Hello, dear readers! We have a lot of tips in this issue:

• Making the big move

• Letting go (of stuff)

• Recipes of the week: Pasta presto!

Making the big move

We’ve all heard that bigger is better. Yet a growing number of people are finding that downsizing and decluttering their homes can actually enhance their lives in unexpected ways — proving that good things really can come in smaller packages.

Whether the last of your kids has flown the coop, you're retiring, or just craving a simpler lifestyle, clearing out decades of unneeded things can be liberating. Be sure to check out this downsizing list from The Zebra.

Living a curated life

Decluttering and downsizing force you to keep only what really matters. And when you can make yourself part with an accumulation of needless stuff, you’ll be surprised that you don’t miss most of it. What remains are the things you genuinely love, creating a living space that feels purposeful and organized. And remember, if you love the way a place in your home looks, like the pictures on the mantle or how you’ve arranged your bookshelves, take a picture or video so you can recreate it in your new home.

Reclaiming your time

Imagine weekends without the endless to-do list of home repairs, yard work, and housework. A smaller or better-organized space means less time spent maintaining and more time doing what you want. 

If you’re moving into a smaller home, your new neighborhood may offer opportunities you may not have considered. Perhaps you’re closer to cultural attractions or shops within walking distance, or have opportunities to meet like-minded people in your new community. After downsizing, many report feeling energized by this fresh start.

Enjoying the gains

Downsizing to a smaller home can give you more financial wiggle room, thanks to lower (or no) mortgage payments, smaller utility bills, cheaper insurance, and reduced property taxes. These can quickly add up to money in your pocket, giving you more freedom to travel, pursue expensive hobbies, or simply enjoy the satisfaction that comes with financial stability.

Letting go

Whether you're preparing to move to a smaller home, simplifying your lifestyle, or just tired of managing too much stuff, decluttering at any stage of life comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities. You've likely accumulated decades of possessions, each with its own story and emotional weight. The key is approaching the process with patience and a plan, rather than trying to tackle everything at once.

Start by focusing on one room or even one category of items at a time. Trying to declutter an entire house in a weekend is a recipe for exhaustion and decision fatigue. 

• Try spending a week in the kitchen, then move to books, then clothing. This compartmentalized approach makes the task feel manageable and gives you a sense of progress along the way. 

• Discard duplicates and keep the one item that’s best for you.

• Consider setting a timer for short decluttering sessions; you can make surprising progress by dedicating just 30 minutes a day, and feel far less overwhelmed.

• Keep track of important documents and store them in a portable file box.

The emotional component of letting go can be the toughest part. Discarding that meat grinder from your grandmother or your children's artwork from elementary school carries memories that feel impossible to part with. 

• Remember that keeping the memory doesn't require keeping the item. Take photographs of sentimental objects before letting them go, or keep just one favorite piece from a collection. 

• Also, consider passing meaningful items directly to family members or friends who will appreciate them, which can bring joy and ensure these treasures have a continued life.

• Can’t let go? Then follow the one-year rule by labeling the item. If you haven’t used it in a year, you can let it go. This works well for clothing, too.

Be realistic about what you actually need or use, and what's simply taking up space. If you haven't used that bread maker in five years, you won't start now. If those formal dishes only come out once a year (or less), ask yourself whether they're worth the storage space. 

• This doesn't mean you can't keep things you love; just be honest about the difference between love and obligation. 

• You don't need to keep something just because it was expensive or because someone gave it to you.

Ask for help if you need it, whether it’s from family members, friends, or professional organizers who specialize in downsizing. 

• Having someone else present can speed up decision-making and provide practical assistance with heavy lifting or hauling items away. 

• They can also offer a more objective perspective when you're feeling stuck. 

• Just make sure whoever helps understands that this is your process and your timeline; well-meaning family members can sometimes push too hard or too fast.

Consider the destination for items you're letting go. 

• Donating to charity, selling valuable items online or through estate sales, giving things to family members, or even offering items through community groups can all feel better than simply throwing things away. 

• Knowing your possessions will be appreciated by someone else can make the letting-go process much easier and give it a sense of purpose rather than a sense of loss.

Recipes of the week: Pasta presto!

Go from famished to finished in minutes with these easy, satisfying meals. You can easily add a protein like shrimp or chicken, or lighten up the Alfredo by substituting Greek yogurt for the heavy cream. Either way, we’re guessing you’ll be making these popular dishes more than once.

We look forward to building this tapestry of experiences with you.