Zen Artistry in the Modern World
Simplicity in Practice:
Downsizing, Decluttering and Starting Over
As I get older, I have frequent conversations with friends regarding the topic of having too much stuff. The topic becomes especially salient when and if a good friend or family member is getting ready to move. Where to begin? The attic is full,
the basement is full, wanting to simplify but not knowing how to decrease the possessions of a lifetime. I remember one friend
in particular where both she and her husband were world travelers. She has a magnificent eye for art and during their travels
they collected a diverse set of paintings, pottery, glassware and wall hangings reflecting the many countries that they visited
over a lifetime. In deciding to move and downsize to a smaller house, they too faced the all too familiar question: where to begin? The issue of what to keep, what to sell and what to give away proved to be a big challenge. The problem was made worse by
the fact that the moving vans were scheduled to come in less than a week and my friends had made only a modest dent in their downsizing preparations. We got it done.
Downsizing, Decluttering as a Mindset
Let’s start with the idea that downsizing represents a type of mindset; not something you do only when you’re getting ready to move. This mindset is less about physical space and more about mental space. Over the years, the accumulation of objects — furniture, books, clothes, keepsakes — come to symbolize a different kind of accumulation: the stories, memories, and even identities we’ve gathered. But as time passes, I’ve realized that not all of these things continue to serve us. What once brought
joy or meaning can quietly shift into clutter, both in our homes and in our heads. Downsizing, then, becomes an act of discernment — a way to ask what still aligns with who we are today rather than who we once were. I’ve noticed that the people who approach downsizing as a continuous practice, rather than a reaction to change, tend to move through life with a lighter step. They’re not weighed down by the constant reminder of what they own. Instead, they seem more open to new experiences,
spontaneity and growth. Letting go, in this sense, isn’t about loss; it’s about creating room for new things — whether that means physical objects, relationships or ideas. For most people, the question of downsizing doesn’t become a real issue until such time as they are planning a major move. After all, there was always enough space in the attic or basement for one more thing.
The statement out-of-sight; out-of-mind rings particularly true until its actually time to downsize — this moment — right now.
Here are a couple of ideas to consider.
1. Allow Yourself Enough Time to Downsize
The first step is to allow yourself enough time when preparing for a major move. It is one of the most important factors in making thoughtful, lasting decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. Downsizing is not just a physical task; it’s an emotional and mental process that requires patience and reflection. When time is short, decisions are often made out of stress or fatigue rather than clear judgment. But when time is abundant, we can approach each decision with care, allowing space for both practical reasoning and emotional acceptance. In doing so, it allows you to research storage options, donation centers, and moving services without the panic that often comes from last-minute arrangements.
Giving yourself enough time to downsize provides you with a comfortable space with which to make good decisions. This is especially important when sorting through those special items that have personal history and memories. Each object tells a story and rushing through the decision-making process can lead to mistakes, missed opportunities and possible regret. I remember
the time when my mother was getting ready to move into an assisted living facility in Vermont. To start with, my mother was a collector; nothing ever got thrown out. She was daughter of the depression. You get the picture. We were running out of time
and apparently there was this one particular shoe box full of photos. Before I got ready to leave for Michigan, I told her that if she wanted to mail that shoe box back to me, I would store it for her and we could sort it out later.
That offer got translated into something very different. Some weeks later, the UPS driver rang the doorbell and sure enough –
and there before me, were 18 large boxes that contained various household items, including photos of different kinds: photos of people I did not recognize, vacation photos, blurry photos and multiple photo repeats. I spent the next year going through the boxes and organizing photos into different categories including photos to toss and photos to go to various family members.
One of my favorite memories was finding a photo album with a note from my mother that read: “I don’t know who this album belongs to. I have no idea who these people are, but I couldn’t throw it away.” It so happens that I found a postcard inside the album from Hollowell, Maine, so I contacted their historical society. The President of the Hollowell, Maine historical society immediately got back to me and was very pleased to learn of this photo album. I packaged the entire photo album and sent it
off to him. The album meant a lot to both he and the historical society. The album belonged to a well-liked and beloved
elementary school teacher when he attended grade school.
In sum, having enough time is the key ingredient that transforms downsizing from a stressful chore into a thoughtful act of transition. It also gives you a clearer picture of what your new space will look and feel like, helping you make more intentional choices about what truly fits your lifestyle going forward. When you enough time, you give yourself the gift of clarity — space
to honor your past, consider your present and thoughtfully shape your future home.
2. Getting Started
Where to start? This depends on the amount of time that you have. When I started off in my twenties, my possessions could all fit in a backpack. By the time I was fifty, I had a large home, with an attic, garage and basement that was filled with possessions. Add to this, the many inherited family possessions (sometimes heirlooms) that fills their allotted space. There is of course the personal pledge to sort through all of this when there’s a few spare moments which never seems to quite happen. Now that time has finally come. The hardest part is getting started. In my view, the goal should be to take on a very “doable project.” By that, I mean something that you will see success within a day. Maybe, its organizing one’s jewelry, set of tools, kitchen and/or craft supplies. At the end of the day, take a moment to celebrate; something that allows you to appreciate what you’ve done earlier in the day. In the days that follow, you’ll get better and better in terms of organizing and sorting through your many household items and possessions.
3. How to Best Declutter Before a House Move
Preparing for a house move is the perfect opportunity to take stock of your belongings and let go of what no longer serves you. Decluttering before you pack not only lightens your load but also helps to give you a fresh start in your new home. The key is to approach the process with intention, organization and a clear mindset.
Begin by setting aside dedicated time for sorting. Tackle one room — or one category of items — at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As you go through your possessions, ask yourself a few simple but important questions: Do I use this? Do I love this? Would I buy this again today? If the answer is no, it may be time to let it go. Remember, the goal is not just to move things from one house to another, but to reimagine the life you want to live in your new space. Japanese author Marie Kondo and her KonMari Method offers up a useful way of dealing with the objects you have collected. Aside from the practical, she helps you decide what items to keep by asking the simple question, does it spark joy? If the item does not illicit that reaction, she suggests you to honor those items that have served you well in the past and to mindfully let them go by thanking them for their usefulness.
Create four categories as you sort: keep, donate, sell and discard. Items in good condition can find new life through donation centers or online marketplaces, while broken or outdated items can be responsibly recycled or thrown away. Be honest with yourself — sentimental items are the hardest to part with, but even these can be pared down by keeping only what truly holds meaning. As you declutter, visualize the ease and clarity of unpacking only what you truly need. Each box you pack will represent a more intentional version of your home and lifestyle. Decluttering before a move isn’t just about reducing clutter — it’s about freeing yourself from excess and making space, both physically and mentally, for a fresh beginning.
4. Family Gifts and Hand-Me-Downs
Looking back. Hand-me-down furniture is great in the beginning when you’re first starting out. But the problem with hand me downs is that they have a way of staying. It’s hard to let go of that special clock, painting or chair that was given to you when you were in college or first apartment. Over time, though, those same pieces can start to define your living space that is perhaps
more than is needed. What once felt comforting can slowly turn into clutter — a collection of “stuff” that doesn’t quite fit your lifestyle anymore. But here’s the point. Those objects that are gifts or belonged to someone you love does not necessarily need
to be kept. You appreciate the gesture, honor the person’s generosity but do not feel that you need to keep it. No guilt.
Letting go isn’t about rejecting the past; it’s about making room for a new space and who you’re becoming.
5. Letting Go of Things That No Longer Serve Us
Over time we come to possess a great number of things and objects that may no longer serve us. Such items require space.
How often do we hear the expression, “I am keeping this just in case.” This in combination with the fear or guilt or having spent
a lot money on that special flute or painting adds to the many objects now found in an attic or basement. Decluttering is an
active way to “letting go” of the past and concerns for the future by allowing yourself to be more present. In doing so, you’re
giving yourself permission to let go of the past while being open to new experiences. If an object has been stored for more than
a couple of years, it may be time to reevaluate whether you really need it.
If the item is too valuable to give away, think about options. Would it be a good gift for another member of your family? How can you make this gift special to someone you care about? As an example, I had four beautiful quilts made by my great grandmother and grandmother. I asked my two nieces and daughter-in-law if they would like them and they were thrilled. In doing so, they not only received a handmade quilt but likewise got to share a part of our family history. Similarly, I had a box of letters that my father had given me some thirty years ago. It so happens that I found many letters from the late 1800s written by an older woman I did not know. After doing some research, I found that she was my grandfather’s sister. I went a step further. Through Ancestry.com,
I found her granddaughter and sent her a note and asked if she would like these letters. Needless-to-say, she was very pleased
to get these letters. As for me, I felt great that they were now with someone who would truly value them.
Starting Over and New Beginnings
The actual transport of your home and furnishings has been completed, and now the true work of starting over now begins. You stand in your new space surrounded by boxes and blank walls — a clean slate full of possibilities. This is the perfect moment to pause and visualize how you want your new home to look and feel.
1. Visualize Your New More Organized Space
Organization doesn’t begin with putting things away; it begins with a clear vision of the environment you want to create. I like to start with the kitchen. It’s often the heart of a home, a place where daily routines and family connections take shape. I imagine clean countertops, neatly arranged cabinets and a logical flow from the refrigerator to the stove to the sink. Visualizing where each item belongs — the pots near the stove, the dishes close to the dishwasher, and the coffee station in a sunny corner — helps to design not only a functional kitchen but also one that feels inviting.
As you picture your new organized space, consider how light moves through the room, how colors and textures can set the tone, and how every item can serve both a purpose and a place. The act of visualizing creates a blueprint for order and comfort.
From this point forward, each decision — what to keep, where to store, and how to arrange — flows naturally from that vision.
Your new home becomes more than just a collection of rooms; it becomes a reflection of your priorities, habits and sense of calm. And it all begins with a simple, powerful step: imagining your new space as the best version of itself.
2. Know What You Have
When setting up a new household after a move, one of the most important first steps is taking stock of what you have. Before arranging furniture, unpacking boxes, or buying new items, it helps to pause and assess your belongings. Knowing what you own provides clarity, saves time, and prevents unnecessary clutter from simply being transported from your old home to your
new one. During his life, my father-in-law had a workshop filled with tools and construction equipment. He was very old school
in that regard. Need a hammer; can’t find it — buy another. Suffice to say, he had more hammers and screwdrivers than anyone
I know.
The process begins with unpacking intentionally. As each box is opened, grouping similar items together — kitchen tools, linens, books, or electronics—makes it easier to see both the essentials and the excess. This is where having organization bins, tubs
and hooks come into play. This period of sorting will tell you what you have in abundance and what you lack. It will quickly reveal forgotten possessions or duplicates collected over the years. Recognizing these patterns allows you to decide what truly belongs in your new home and what might be donated, recycled, or stored elsewhere. Ultimately, knowing what you have turns moving from a stressful transition into an opportunity for renewal. It creates a foundation for order, helping your new household run smoothly from the start. By taking inventory — both of possessions and priorities — you set the stage for a home that is not only organized, but also intentional and truly your own.
3. Everything Has its Place
This simple idea becomes especially meaningful when moving into a new home, where every box holds not just objects, but
also the beginnings for starting over. Finding the right location for different items — particularly in the kitchen and living room — turns an empty space into a functional and welcoming environment. After moving to North Carolina and our new house,
I learned that I had 10 pairs of black pants that were exactly the same. I had 15 pairs of scissors. By sorting closets and junk drawers I found that I had duplicates of so many things. Objects that you use frequently (car keys, scissors, cell phone chargers, notepads etc.) should be placed in the same place every time. Objects you don’t use regularly should also have a location so
you can find them when needed.
In the kitchen, organization is the foundation of efficiency. Plates and glasses naturally belong near the dishwasher or sink, where they can be easily stored after cleaning. Utensils fit best in drawers close to the cooking area, allowing quick access while preparing meals. Spices, oils, dry goods and snacks can naturally be located in a pantry or nearby cabinet storage, creating
a logical flow that makes daily tasks smoother. Every placement decision contributes to a rhythm — one where cooking becomes less about searching and more about creating. The living room, in contrast, balances practicality with comfort. The sofa takes center stage, arranged to encourage conversation or provide the best view of the fireplace, mantelpiece or television set.
Lighting, both natural and artificial, should be considered carefully, with lamps placed for evening reading
When everything finds its place, the house begins to reflect not just order but identity. The process of arranging becomes an act
of intention — deciding what matters most and how to make daily life flow with ease. A well-organized kitchen and a thoughtfully designed living room together form the heart of a home, where comfort and function coexist in perfect balance. It sometimes happens that as you experiment — putting one picture on the wall or locating a piece of furniture that you thought might look good in the living room — turns out that it may look better in another room. It’s OK to change your mind and make changes on the fly.
4. Starting Over: Creating New Opportunities
Starting over is one of the most difficult yet transformative experiences a person can face. Whether it’s moving to a new city, beginning a new career, or redefining personal goals, the act of starting over forces us to confront change, uncertainty, and
growth all at once. It challenges our sense of comfort and identity, asking us to release what no longer serves us in order to make space for something new. The importance of starting over helps us regain our perspective. When we step away from familiar surroundings or routines, we gain clarity about what truly matters. Old habits or possessions can sometimes anchor us to a version of ourselves that no longer fits.
By beginning again, we give ourselves permission to evolve — to rebuild our lives with intention rather than falling into the same patterns and routines from the past. Starting over also opens doors to possibility. It invites curiosity and creativity, allowing us to rediscover passions or explore paths we may have once dismissed. Each new beginning, no matter how daunting, carries the potential for deeper fulfillment. Growth rarely happens in comfort; it happens in the unknown, where we learn to trust ourselves again. Ultimately, starting over isn’t just about changing where we are — it’s about reclaiming who we are. It’s a reminder that life is not fixed, and neither are we. Starting over offers up the chance for a new beginning, rich with opportunity and meaning.
