02/15/04

By VICKI NORRIS
RESTORING ORDER

Q: After years in a large house, we are downsizing to a much smaller place. What should do to begin paring down my belongings?

A: Before you begin, make a list of the categories of things that have the greatest value to you, starting with the few things you'd save in a fire. Once you know your priorities (memorabilia, special books or outdoor gear, for example), you will have more clarity about what to bring with you.

Next, tour your future home and assess the space possibilities and constraints. Is most of the square footage in public spaces (like the kitchen, living room and family room) or private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms and closets)? What is the available storage like? Is there a garage, attic or basement? How many closets (including coat, hall and linen closets) are available?

Asking these questions will help you set your expectations properly at the beginning of your organizing process. You will be able to tell how much furniture you can realistically bring and decide on the purpose of each space in advance.

Q: There's a large amount of stuff to go through in a short time. What's the best way to tackle it?

A: The best start to any organizing project, including downsizing, is to dedicate enough time to the process. If you move in a hurry, you may make snap decisions that you'll regret. Devise a timeline from now to your moving day, and schedule the necessary steps on your timeline.

If the thought of transferring the contents of your home to another location terrifies you, it may save your nerves to hire a professional organizing consultant to guide you through the process, maximize your reduced square footage and help you execute a hassle-free move.

Q: Are there some rules of thumb you recommend when deciding whether to keep something or get rid of it?

A: Before you toss an item in a box, determine what category it belongs to and group it with its type. For example, even though photos and memorabilia may be strewn throughout the house, you can set up boxes in the living room into which all memorabilia will be added as you pack. That way, you will know how much space your memorabilia requires, and you can plan its future "home" in your new environment.

Grouping items by type can be shocking once you see all of your similar belongings together. You may discover that you own a disproportionate number of items in one category, like household linens, for example. As you behold a gigantic mound of sheets, bedding and throw pillows, you may be more willing to pare down that category.

Identifying your priorities, realistically evaluating the available space in your new home and grouping your belongings by type before you pack will make it easier to let go of your excess.

Q: Many of my things are antiques, and I'm tempted to keep them in case they're worth something to me or an heir. Any tips you can offer on that score?

A: Antiques have at least two kinds of value: retail value and sentimental value. You must first determine which type of value your antiques offer. If you are keeping something simply because it "cost a lot" or "might be worth something someday," then you are banking on its retail value. You can only cash in on this purported value, however, if you are willing to part with the goods.

In my work as a professional organizer, I find that sentimental value is often much more compelling to people than retail value. If you are holding onto items because they evoke precious memories, that is a legitimate reason for retaining the item, within reason. No conscientious friend or professional should advise you to dispose of an object if it would break your heart.

Q: What are the pros and cons of having a garage sale vs. donating the items to a charity?

A: I typically advise my clients (who are overwhelmed by clutter already) against garage sales.

For those with little time to spare and who relate their time to money (which seems to be most of us these days), a garage sale can sap your time and energy for relatively little compensation. However, if you have items of great value, it might be worthwhile to hold a brief, well-advertised sale or to consign the items. Be sure to evaluate all hidden costs of doing so, such as time spent preparing advertising, pricing items, borrowing and returning tables, and cleaning up.

Donating to charity is a win-win choice. Groups often gratefully receive items you no longer use or want, and you get a tax deduction. To learn how to locally donate everything from electronics to musical instruments, visit the donation connection at www.restoringorder.com, under the "resources" button.

Q: When downsizing, do your clients sometimes have to undergo a second round of sifting through and getting rid of stuff once they move into the new place?

A: Clients who are downsizing have engaged our services because they have reached a point where their clutter is costing them time, space and peace of mind. They want to make a fresh start in their new home.

At first, the sorting and purging process can be a struggle because it involves making decisions that have been delayed and facing years of backlog. However, as the process gains momentum, clients begin to feel more freedom with less stuff and are liberated to pursue the things that really matter to them (which is really why many people downsize in the first place). Newly equipped with organized thinking, they make better decisions about accumulation and tend to thin out their possessions on a more regular basis to avoid returning to the burden they left behind.

Vicki Norris is founder and president of Restoring Order, a professional organizing company based in Portland. Norris presents a monthly organizing segment on KATU's "AM Northwest" and is a regular on HGTV's "Mission: Organization." She can be contacted at 503-625-5774 or vicki@restoringorder.com.