Services for those who welcome change...lol
Over the past ten years I have completed a lot of projects, all different, yet sharing a goal: Getting rid of stuff and taking either a client(s) or property to the next level of 'being', in some way.
When working with a client, (vs an estate where what happens to the stuff is typically solely my call....) going through the stages of downsizing with a client, is challenging and difficult. For the client and me. It's hard work.
I am there as a provocoteur, expediter and manager. I use the tag "Transition is Tough", because it appeals to the pain we people feel when up against a a major life change. Whether emotional or physical, or both, dealing with "what's next" is not easy. Clear headed, self assessment is available to the clear headed and that says it all. Moving forward can be nearly impossible for some. (What step to take, where to go, how to think this through, what to do first?)
Regardless of a person's age and experience and physical condition, tackling transition is an act of logical, linear thinking and action. I have worked with a few people in their 40's, who were lost as to how to proceed, their house blinds (and mind) drawn closed; depressed, junk-filled houses-dead zones. Stuck. The idea of change, frightening. I've met with a woman in her mid 80's who asked me in for a free consultation, just to pick my brain. She had her transition and move organized like a pro. No problem. Most people are somewhere in between.
The process goes something like this:
The initial downsizing; The Finding "Oh, fantastic! This (cell phone, ring, coin, letter....) has been missing for a year!" The Rescuing (" I have to save this from (inevitable loss and destruction,) it's so important, I've had it since the 1979 Mardi Gras," The Denial, " I am not 80 years old, I am not moving, I am not in delicate health and I will NOT give it up!" to The Acknowledging, "OK, then, my doctor ( daughter, son, friend, minister, realtor) is right. I don't need this big house any more, it's too much for me to maintain...." The Re-Living, "When I was 11 the Nazi's were occupying Austria, my mother was dead, my father and uncle owned a linen factory and it was all taken." The the Decision Making, " It IS time to move- now to look at all of my options and set a deadline..." and finally The Action," Moving day is next Tuesday, I am excited, and am looking forward to this new home!" then The Letting Go Of, "It's such a relief to have that big house and all that stuff in someone else's hands now, whew! I can see now how it held me down" and Gratitude, " I am so grateful that I am in this great new place and had the help I did to get here!"
Although those responses might seem a little idealistic, most of my client's have expressed these feelings, and lots of stories, during and after their transition. A few are not so open, whining and blaming me for their plight. "The Big R", Resistance, raising it's ugly head.
If I am "The Bad Guy" to a few clients for doing my job, I figure it comes with the territory. They, heels dug in, creeping forward, spitting nails on ocassion. Me, "The Enforcer of Reality." How much fun that is. I walk away,moving day over, blood streaming down my body, impaled, but alive. I get them to their next place, as is my job. Later, they come to terms with life.
I welcome that beautiful, rare human being who could call me up and say
" Hey, can you help me get rid of my trash, and resell and recycle the good stuff? I am ready to do this, and want it done now!
I'm 290 years old, getting on with my life, hate all of this junk and will pay you excellent money to do this for me. I'm on my way to Mars to set up a colony.
Those who love the idea of "giving it up" like a celebration of being alive, are the enlightened ones.
Taking out the trash is a good thing for the spirit.
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