I was the only one in my family that worked flexible hours and could help her out. She had been in her house for a really long time and had accumulated a lot of stuff. Where to even begin? Out of necessity, I put my project management background to the test to figure out a plan that was in the best interest of my aunt. Within a month, I had gone through all her belongings, hosted a living estate sale, donated items to local charities who were super appreciative and got her set up in her new studio suite, surrounded by as many of her favorite things as we could reasonably fit. It was an adjustment for her but the fact she didn’t worry about a single thing, really put her mind at ease. 

Then, in 2022 my parents both received diagnoses that would make living at home alone a safety risk for them. We needed to start looking at retirement homes where they could receive the care they needed but still maintain their independence. Luckily we found such a place and thus began the downsizing process. They lived in a 5 bedroom home for 45 years and had kept EVERYTHING, including all the stuff they inherited from their own parents and grandparents. It was time to put all that I had learned helping my aunt to work! Within a few months, my parents were able to move into their 2 bedroom suite surrounded by many of their favorite things.