B.A.D.- We are Born, We Accumulate, And We Deny. The M.T. "Trans-ACT-ON" Plan Toward Change!

MISSION TRANSITION LLC
B.A.D.- We are Born, we Accumulate, we Deny.


Downsizing is not a human inclination, but it sure cleans things up before it's too late.


Mission:Transition LLC, Laurie Zook 301-332-5585
This article can not be reprinted in whole or in part without permission by the author.

DOWNSIZING: Keys to a Successful Transition:
"ACT-ON" STEPS TOWARD YOUR FUTURE!


1.R. B. D.- Relocation By Design: Design a Plan and an exit strategy... with your Realtor, Transitions Manager, Attorney, CPA; all the professionals you count on. Then “work it”....getting the right help is important at the start.

2. D.O.S.-Downsize, Organize and Strategize: The 1 year rule of thumb. Put a plan into action 1 year before listing your home, or before ( when you think of it, it’s time…)The amount of time and energy you dedicate to this depends on your other obligation, your health and energy level. However, If you do not take time to attend to this it will catch up with you, and you might find yourself in a time crisis.
Behaviors to Be Aware of:
Denial and Procrastination Creates Crisis. Bottom line, number one reason for life going sour.
Stop (Accumulating). Put the money you would normally spend on more 'stuff' aside in a separate bank account to purchase new things you want after your move.
Beware the Arm Chair Professional: The neighbor or other acquaintance offering advice in your time of stress. Maintain Perspective. A professional is tested in their craft and has to hold their own in a very competitive market. The neighbor does not. Ask for and call professional references.

3. L.B.Y.L.- Live by your List: Write it all down. At first, generalize, then get specific as you work your plan. Who (to give to) ,What ( to move or give), When( to do it all,) Where ( to move, etc. ) Why ( All the reasons) This is your business plan for your future. When in doubt, read it for affirmation.

4. H.O.H- Hire Objective Help. Family can be helpful, but is generally not objective nor empathetic enough to see you through the process without undue stress. Do not burden them with your stuff or your time crisis. Hire an experienced, professional Transitions manager/ downsizer who can work with you to assess your situation, develop a plan, contact the right professionals for you...such as auction houses, charities, etc.; go through your stuff with you, pack it up as you go, work with you to find the right moving company, manage the move itself, and get you set up afterwards AND sell your stuff. This is the person who sees you through the confusion and keeps you on target. Your right hand, and extra brain.

5. S.Y.S.- Sell Your Stuff: With the help of a professional, you can sell almost anything that you decide you do not want to relocate with you. Everything from furnishings, to tools to "throw aways"....With the money made, buy new furnishings for your new home, or go on vacation.
Keep it Simple: The old adage, but in times of big change, always the best policy. Move less, add later.

Live Happy, Live Well!
copyright Laurie Zook 2011

Senior Housing Link- Seniors For Living, Check it out if Considering a Move in Your Future!

SENIOR HOUSING SITE.

http://www.seniorsforliving.com/fastfind/?gclid=CPrW2dGA0aYCFcNM4Aod9yjMIA&

Getting on With It

missiontransition.net

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.

Small Business: Frederick MD or Anywhere! Check out Merchant's Circle,

Connect with Other Small Business!

http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/MISSION.TRANSITION.LLC.301-332-5585