameson is an journalist in the abode design field, she was able to draw on many professional organizers, real estate agents, etc whose suggestions are also in the book. A book that will make you lot alternately express joy and cry, I highly recommend reading this volume. Fifty-fifty if you don't accept the author's suggestions, yous'll at least you are not solitary in this endeavor. ...more

Beginning, I read the workbook which felt like a big homework consignment on top of a big downsizing. I gave that volume 3 stars.

2d, I read Downsizing the family Home. This book was fantabulous. The book is inspirational. The author takes the reader thru the emotional ringlet coaster of sifting thru a lifetime of collections and keepsakes. She gives tried and true tips on how to sell, give to charity loved items. I retrieve this book-is the breakthrough I needed to help me become rid of things I thought I lo

First, I read the workbook which felt like a big homework assignment on top of a big downsizing. I gave that book 3 stars.

2d, I read Downsizing the family Home. This book was excellent. The book is inspirational. The author takes the reader thru the emotional roll coaster of sifting thru a lifetime of collections and keepsakes. She gives tried and truthful tips on how to sell, give to charity loved items. I think this book-is the breakthrough I needed to help me become rid of things I idea I loved.

If you are a hesitant downsizer this is a book yous must read!

...more

February 21, 2016 Karen rated it it was amazing

This book is both very helpful and very discouraging. I really need to become more "stuff" out of my house, and this helped me to meet what could go. Still, I do not alive lone. I become so frustrated with all the crap we take and all the items nosotros do not apply or need, and all the clutter, that every time I consider getting rid of stuff, I end up getting rid of more of my stuff. It is not my stuff that is the problem.

I have finally consented to allow my spouse to have a garage sale. I belive that will

This book is both very helpful and very discouraging. I really need to get more "stuff" out of my firm, and this helped me to see what could go. However, I practise not live alone. I get then frustrated with all the crap we have and all the items we practice not utilise or need, and all the clutter, that every time I consider getting rid of stuff, I finish up getting rid of more than of my stuff. It is not my stuff that is the problem.

I have finally consented to allow my spouse to have a garage sale. I belive that will help us get rid of things, at that place are two problems with this, one is the work of a garage sale. I hate garage sales. the second is that this puts off getting rid of things for several more months.

If yous know anyone who need a pianoforte, grandpa's clock, table lamps, drop leaf table, stepper, and much more, you lot know where I am.

...more than

This book made a profound impact on me. I have read many "downsizing" or "decluttering" books in an attempt to proceeds control over my own property while also dealing with my parent's belongings which they pass up to surrender considering they are all "valuable". This book made me realize that our stuff has well-nigh no value and should be disposed of forth and forth until you are only living with the things that you really need or find so beautiful that you do not want to relinquish them at this moment This book made a profound bear on on me. I accept read many "downsizing" or "decluttering" books in an endeavor to proceeds control over my own belongings while also dealing with my parent's belongings which they refuse to give up because they are all "valuable". This book fabricated me realize that our stuff has about no value and should be disposed of along and along until y'all are only living with the things that yous really need or find and so beautiful that you do not desire to relinquish them at this moment. I definitely do not want my son to feel obligated in any way to keep stuff I accept acquired like my parents insist on doing. This author had a very few days in which to get rid of a lifetime of her parent's possessions and she details what an undertaking that became. She offers splendid tips on the procedure and how to do it ameliorate than she did. My communication to all is to heed her words!!! ...more

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