In my last post, I shared my experience of downsizing my parents. Even though I didn't realize it at the time, it was the first step toward a career in helping others manage their downsizing transitions. I wanted to know what my dad thought about this process and asked him to share what he remembered feeling at the time. He graciously agreed, and I've shared it below. 

Every person who goes through the downsizing process is different, of course, but I think my dad touches on many of the feelings and thoughts that clients have shared with us. If you're helping a loved one downsize, it's a good reminder to stay compassionate. And, if YOU are going through this transition, try to be kind to yourself. It can be a...

In the summer of 2010, my parents realized that the 2100 square foot home they built when I was in the 4th grade had become more than they needed. My brother and I were living out of state, and mom and dad were looking ahead to retiring and moving to their quaint cottage in northern Michigan. My husband Luke and I volunteered to help them downsize to a temporary rental house. If I had to pick two words to summarize the process, they would be “emotionally stressful.”  

Moving: the act of simply transferring all your things from one home to another is challenging. A downsizing move, though, is: Even. More. Stressful! I’m guessing my parents were worried they were taking this step prematurely. I, on the other...