We've discussed this several times on here - but, the thread titles might not reflect the subject. I don't remember. Have you tried looking 3-4 (or so) pages back? It must be a busy weekend for everyone. It has been for me and I'm exhausted. My toe nails even hurt...

that's right LL, you'd be going thru it now with your mom. I'm actually STILL going thru it (for yrs!). I went over the other day to the old place (with the guys) and wow - so overwhelming (horrifyingly so). I wanted to run out of there and never return! But, I have to... It looks like the mafia (or CIA) trashed it. It was mostly me... from all the yrs I was sick (and sleeping 20 hrs a day) and then would need to find something and start searching thru boxes for it... Then there were times since I moved that I'd go over there and start sorting thru boxes - get sick, stop, come back to lie down and not get back there for a month (or months). Then I'd have no idea what pile was what anymore... it's a blooming disaster!

I've got 2 bins and a box to use sorting thru things - things to keep for sure, things to sort thru (mostly paper stuff), things to donate and things for trash. oops, i'll need another box (I have plenty of those!).

Still, looking up those prev threads would also be helpful - lots of ideas / thoughts in those! I'm just not sure if they started out as 'downsizing' threads or we wandered into that area as we posted... so many of us have downsized, are still in process or planning to down the road!

I'm glad the table decision worked out to benefit all of you.

Thank you so much for the comments! The new spaces are quite smaller--currently I have a separate formal dining room and the pieces are rather large. However, I have been looking at repurposing as well. Perhaps the dining room server could be a television console and I could keep 4 of the 6 chairs, etc. Perhaps I could break up the bedroom suite so that one of the night tables and armoire go into the guest room. I am also considering hiring a professional to help me make some design choices. Thank you again.

I think those are excellent ideas :)

If you want to keep all 6 chairs, you might be able to use one at a kitchen desk, in the guest room (somewhere to put the suitcase) or even in the entry, if there's room.

My mom had considered reupholstering 4 of the 6 chair seats with the same fabric...and then doing the armchairs differently. They all would look the same, when you're using them, but the armchairs could 'float' to other locations.

If you ever need a place for an extra armoire...... LOL Seriously, hope things go well with the new design!

I split up matching chairs into other areas of the house when I used to have a dinning room table. It worked well. Now I save them only because they go to my grandmothers table. it is ruined but I use it on the front porch so it is still in use. It was ruined when I got it. I just revamped it to use for many years until I gave up doing the dinning room table thing.

I drug my grandmothers treadle sewing machine home from AZ in 1997. Used it for awhile as the bottom for my sewing machine. When we moved here I finally decided it had to go. I had no room for it. I tried it in many places in the house and it just kept annoying me so I gave it away. I have not missed it at all.

I have a buffet that is my Moms and would love to get it to the grand kids. They are so far away. Hoping some day one of them will come get it. I am feeling the need for more space around me verses wall to wall furniture.

I have sent many things away that were family and I decided I was no longer the historian for the family. I did not miss one thing I got rid of. When I was ready to let it go it no longer tugged at my heart.

" I drug my grandmothers treadle sewing machine home from AZ in 1997. "

you were supposed to leave that here for me! I used a treadle until I was in my teens and mom got me a regular one (off brand, cheap). don't know what ever happened to the treadle.... I wanted it! love those things.

but, I too use some things in other places. I'm giving away my tv cabinet and the computer desk/hutch. I have 2 old printer stands that I'll use for my tvs. I'm going to use the computer chair (office type) in the 'craft'/storage room.

It is nice to have a spare chair in a bedroom! good place to toss a robe or for the cat to sit or sleep ... or to layout clothes for the following day. I'm even planning to put a cushioned chair in my bedroom in front of the window for my dog - she loves to watch out the window - now she has to do that from the bed. I thought I'd help her out by putting a chair closer to the window.

I carried things from house to house for 20 years, including some furniture, like my mother's vanity from the 50s. In our latest move, we opted to get rid of a lot of stuff, including that vanity, an antique clock from the 1800s, and some other items I hung onto for sentimental reasons or the thought that they were valuable.

Turns out, extra space in my home is valuable. I felt no remorse after the items were rehomed, only relief.

Although it seems that space wants to get filled with new sentimental items. We've inherited a few furniture pieces since then.

As you get older, you realize that many family heirlooms have no connection to the people that will inherit them. For example, my wife has several sets of china from great aunts that are long gone. When we go, our son will inherit them. He never met the original owners, nor knows much about them. The china itself is nothing special. We have a lot of stuff that will fall into that category. We are trying to downsize, and just keep the things that we actually like, instead of keeping everything. Otherwise, it will be a burden, both to us in finding a place to house it, and to our son, who will someday have to deal with it all.

It seems sad to let go of family history. I guess the best thing is to keep small items that help you remember those loved ones, but only keep larger items that you actually like and have use for. In other words- would you buy this item if you saw it in an antique store? We recently inherited a small desk that is wonderful, and we have the perfect spot for it. Otherwise, we would have respectfully declined taking it.

One problem for me is family heirlooms that are worth a lot of money. We have a first edition book signed by Babe Ruth that my grandfather got autographed in person. I haven't gotten it appraised, but books autographed by him are apparently very rare compared to the usual balls, bats, and cards he signed. We never look at it- it serves no practical or decorative function. Is it worth having possibly $10,000 hidden away?

These are all really great points. I really like what you had to say about those who will inherit these heirlooms--my niece and nephew--my only heirs-- will not have big connections to things that belonged to their great grandparents and great-great grandparents. I never looked at it that way. Thank you for the insight. I am also not sure that I would repurchase these items on my own in an antique store. I prefer a more modern look such as Pompanoosuc Mills and Heywood Wakefield.

I'm moving in 3 weeks from a 4 bedroom 100 year old house to a 1000 ft. modern condo. After years of the same furniture, mostly antiques and/or things that went with a 100 year old home, I decided to make a clean start. I am selling or donating nearly everything! The big push to get stuff gone is happening now; then I will have a ball refurnishing and redecorating. Yes, a few items have been a bit hard to let go of--but they won't fit or work in the new space so in many cases there's really no choice. I have found that once things are sold I never look back. In fact it is a relief. I like a lot of decorating styles and now I can do something new, fresh, fun, and updated! Life is short--why not do it? Oh, I'm single, and my nephews and nieces are still too young to inherit things from me. I sincerely doubt that they would even want anything, including my lovely huge set of china. I have found that most young people really don't want my stuff!

Wow--Cassandra--that is simply wonderful. Congratulations. You sound very happy with your choice. I wish you well and I feel quite inspired!

Cassandra, you rock! Moving on is letting go, and you did! My arthritis prevents me from doing any art now and I am a published artist, but I hang on to the art supplies. I need to donate them, and they are legion, to someone who wants them. I was hoping the grand kids, but they aren't really into art. One silly girl has claimed 2 of my paintings. "Nana, can I have that when you die?" The others have no interest. Same with these hand painted things I inherited from family. I even have the wording of how they were used. Nobody cares. Not even Ebay. Too much of that stuff on there.

Thanks Anne and Suzi. I am both somewhat nervous and excited at the same time. I haven't lived in such a small space since my graduate school days but then again that was probably the last time I felt really free of the burden of caring for an old house! The only family item that I am passing on (to my brother and SIL) is my grandma's bedroom set which I inherited years ago. Just this week I bought a new set to be delivered to my new place when I move. It is the first bedroom set I ever bought! Now I am starting to plan for the condo's "great room" which is a kitchen, living room, and dining room all in one. Each piece of furniture needs to be carefully thought out for function and fit.

Cassandra--does your new condo have a lot of storage?

I doubt my kids will want my stuff either. Even tho most is from their gmother (and in that from her mom and MIL - so 2 greatgrandmothers). They will have to deal with it when I'm gone. Small stuff I'm already dividing and shipping out to them!

Suzi AKA DesertDance Zone 9b - where are you dancing in the desert? (approx). I'm SE of the EV (if you're in AZ).

No, not a lot of storage at all. I was a bit freaked that there is NO storage in a basement or garage--that is, none outside the unit. But the unit itself, despite being only 1000 sq feet, has two large walk-in closets and a utility room where I can put floor to ceiling shelving. Still, I am paring way down and suspect once I move in will continue to do so a bit. As I mentioned I am finding it liberating. Even though I am not in the least a pack rat I find I have way too much stuff. I am making lots and lots of trips to Goodwill.

I will qualify my comments by first stating that I am not sentimental, and in no way wish to offend. That said, when deciding what to do about Grandma's three sets of china or Aunt Mable's sideboard, if it doesn't fit a need, get rid of it! They are just things.

Does everyone honestly know that those were beloved, prized possessions of the original owner... more importantly, does that even matter? Also, what makes those particular 'things' special... have other possessions of these persons also been saved... IE: a favorite sweater or dress? Or how about their best girdle? Silly examples, but the same qualifications pertain. If you really want or need an item, if it works in your home then use it... otherwise let it go.

I agree with you kittykat. I am also not sentimental about material things and I'm finding this to be a real blessing. I sometimes think that "sentiment" is actually equated with "guilt" in some people's situations. It is helpful to really think about why the attachment to certain things exists. To me if it is not beautiful in some way and if it does not work in the home it should go. "Beautiful" and "work in the home" may mean that something is just lovely to look at or holds some significant positive emotional association. But a few of these type of objects go a long way. The one large furniture item I am taking with me is a lovely antique display case in which will go a few pieces of inherited china and a few other pretty things. That's it for the sentiment!

Of course it helps if you didn't inherit much in the first place! I didn't and it has saved me from having to lug it with me from house to house. Don't saddle your kids with tons of stuff or "guilt" them into accepting it! I think a lot of people do.

I have a few pieces of wedding-gift china (from Austria, no less) that belonged to my great-great-great grandmother. Now, that's just cool :)

Yes, I'd certainly keep that lavender! Nothing in my family has survived more than a generation or two.

OH Anne, I have a Haywood Wakefield couch in my dinning room. I love it. It is not much as far as condition but very comfortable. I even slept on it ffor three months when I had to stay with y hubby while he was sleeping in the living room so sick. I have to say was thrilled to be able to go back to the bedroom. It is NOT a bed. LOL

Im downsizing homes too. Ive no problem parting with many of my furniture with a few exceptions. I'm also bringing plants with me - which can be tricky but i'll try.

The biggest hurdle (that I am still facing) is just finding the time to get rid of stuff. The time to sort, pack up and drive away excess stuff. My husband and I are both in grad school, I am working on a teaching certification program and we have two kids. In the middle of this we moved from 1800 to 650 sq ft. It is frustrating to feel like I would be happy to get rid of some big stuff and just not have the time/energy to make it happen.

We have a cedar chest that was a wedding gift that is just not our style (heart cut out and painted on flowers). Unfortunately it also has our names on it and was made by a neighbor I grew up next door to. I still haven't figured out how to deal with that.

I think if you don't have room it will feel more like a burden than a treasured heirloom.

Right now I'm finding that my biggest problem is that things simply don't sell on Craigslist. Small inexpensive things sell--for example, my antique oak end tables flew out the door. Larger pieces don't. I have reduced my beautiful antique dining set many times and the price now offered is downright painful. I still can't get any interest at all. Also my huge antique china set, not inherited but precious nevertheless.I spent many years collecting pieces. No interest at all. All these things will have to be donated in a couple of weeks before my move. There is the option of consignment but I'd prefer to have this burden gone and really enjoy my fresh start. chelwa, I understand about the time, I am single and work full time. For weeks I've been doing 1-2 boxes or areas per day, usually in early morning. I make at least 2 Goodwill runs per week with small stuff, clothes, etc. I'm so glad they are open both Saturday and Sunday!

I have the same problem. I have a great looking curio, I need to get rid of my dining set, and a 1920s sideboard. lots andlots of books. things have to be priced to sell I suppose and that means cheap cheap cheap

It sounds like a lot of work downsizing but worth the benefits. My current is house is too big for one person--2500 sq feet--I don't even use most of the rooms--I feel the urge to be cozy! I want to live in the city downton where the museums and concerts and coffee houses are located! I am really having trouble finding what I want. What made you decide on your condo Cassandra? Location? Price? The great light? Thanks!

I have re-purposed many larger pieces. I use a large china cabinet in my sewing room to hold all/most of my fabric and sewing things. I have a sideboard in out bedroom that rotates from holding clothes or bedding even our metal file boxes at one time. I am using an old kitchen cabinet in the large master bath for linens. I have an old oak desk I used for an island in the kitchen.

We have the opposite problem...not enough great antiques on Craigslist in our area :)

Anne, I have fixed up old houses several times in my life. I bought this one thinking I'd do it again. After a lot of work I realized I could go on and on--a real money pit despite it being a beautiful grand dame. I also realized I'm not 35 years old anymore and my priorities have changed as well as my energy level. In short, been there done that! So the goal is to simplify my life style with a truly "lock and leave" place so I can travel more and, in retirement, perhaps be a snow bird. I have realized that a small, beautiful, simple place is much more calming to me than a large place with rooms I never use and that just needs to be cleaned and a yard that needs constant work. I am, by the way, already a city dweller in a small city. I'm moving only 5 blocks away because I love the neighborhood. So that is one decision I did not have to make.

Cassandra I was just looking through older posts today and I saw photos you posted of your condo! It is terrific! What you described above is exactly how I am feeling. I don't want to fix anymore. I just want freedom and peace of mind. I will have to find a dog friendly condo though as I plan on having a furry friend!

Same here--my two cats are a priority! Anne, I don't know where you are located but it seems like you are leaning in the direction of simplifying and downsizing. A lot of my 50+ friends, single and married, are doing the same thing. I have never heard anyone say they regret it. A single friend of mine told me yesterday she has day dreams of living in a hotel room! I think we all want to focus our energies elsewhere at this stage of life--people and experiences, not stuff or overly-large houses.

I honestly don't even care if I have a sofa in my new place! I can make do with 2 easy chairs and an ottoman. I very rarely have more than one person over at a time! I do hope to repurpose family heirlooms if I can. I want light and airy. I want a kitchen with glass cabinets. I want to stop saving things and use them! The funny thing is I am totally interested in a condo because I want to enjoy outdoor space. Currently I live in a side-by-side house (share one wall) and my neighbors are always out in their yard chain smoking. Many of the condos are smoke free. I have a terrible allergy to smoke.

My condo is not smoke free. That worries me as I despise smoking. So I asked a lot of questions before buying about whether there were any smokers around my unit (answer: none. I am on the top floor and share a wall with just one person). It is something to check out.

All my living room furniture sold today--to an 85 year old woman who is completely redecorating. It was fun to see her enthusiasm! It helps this whole process when you know your things are going to people who will care for them. BTW, I LOVE how my living room looks empty! So spacious and clean! Go figure.

Wow! Good for you! Certainly that is exiting! I have SO MUCH work I need to do to my current home before selling. Yikes! I don't want to spend too much fixing because I want to spend on the new place (whenever it happens).

Just wondering Cassandra--have you moved yet? How are you finding the new place?

Yes, just moved a couple of days ago. Still in the midst of chaos but loving it so far! I moved in with exactly 3 pieces of furniture from the old place. Looking forward to getting what I need that fits the new place. No regrets at all--this is exactly what I wanted!

While preparing to sell my business, our home of 20 yrs and move to half the space and no basement or garage, we also had to close up my in-laws place several hours away. So while trying to reduce inventory we were still moving some nice items in. Multiple sets of China, the families 1805 Grandfather clock and Windsor chair. Net/net, as others have said, people don't even want much of it for free. It is all just STUFF! Life moves ahead. You do too! If it doesn't fit a specific need or the available space get rid of it.

I had a friend who thought he would store many items to see how he did without them. Stuffed it all in storage and rarely went there, and couldn't find what he was looking for anyway. After a year he got rid of it all, and it was a relief.

Get rid of your anchors. You won't miss them!

jackfre--and Anne--I've heard that if you are having doubts about selling your stuff do just that: rent a storage space and lock it away for a few months to a year. See if you miss it. If not, get rid of it! At least this technique gives you a kind of trial experiment.

Been thinking about some of the things discussed in this thread. In 2013 DH & I relo/retired. Dearest, Darling, most Wonderful Husband in the World is still equivocating over unpacked boxes and boxes and boxes and furniture still wrapped from shipping.

I admire everyone with the intestinal fortitude to unburden oneself. Before our relo, I went through all of my collected art, books, fine china, furniture, gadgets, pots & pans, etc.. Donated many things as family didn't want me to drop ship anything. I kept what I thought at that time was important to keep... Guess what?!? There's more to give away.

Yes, some of my things are antiques and/or potentially valuable, high-ticket items. (I was tasked/assigned the "family historian & depository".) I've again asked family to come and take what they want. Everyone is less than a day drive away... Now if DH could "let it go" and tackle his "glory days" we might just get everything to fit.. into the house and into our new lifestyles.

My big ticket item that I can't seem to unburden myself of is my grandmother's dining room table, china cabinet, and sideboard. I never eat at that table. I just look at it.

That is tough Anne. We have a cedar chest that my neighbor made for our wedding. Decorated it with a heart and our names. We don't really like it, don't really need it, could better use the space but it is awfully difficult to get rid of.

Anne, that's so frustrating. Are you in the "can't give it away for trying" family, too? My problem at times is "familial obligations"... Family members don't want the (perceived) heirloom and don't want me to pass it on to someone who'd appreciate it. I keep reminding myself 'first world problems...first world problems', HaHa!

chelwa, have you thought of using the cedar chest for outdoor seating & storage? I did that with an old steamer trunk years ago. It worked quite well for storing a bag of charcoal briquettes, fire-tending tools, and what-nots. An old-fashioned chaise lounge cushion fit ok on the lid. Now I have a domed-top steamer trunk of dubious heritage... Not quite sure what to do with it yet.

We relo'd cross country and bought a house at less than half the square footage we originally had. And, we were in a more modest 2400-sq'er. The most challenging aspect has been furniture proportions. Our current house is a 1947 ranch/rambler with 8-foot ceilings. Furniture originally designed for stately mansions with soaring ceilings looks decidedly misplaced. Most of today's substantial styles look imposing, too.

Now if I could just nudge DH a tiny bit closer to taking the plunge...and stop taking things off of my FreeCycle list ;-).