All of us will downsize eventually. If you are young or middle aged right now, it's not too soon to develop a lifestyle that will make it easy to make the changes you want when you want.

If you are a senior right now--even if you are physically able to stay in your present home you may not want to deal with the extra maintenance and expense of home ownership. You may be tired of cooking three meals a day and would like to take advantage of the meal plans available in senior adult communities. You may want to embrace the freedom these retirement communities offer so you can travel near and far and do the things you've been waiting to do while you were busy maintaining your home.

Here's some quick advice to make your job of downsizing easier and more manageable.

1. Begin now. Don't wait. Choose to live simply now. Develop a habit of going through your possessions and giving things away on a regular basis. I do this myself once or twice a year. I am careful about making impulse purchases that I will have to store or maintain.

2. Do a little bit every day or week rather than procrastinating and having a huge job with a deadline looming. If you work carefully and thoughtfully now you know the job will be done right, the details taken care of, so everyone benefits.

a. How will this benefit you? You will be in control, in charge. You won't be at the mercy of a family member or friend who may force you to make quick decisions you may regret.

b. How will this benefit your family? You will be able to carefully and thoughtfully pick and choose what you would like to give to each relative. Having your choices clear should eliminate family squabbles. Tempers can flair when the time frame is short. If you take the time now this should reduce conflict. Your wishes will be known and carried out.

3. Get your home ready to sell quickly by clearing out the clutter now so your rooms look larger and more inviting.

How do you start?

1. Walk through your home and take note of the furniture and possessions that really make you happy or have sentimental or historic value.

2. As you are walking through your home also take note of those things you have not used for a long time. Really look at your possessions as if for the first time. Our eyes become accustomed to the familiar objects and we don't even really see them anymore. Do you remember how it feels when you are going to be giving a party? Suddenly you see the clutter, the dust bunnies, the dull paint or the worn carpet. Before you knew company was coming over you didn't even notice. You will look at your home this way when you are trying to sell it. Keeping your home appealing now on a daily basis will go a long way towards reducing stress once the decision to sell is made.

3. Work one room at a time. Tell yourself you are going to take bites out of this job a little at a time. Find the job, focus on the job, and finish the job. Even if you only do one drawer a day-that is good. Keep up the pace, increase the pace as you are able. If you'd like to get the job done faster, bring family trusted family members in or hire a professional organizer.

4. The lovely thing about hiring a professional organizer is they are neutral, unemotional about your possessions, and can be a wonderful buffer between you and family members.

5. As you are sorting through things be determined to save only the items you are using, give away those things you do not use, and throw away things that are broken, mismatched or have parts missing.

6. If you do this on a regular basis you will be clutter free and really at peace in your home. You will have a great home to enjoy each day and an easier time downsizing when the time comes.

To eliminate future clutter:

1. Ask your family and friends to stop giving you more unwanted stuff. I have some suggestions over at this table of great gifts for seniors. I tell my family to only give me "consumables". Some nice food or beverage treat that I might not buy for myself. Tickets to a play. Or a donation to my favorite charity. (See tip on Gifts for Seniors in this website)