Showing posts with label decision making. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decision making. Show all posts

Friday, July 27, 2012

What are you storing in your castle?


"I remember, way back when..." before the advent of e-readers and electronic delivery of newspapers, magazines, etc., I would clip things from the newspaper such as want-ads, job offers, recipes, cartoons and Dear Abby. 

And well before I read the newspaper with any real interest, I had been know to carefully slice pictures of the latest teen heart-throb, hairstyle, or fashion tip from whatever magazine was popular at the time.  

For many older adults, those newspaper clippings are a link to the past.  A reminder of events from an earlier time and place.  Maybe it is the obituary of a loved one or friend.  Maybe it is about a historical event.  Or perhaps is was recap of a winning game from their favorite team or athlete.  Those clippings could be about anything!  And at the time they were clipped, it was important.

Tip:  If you are trying to simplify your life, sorting through things and happen to come across a collection of old newspaper clippings or even photos here are a few ideas.
  • Depending on the age, condition, and location from where the papers or photos came, there might be some value to a historical society.  
  • If it's sentimental or has familial value, you could scan the articles and save them digitally.   
Unfortunately, paper of any kind tends to be a tasty treat for bugs. And that's just an inviting all sorts of problems.  Not to mention, storing papers could be a fire hazard!

So, don't be like Bruce (the guy up top in the cartoon) using your castle to store clippings.  :o)

For more information on how A Stress-Less Transition, LLC can help you, please visit our website.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Making choices

I have been a big fan of New Yorker cartoons for a while and have used them in the past as a jumping off point for sharing tips and suggestions.


My interpretation of this cartoon (from the perspective of helping older adults downsize) is that the husband is having a difficult time with decision making.  In fact, he seems to be quite traumatized as most people are when it comes to a life-changing decision to move.


I would have to agree with the wife that keeping the mutual funds is a really good idea.    


But how do you decide what other 'keepsakes' to save, especially when keeping them all isn't an option?


TIP: When it comes to sorting the 'stuff', start small.  Remember the saying,
  "Don't eat the elephant all in one bite."  


Let's start with one drawer - the infamous JUNK DRAWER.  (Nobody wants to admit they have one, but we all have at least one.)


Ask yourself:
Do I use this every day or a few times a week?  
    Then it's probably ok to keep.


Do I use this just on special occasions?  
  Well, what special occasions?  How often?  If you can't recall the last time you used it, probably time to find it a new home (i.e. pass along to friend or family, donate or trash).


Well, what do we have here?  How in the world did this get in here?  Probably means you don't use it and it could be donated or put in the trash.


Stay tuned...more tips (and cartoons) to come.  


Good luck with your sorting!