"Over the years, you have given me gifts that I have enjoyed but no longer have space for. If you come to my sale and see something you've given me, please don't be offended. I'm downsizing and don't have space for all of my treasures."
That is what Karen Shinn wrote in a note to friends when she decided to downsize from a bungalow to a condo. Her friends thought it was nicely put, and she says it made her feel less guilty.
"Once we deal with our emotions -- guilt included -- it's definitely easier to 'lighten up,'" says Shinn, a professional organizer and co-owner of Downsizing Diva.
Letting people know you're downsizing has other bonuses. Your friends may be able to use things you no longer need or they may offer to help. Downsizing is a big job, and having an objective eye, be it a professional organizer or a friend, will make the job easier, Shinn says.
But, she adds, "Ultimately it's up to you to decide what you'd like to keep."
