Most of our life is spent accumulating things. We may be collectors, or it may be that after time we have ended up with possessions passed down to us. Regardless, once we have lived somewhere for decades stuff just adds up.
After people retire, they often think about downsizing—moving to a smaller place. This involves disposing, selling, or donating household items. Since accumulation can be a burden, downsizing requires us to do the work so that others — often adult children — don’t have to do it later.
Another way to view downsizing is to edit or curate. This is an intentional practice of deciding what to keep and what to let go of. In other words, a cleaning of our internal inventory, which can include curating our relationships, practices and habits, activities and involvement, and beliefs. This process can be as challenging as letting go of physical items because our internal inventory is embedded into our lives. While downsizing your possessions is important, these are four other areas to consider downsizing after retirement.