” The trouble with not downsizing when becoming an empty nester is that it gives you more room to store things you never use. ;-)”
One of my personal laws is that “The stuff you accumulate will grow to exceed your storage space.”
In 2011 I put all my crap in the garage and had an auction company sell it. I really didn’t care about the money, just wanted it all gone.
“I really didn’t care about the money”
I just had someone offer more than the tag. “that’s too cheap”
I said ‘nope’ and ‘take another $2 item’. (moving sale ongoing)
Moving is an outstanding opportunity to throw garbage out. If you haven’t touched it in 3 years and there isn’t lots of sentimental value, get rid of it.
I also focus more on quality. Where I once had six or seven coolers of various sizes in the garage, I now have a single Yeti cooler. Instead of drawers full of tools, I invested in a single toolbox that has high end versions of any tool I might need around the house. Any item of clothing I haven't worn in over a year gets tossed. In the kitchen, nothing is left on counters. Every gadget, pot or pan gets cleaned and put away after each use.
It's fun to de-cumulate in this way, especially when you are able to focus on quality over quantity.