let it go

By the time you reach retirement age you would have no doubt accumulated lots of stuff, some valuable some not so valuable. But hopefully, you are not a candidate for the reality show extreme hoarding. This juncture provides a great opportunity to reassess why you are holding on to some things. If you had been doing your periodic dumping, this experience will not be as dramatic as, for those who have never discarded any of their belongings. Most important in deciding what to part with or what to keep is whether the item adds value to your life (make you happy) or whether the re-sale of  the item can  sustain you later in life. Guided by this simple principle you will no longer be overwhelmed by the thought of tackling the task of de-cluttering and simplifying your life and space.

Start with the easy one first. Get rid of work apparel you will no longer have use for. If you wore a uniform for work, gift the new and unused garments to a friend of similar size and statute, discard the worn out pieces. Resist the urge to hold on to the uniform outfit that you no longer need. If you have the desire to see yourself in it one more time, dress up in it, take a picture of yourself, frame it and get rid of the uniform. In the circumstance where you did not wear uniforms for work, unless you are going to work again (after retirement) your work clothes can be donated to a friend, a person in need or a charitable organization of choice. Five years ago a friend gave me a top she no longer wanted, it became a favourite of mine I wear it all the time in fact as recent as yesterday.  This give credence to the adage that One man's trash can be another man's treasure. People are proud and so you have to be mindful about asking folks if they want your old clothes. Fortunately for me, some lady at my mother’s church asked her to ask me and so from handbag to shoe she has benefited. I am certainly not interested in knowing who she is. Then there is my sister from another mother who comes to my closet and helps herself whenever. Further I am  instructed to call her first before I dispose of any items of whatever type. My closet de-clutter is a breeze and yours can be too. That, being out of the way we can move on to other areas and rooms with determination, one baby step at a time.

The experts say that if you have not used or worn something for a year you should get rid of it. But I say, if in the last 5 years you have not worn or used an item you have permission to give serious consideration to discarding it. Choose strategically the next area for clearing out. Do not attempt every area all at once, that is a recipe for frustration. I have found that small areas give a sense of accomplishment in short time. Set a realistic goal for completion of specific tasks and try to meet them. I take as many breaks as necessary to get the job done.  Please don’t move stuff from one area to the next with the intent "to maybe" keep it, it will only stay in the new spot for another era. Admittedly, it is hard to get rid of your stuff, be prepared for that. If you have the patience or inclination you can always get rid of  unwanted stuff by having a yard sale to ensure it would have a new life and you can earn a little money, hopefully.  Make your decision to downsize and stick with it. Always keep the principle happy and money in mind. While everyone work at a different pace  and in a different style the end result is the same,change. After you have discarded all the unnecessary stuff you feel lighter, have more space and can truly exhale.    
N.B.  In the  spirit of full disclosure, I must divulge the fact that the daughter of my retired BFF requested that I address this issue on my blog. I hope the post accomplishes what she hoped it would.