Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Step 3: Operation Storage Solution (Choosing Your Fortress of Forgotten Treasures)

Organization & Home Projects


Step 3: Operation Storage Solution (Choosing Your Fortress of Forgotten Treasures) Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Key Takeaway: Find the just-right spot to keep your things safe and sound until you move your possessions in Step 4.You’ve flexed your decision-making muscles in Step 1 and powered through the Great Purge of Step 2. Now, Step 3 is all about strategic stacking and smart packing. This is where your inner Tetris champion shines—deciding exactly where your treasures will live, whether that’s a cozy spot in your home or a well-chosen self-storage unit to keep them safe until you need them. Once you’ve picked the perfect storage space, it’s time for the fun part: packing, arranging, and fitting things together so every inch works in your favor. Think of it as building a masterpiece where boxes, bins, and keepsakes all live in perfect harmony. And remember—it’s way more fun if you imagine you’re setting up a secret hideout instead of just packing stuff away! Goal: Select the perfect storage unit to house your temporarily homeless treasures. Materials Needed: Measuring Tape: To guesstimate the volume of your "Store" pile. Internet Access: For researching local storage facilities. If you’ve already decided on Best West Storage in Springfield, MO you can reserve your unit online. A United Front (and Budget!) Action Plan: Estimate Your Volume (The "Tetris Test"): Mentally (or physically, if you're ambitious) try to stack your "Store" items. Many storage facilities like Best West Storage in Springfield, Missouri, have size estimators on their websites. Remember, most self-storage units are 8 ft tall. Here are some tips to get you thinking: A 5x10 unit (50 square feet) - Are we talking a walk-in closet's worth? Think small stuff like a few boxes or holiday decorations. Or for your small furniture or things the size of a bike. A 10x10 unit (100 square feet)- A small bedroom-sized unit. Think of the furniture and belongings in a one-bedroom apartment. Include boxes of your personal items, such as furniture and appliances. A 10x15 unit (150 square feet) - Are you ...


Mary and Lani
October 27th, 2025

Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Key Takeaway: Gently and thoughtfully Step 2: The Great Purge (AKA "The Art of Letting Go... of That Spatula Collection")

Organization & Home Projects


Step 2: The Great Purge (AKA "The Art of Letting Go... of That Spatula Collection") Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Key Takeaway: Gently and thoughtfully clear out what you no longer need. That’s where real stars emerge—creating space for the moments and things that really count!With Operation: Dynamite Downsizing, Step 1 sets the stage by taking a full inventory and tagging the big items. Now, Step 2 is the Great Purge! Time to sort and pile everything that you tagged in Step 1. Don’t get stuck in the memories, especially the sad or “why did I keep this?” moments. Focus on the fun of making space for what truly matters! Goal: Systematically reduce your belongings. This is where heroes are made. Materials Needed: Heavy-Duty Trash Bags: More than you think. No, even more than that. Sturdy Boxes For storage-bound items and for donations. NOTE: Boxes can be purchased at the Lowe's in Springfield or nearby hardware store or even used ones given away at some grocery stores or on Facebook marketplace. Packing Tape: The good stuff. Don't skimp here, unless you enjoy "Box Bottom Bingo." NOTE: This can also be purchased at your nearby hardware store. Zip-lock bags: No, not for sandwiches, but for little things, like nuts, bolts, screws, barrettes, hair ribbons, or Legos that you want to keep together. NOTE: This can be purchased where you buy your groceries. Gloves (Optional, but recommended for the "Archaeological Dig" sections of your closets and drawers) A Designated "Farewell Friend" (Optional): One partner who is slightly less sentimental and can gently (or not so gently) encourage letting go. Action Plan: Be sure to allow enough time for this step. It often takes professional movers up to 3 days to pack everything, and they are just packing - not making decisions about each item. For each item, ask yourself: "Have I used this in the last year?" (Be honest, that bread maker is judging you.) "Does this bring me genuine joy, or just the faint aroma of mothballs?" "If we saw this in a store ...


Mary and Lani
October 22nd, 2025

Operation: Dynamite Downsizing - Step 1: Reconnaissance & Recruitment (The "What Were We Thinking?!" Step)

Organization & Home Projects


Step 1: Reconnaissance & Recruitment (The "What Were We Thinking?!" Step) Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Key Takeaway: Take an honest look at all the treasures you've gathered—it's the first step to creating the uncluttered space you deserve. In this step, you will review and tag your possessions. Fear not, brave crew! This isn’t just a move—it’s Operation: Dynamite Downsizing, and we’ve got the game plan to help you come out smiling, still talking to each other, and with a storage unit that’s more like a well-organized treasure chest than a chaotic black hole. Goal: Honestly assess your mountain of possessions. Materials Needed: Two (2) Comically Large Coffees/Teas: Fuel is paramount. One (1) Clipboard of Authority (Optional, but highly recommended for one partner to hang on to): Adds a delightful touch of mock seriousness. Sticky Notes in Aggressively Bright Colors: For labeling (and passive-aggressive commentary). Your Favorite "Get Pumped" Playlist: Eye of the Tiger, anyone? Action Plan: The Walk-Through of "Wow, We Own a Lot of [Insert Noun Here]": Get a mental summary of all that you have to go through to see the big picture. So, don’t let it overwhelm you; we are going to break it down into bite-sized pieces. Wander through each room. Focus on what is in the room, and let your eyes take a quick glance at every item. Open every cupboard, every drawer. Yes, every drawer. There is always something hiding behind and under important stuff. Keep your coffee close by. Don’t accidentally leave it in the cabinet. Marvel at the sheer volume. It is okay to realize that you have more stuff than what you thought you had. We have all been there! You are not alone. Take a dramatic, unified gasp. Then a deep breath, and another sip from the large coffee/tea. Tag Team Tagging: Slap those sticky notes on EVERYTHING. Each item should have a sticky note with either: "Keep”, "Donate”, "Storage”, "Recycle”, or the dreaded "Trash". NOTE: If you can’t decide, put it in a “storage” pile. Pro-Tip: If the whole house is overwhelming for ...


Mary and Lani
October 6th, 2025

Operation: Dynamite Downsizing

Organization & Home Projects


Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Your Handbook to Conquering deClutter and reClaiming Your Cozy Castle using Self Storage! (Cue Mission Impossible Theme Music) Key Takeaway: Make your decluttering journey stress-free and satisfying with a little bit of planning and a lot of heart. Alright, team—it’s time for the ultimate family adventure: downsizing! Or maybe you’re just moving into a new home. Either way, get ready for a journey filled with rediscovering long-lost treasures, giggling over “vintage” fashion choices from years past, and having a few lively debates about which sentimental (but let’s be honest… not-so-pretty) knick-knacks get to come along. You might even uncover the shocking truth about how many “must-have” kitchen gadgets your family has collected over the years! Fear not, brave crew! This isn’t just a move—it’s Operation: Dynamite Downsizing, and we’ve got the game plan to help you come out smiling, still talking to each other, and with a storage unit that’s more like a well-organized treasure chest than a chaotic black hole. Here are the steps to make it happen. Step 1: Reconnaissance & Recruitment (The "What Were We Thinking?!" Step) The goal is to honestly assess your mountain of possessions by tagging each item for its final destination. Step 2: The Great Purge (AKA "The Art of Letting Go... of That Spatula Collection")The goal is to systematically sort and pile your belongings. This is where heroes are made. Step 3: Operation Storage Solution (Choosing Your Fortress of Forgotten Treasures)The goal is to select the perfect storage unit to house your temporarily homeless belongings and box everything up. Step 4: The Strategic Pack & Stack (Simplify, Streamline, Succeed!) The goal is to efficiently and intelligently move your items to their new location. Step 5: The New Beginning (And a celebratory Pizza!) The goal is to move into your new, less cluttered space and marvel at your teamwork Pro-Tip: Check back over the next few weeks as we dive deeper into each step to make this an efficient adventure instead of a chaotic black ...


Mary and Lani
September 29th, 2025