This has lead us to the decision that we're going to sell almost all our possessions to make the move to New Zealand. You would think, "Oh, she's a professional organizer, that should be a breeze!" And you'd be wrong. 

This will be move #31 for me (#5 with this hubby), and I'll admit, we've done a really good job whittling down with each move. But then you discover new things you "have" to have, and so spaces get filled again. Moving across the world certainly makes you reevaluate what you "need." Our goal is to make the move with only 3 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons each. We plan to buy everything else we need when we arrive.

Yes, yes, we know. "It's EXPENSIVE in Auckland." In New Zealand in general, in fact. We've come to learn that's because it's far. It takes a long time to get things. New Zealanders try to be sustainable. There's less options, etc.

We've done a bunch of research - did I mention my husband is a Virgo and an engineer who likes data and I'm a professional organizer? All that being said, we still feel like it's a better option to get new (to us) things there. We definitely plan to take advantage of "op shops" - opportunity shops, a.k.a. thrift stores here in the States, and things like estate sales, etc. We're hoping to take advantage of higher quality older things that people like us are letting go of when they move away from New Zealand (why anyone would want to move AWAY, we've yet to figure out). I'll let you know how that shopping pans out. 

Until then, "Operation: SELL. ALL. THE. THINGS." begins.

McCamy describes how she makes enough money to be able to afford new things, but was raised by her parents with a Depression Era mentality. Perpetually afraid of over-spending, her parents went without food rather than spending more for food delivery when they couldn't make it to the store. Despite being able to afford the food delivery. These are the author's statements, not mine. As soon as I start work with a client, they are told, "This is a judgement-free space," while I hold my hands over my head. I also tell them I will ask questions about an item, but I'm not judging the answers, just gathering information. 

This helps me ascertain the best way to move forward with a client when they are unsure about an item. All clients have "maybe" items. Often I will even encourage a "maybe" pile because the point of going through items as a group (using the KonMari Method™) is to strengthen your "choosing muscle" to allow you to feel more at ease with letting things go. Encouraging my clients to pick a favorite item they know makes their heart sing (Sparks Joy!), I have found, is the best way to start decluttering. This helps them remember what "Sparking Joy" feels like when they encounter a "maybe" item. 

It's not my job to tell a client what to get rid of (or keep!), it's my job to help them consider WHY they are keeping an item. And because you are afraid you'll never be able to afford to buy another one (even if you haven't used it in the 23 years it's been in your home) is a perfectly valid reason to keep an item. 

That's when our conversation really starts.

But, I'll never tell you to (or make you) get rid of an item, because you may be ok with giving up the space in exchange for keeping that item. That's your choice, because it's YOUR home and your home needs to work for you, not me. This is one of the ways I've discovered I differ from other organizers. I'm not the person who lives in your home, you are, so when I leave, if you don't like the way something is set up, it's ok to change it and make it work for you!

Letting go of items also is a form of self-care that enhances your life. EVERY. SINGLE. CLIENT. has commented how much better they feel after they've decluttered and let things go. Common statements include: "I feel so much lighter," "This is life changing," and "I can't believe I waited this long to start!" This is echoed by author McCamy in her article when she says, 

"I want to view the act of giving away things that no longer work for me as a form of self-care rather than an admission of failure. The money it takes to create a harmonious living space is well-spent. After all, what is money for but to help us live happily?"