Winter, Downsizing, And Junk Removal
[This article was previously published in October 2020. It has been revised and updated here.]
For most people, winter means the holidays and a new year. For some, however, it can mean downsizing and dealing with a large amount of junk removal.
While downsizing can mean different things to different people, it almost always involves getting rid of excess and unwanted belongings. And the result is often large amounts of household junk.
A Smaller Home and Less Stuff Means More Life - Hopefully
While lifestyle downsizing is sometimes the result of unfortunate events such as the loss of a job or the loss of a spouse, many times it is a deliberate decision. Downsizing one's living space and expenditures is understandable in those difficult or tragic circumstances, there are many positive motivations to downsize one's lifestyle.
Perhaps the most significant allure for many is the promise that moving into a smaller home, unloading themselves of unnecessary belongings, and reducing their life commitments will provide more time and money.
And, for those who can comfortably embrace it, more time and money can equal more life .
[Graphic courtesy of Homes.com]
It is interesting that among the generations represented here, a larger percentage of Baby Boomers listed "reducing stress" and "reducing clutter" as their primary reasons for downsizing. And this matters in terms of junk removal needs, as well.
Today's Baby Boomers are now America's largest segment of senior citizens.
Born between 1946 and 1964, the youngest of the 'Boomers' are now a few years beyond 55. And they vastly outnumber the previous generation, the Post War babies born from1928 through 1945, and who are now over 77 years old.
And this idea of downsizing has caught with many of those seniors, as well, as represented by the book Let It Go from organizing expert Peter Walsh. With over 95,000,000 Americans over the age of 55, that can add up to quite a bit of decluttering, downsizing, and junk removal activity.
Winter can be a great time of year for many of these folks to start the process as they prepare for a new year and new possibilities with their new lifestyle choices.
And, while making changes in activities and personal commitments may not impact their physical surrounding, when people downsize their homes and get rid of unwanted household items, the result will be large amounts of things to haul off and dispose of.
Downsizing Does Not Have to Mean 'Doing Without'
For some, the thought of giving up "things" and moving into a smaller home sounds a lot like a form of self-deprivation and not at all a positive thing. However, there is a great deal of evidence to show that it can actually be a far better lifestyle choice for many.
Author Marie Kondo, in her best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, describes the rewards of downsizing,
"I have time to experience bliss in my quiet space, where even the air feels fresh and clean. Although not large, the space I live in is graced with only those things that speak to my heart. My lifestyle brings me joy.”
If a significant part of your downsizing strategy is to actually sell your home, it’s wise to start offloading non-essentials and unwanted items early. Before you can show your home to potential buyers, you’ll need to clean and organize everything. You want your house to look welcoming and cozy, not messy or chaotic.
But even if you aren't going to move, but just want to minimize your "stuff," you still want to get rid of as much as you feel is not needed or wanted.
The first step you should take before anything else - tossing junk, throwing things out, selling your home - is to get what you do have decluttered and organized.
And this handy guide for downsizing and clutter removal can help you along those essential tasks:
And there are the more immediate and practical benefits to getting rid of clutter and staying organized. According to an article at SeniorSafetyAdvice.com there are four main reasons for doing so:
- Safety
The number one reason to clear out space is to make the living environment as safe as possible. This is especially true if someone in the home uses a walker or a cane or any other mobility device.
- Easier to clean
It's difficult enough for most seniors to clean their homes as well as they used to. Strength, mobility issues, problems with flexibility, etc. all contribute to this problem.
- Organization
The old saying by Benjamin Franklin is true – “A place for everything, everything in its place.” Having a sense of organization in the home not only helps with memory problems but it makes life a little less stressful.
- Psychological Benefits
There are many psychological benefits that can come from a decluttered and organized space. Psychology Today reports it’s energizing, reduces anxiety, reduces stress and tensions and more.
Downsizing and Decluttering This Winter? Junk King Can Help!
Junk King provides an efficient, safe and eco-friendly junk removal service so you don’t need to worry about the pick up or disposal of the debris after your decluttering and organization project is complete.
Whether you need our services several times during your winter downsizing project, or just once after it is complete, our hauling professionals will ensure that your junk - including furniture - is quickly out of your way so that you can get on with your life.
Our professional and expert residential junk removal services can provide you with an easy solution for clearing out your clutter and hauling away your unwanted junk this winter.
Living Large by Living Small - Downsizing and Junk Removal
And the good news is that your junk doesn't have to end up in a landfill because Junk King believes in recycling every bit of material possible. So, you can feel good about doing the eco-friendly thing when you work with us.
In addition, we also send any usable items to local non-profits and donation centers to help your community and reduce waste. One person’s unwanted furniture or electronics can mean a world of good for someone in need!
Our professional and insured trash removal team will show up on time at your home and we'll call 15 to 30 minutes before we arrive. Once we're there we’ll give you a free estimate based on how much room your items take up in our truck. You simply point and we'll load your items into our junk removal trucks - and all without any hidden fees!
When you're ready to get rid of that post-holiday junk, it can be as simple as 1, 2, 3.
Just make an appointment by booking online above or by calling 1.888.888.JUNK (5865).
Winter, Downsizing, And Junk Removal