Change is Still Coming

Written by Elisa Hawkinson – 7/25/22

Most of us know change is inevitably coming into our life. The recent Covid issues have made that clear and it isn’t over yet. Regardless of what is coming, there are a few things we can do to prepare for the changes and to ease the stress.
Any number of happenings may cause a change:

• children moving out
• the death of a spouse
• health challenges
• simple aging
• a desire to live elsewhere
• the desire to capture the equity in the home

Those are the realities of many who seek out my services.

What can help anyone facing any kind of change? The simple act of editing down the contents of your home, apartment or condo is key to every move. When was the last time you took a deep sweep through your entire home to look at everything (and I mean everything) that is no longer needed or used? If it has been more than six months, I suggest that action be repeated. Keep asking yourself if you really need and use each item as you lay eyes on it.

Play a game with yourself:

• Think about moving to less square footage; possibly half of your current square footage. What would have to be kept?
• If you put on a generous heart and want to bless someone with things you no longer need or use, it gets easier to let go of items sitting around on shelves, in cupboards, and in drawers.
• If those things are placed in a thrift store with a mission that aligns with your values, then it is even more rewarding. You provide merchandise that sells and supports the mission.

The hardest part of editing comes to items received from a family member, living or deceased. It takes putting on a hat, name it ‘RUTHLESS,’ and ask yourself if that item is still something you want, or has it just been a habit of putting it away? Then ask yourself who would be blessed to have that item? I gave my grandmother’s jewelry to a niece because I thought she would be blessed, and she was! A younger sister also received a baby picture of our grandmother that I had for over forty years. Since I am also in the process of thoroughly editing my home, she received it with joy and appreciation. She had a new treasure, and it meant a lot to me to share it.

I am currently treating myself like a client and ‘WE’ do have funny conversations. We go back and forth as to why an item should be saved or gifted. Usually the more ‘RUTHLESS’ me wins.

The most recent gifting of items took on Covid guidelines. I went to a gathering of friends with proper distancing and masks. I invited them to gather around the trunk of my car where I had many household items, some practical and some decorative. They reached in and selected items they wanted. It felt so good to share stories of items as they were given away. What was not selected went to my favorite thrift store.

Should you desire strategizing support for your organizing efforts, please contact Elisa for a complimentary 30-minutes phone chat. 206-915-9911

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