The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) has declared May 13-19, 2018 National Senior Move Manager...

I love my little apartment in the redwoods, even with the occasional electrical glitch. Last week I ran the space heater, turned on the electric kettle and then ran off to blow dry my hair. This trifecta doesn’t happen often, but when it does I have to go around to the...

Whenever I talk about Kraft Transitions and our work helping people downsize and declutter, people joke “wow, could you make room in my garage for my car?” Well, yes, I can do that, but if your garage is anything like the garage of my youth, it will invariably fill up...

You and your spouse are downsizing and looking forward to a smaller place with fewer “to dos.” You know where you are moving and have a general idea of what you will take. You think it will be easy working side by side. This isn’t always the case.

Even with the same goa...

Gifts from maternal grandmother and  best friend during youth exchange year in Germany. ("Keeper gifts.")

Recently I was working with a client whom I will call Joan. She is downsizing a beautiful Arcata home and moving to a smaller home in Los Angeles to be ne...

Original to Senior News, October 2017.

Is it time to move to a smaller place? Here’s some handy advice to help you through the process.

1. Start Early, End Happy

            It’s never too early to begin the downsizing process. Begin by focusing on typical problem areas s...

Original to Times-Standard

It is October and our thoughts turn to harvest, the change of seasons, and before we know it, the “Holidays.” For some, this brings excitement at the prospect of readying our families and homes for the season.

We have all seen lavishly decorate...

Original to Times-Standard

Even without a pending move likely to force us to recognize our “collections,” we can still feel overwhelmed by years of accumulation. Let’s be honest, we can’t seem to let go of things, even though we have no reason to keep much of what we ha...

Originally published, August 15, 2017 in the Times Standard.

Even though I have successfully downsized, I still struggle with letting go of clothing I don’t need or wear.I don’t have a built in closet anymore, but I have a large dresser and shelving that could fit a hug...

Originally printed November 29, 2016, Gray Matters, Times Standard

Why are we so attached to stuff? Sometimes it’s based on the memories evoked of a time or event in our lives. Or maybe the item reminds us of the person who gave it to us.  Some things are status related...