The Downsizing Chronicles: Pitching What Won’t Fit

Our new home has just over 1,000 square feet upstairs plus a basement. Our last rental home had over 2,000 square feet upstairs plus a basement. You see the problem here.

I keep thinking it’s like trying to fit a size 12 foot in a size 9 shoe. Despite all the purging we did over the last two moves, we have to get rid of more stuff in order to fit four people and their stuff in this house.

I decided not to let anything in the house that isn’t going to stay here. So you can imagine what the garage looks like.

Someone suggested that had I spent more time over the last 30 years getting rid of stuff instead of keeping it, I would be better off.

I thought about that for a while. At first, it sounded right. But then I realized that while I did go through things at times, I was never forced to do a major purge because we lived in a big house that allowed me to store things instead of getting rid of them. Also (and most importantly), I was so busy raising and homeschooling four kids that I never had time to do a major purge.

And that’s ok, because I spent the time I could have spent going through stuff doing more important things, like explaining algebra, playing games, and reading to my kids. Now that they’re grown, I have more time to go through everything. So while going through all this stuff now isn’t a lot of fun, I’m glad I had the time with my kids when they were home.

So if you have lots of kids and lots of clutter, take heart. Someday you can take care of the clutter. But the time to take care of the kids is now.

4 thoughts on “The Downsizing Chronicles: Pitching What Won’t Fit

  1. Excellent advice Barbara! Now that most of mine have moved out, I couldn’t agree more. I have TIME now–back then THEY took up my time, and I am thankful for it.

  2. Yes. Great reminder. And I say that as someone who lives in a house that is under 1000 sf. There are times I wish we had more room to maneuver, but I only feel comfortable purging my stuff, not theirs or my husband’s. And they have a lot of stuff! But I remember that this time goes by relatively quickly. My oldest is in college now. I’m suddenly faced with the realization that she might soon be off on her own. I have plenty of time to get the house in order after my children have started off on their own. And then I have a feeling it will be a bit to well-kept for me!

    Peace and Laughter!

  3. Judie, you’ve been there so you know. Glad you see it that way, too!

    Susan, with a job plus your kids, it must be hard for you to even think of decluttering….

    Cristina, the time sure does go by fast. Can’t believe it’s been 8 years since my eldest two moved out.

    Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

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