A Downsizing Move in Florida

I'm in Florida preparing an elderly friend to leave her condo and move into a local retirement community. I was here in March for a few weeks to get started; the move is now upon us -- September 21, to be exact.

De-cluttering is a process that happens in stages. In March, we went room-by-room to decide which large pieces she was taking and how she wanted to dispose of what she was not taking. Then we purged, tossed and sorted items for a moving sale, took trips to thrift stores to donate items, went to the recycle center. It was a busy and very productful March. The moving sale was a great success.

Now we are at a deeper level in September. Another moving sale is set for this Friday and Saturday; the garage is set up and full of antiques and other items to sell, all marked and ready to go. We have appointments with antique dealers who are coming here to preview before the sale and there will be relatives and friends here all week to review what my friend wants them to have.

Packing to move? Yes. One room is done and a second is partially done. We are on schedule. My friend is mentally ready to move so the purging and decision-making come realitively easy. Items get added to the moving sale just as they are about to go into a box. Well done!!

Each trash night is an adventure. Good thing they pick up trash here twice a week. Tonight's pick up will be a doozie - six huge trash bags and the recycle bin.

Letting go is an adventure I wish all of you could experience with the gusto and determination as this woman. She feels so good about giving to others the treasures she has so they, took can experience their joy. How about you?

Time Flies . . .

Did you ever start a major project and need to set it aside to go to another project that is more time urgent? That's where I am. I am flying to Florida tomorrow so the last four days have been geared primarily to preparing to fly. The last packing alert concerning carry-on luggage has changed my usual packing plan, so I have as of last night, starting packing following updated guidelines.

Don't get me wrong. I still am cleaning out the office but it is with the attitude of being sure everything is in proper order before I leave. I am doing little office things to be consistent with the office project's lower priority.

I am also getting a head start on change of season wardrobe purging. Because it is hot in Florida, if I am not taking an item of summer clothing on my trip -- and I take very little -- I am able to either give away summer and early-fall clothing or store summer items away.

When I travel, I do not dress to please. I dress to toss. Most of what I bring never comes home with me so I have suitcase room for new items, like fresh fruit, without adding another suitcase. Since this is a business trip and I am preparing a lady to move into a retirement community, I really only need work clothes with one presentable outfit. That's my plan.

So the next time I write, it will be from the sunny south. Meanwhile, tell me about your change of season habits and how you go about packing these days. WOW there is always so much to chat about when the topic is de-cluttering and organizing, eh?