The real meaning of those chirpy words that can feel hard to live up to.
Downsize
The opposite of Upsize, which is what you’ve strived for all your life.
What you want to do when big spaces and big bills are no longer fun.
Rightsize
What you can enjoy, or at least manage, maintaining.
The contentment you feel when your spaces are Goldilocks-approved.
Clutter
Things you don’t know what to do with.
OPS: Other People’s Stuff (or Sh*t, if you're bugged with them)
Declutter
Gathering or trashing OPS.
Clearing countertops then forgetting where you stuffed things.
Sort
Toddlers enjoy. Adults not so much.
Categorizing things you shouldn’t have bought in the first place.
Cull
What cowboys do with cattle. What you should be doing.
Confronts one with the critical question (and side eye), “Do you honestly believe you need this?
Need vs Want
Quite confusing at times.
Can be exactly the same.
Churn
Moving things, papers, and OPS around without finding a good home for them.
Your stomach when you realize how much stuff you have or they left you.
Rough sort
First round at categorization.
It is not, repeat, not the end of the game. But bravo!
Stage
What to do before and during selling your house, and even if you're not selling.
Displaying piles of churned stuff so others can admire your work. See rough sort. Still a bravo!
Recyle bins
Virtuous guilt relief.
Moments of frozen confusion of Is it? Isn't it? What number is it? What if I'm wrong?
Donate
Can get you a tax deduction.
The antidote to the guilt you feel for buying too much.
Give away pile
Those bags by the front door you keep walking past.
Your car's trunk contents, waiting, waiting, waiting for the donation center drop off.
Time Management
What bosses want me to teach their overworked staff.
A euphemism for pretending you always have control over your day. Ha!
Laundry Basket
The fastest way to clear up for company.
The door clearance architects should plan for but don't: a Rubbermaid laundry basket width plus your knuckles.
Costco
Weight gain from family sized portions for kid-less families.
Not usually a bargain. Two pound jars of chili powder are for restaurants.
Container store
Pricey inspiration.
A false promise of products = action.
Legal documents (Wills, PoAs)
What you know you should complete, someday.
What you're extremely grateful for in emergencies.
Typical quotes
What was I thinking?
Do you think I have ADD?
I can’t believe I bought this!
I’m really smart; why is this so hard?
Seemed like a good idea at the time.
I wish he'd done this before he died.
I should be able to do this myself but I just hate it.
By the way… (I’m moving, divorcing, extremely sick).
Life happens. Stuff arrives. Choose carefully. Share liberally.
Onward.