Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Downsizing 7
Chapter 1: Downsizing in a Nutshell 9
Chapter 2: Deciding Whether Downsizing Is Right for You (or Your Parents) 29
Chapter 3: Envisioning Your Future: Lifestyle and Location 45
Chapter 4: Laying the Groundwork 67
Chapter 5: Rallying the Troops 83
Part 2: Protecting and Leveraging Your Assets 101
Chapter 6: Getting a Handle on Your Finances 103
Chapter 7: Planning Your Estate 125
Chapter 8: Using Your Home to Generate Income 149
Part 3: Decluttering: Sell It, Give It Away, or Trash It 161
Chapter 9: Sorting Your Belongings 163
Chapter 10: Digitizing Photos, Videos, and Documentation 183
Chapter 11: Selling Stuff You No Longer Want or Need 199
Chapter 12: Giving Away Some Stuff 217
Chapter 13: Storing Stuff You Can’t Part With 229
Chapter 14: Disposing of Your Remaining Belongings 239
Part 4: Moving Out and Moving In 245
Chapter 15: Gimme Shelter: Choosing a Home 247
Chapter 16: Buying and Selling a Home 271
Chapter 17: Packing Your Belongings 287
Chapter 18: Executing a Successful Move 311
Part 5: The Part of Tens 325
Chapter 19: Ten Good Reasons to Downsize 327
Chapter 20: Ten Tips to Make Downsizing Less Stressful 333
Chapter 21: Ten (or So) Ways to Reduce Your Living Expenses 339
Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Supplement Your Income 345
Index 353