29. Why Downsizing Is So Hard: The Science of Decision Fatigue

If you’ve ever sat in front of a closet, drawer, or attic full of stuff and felt totally overwhelmed—you’re not alone. Downsizing isn’t just physical work—it’s mental work. And in this episode, we’re diving into why it feels so exhausting to make all these decisions.

We explore the science of decision fatigue and how it affects your brain during the downsizing process. You’ll learn why your willpower runs out faster than you expect, how clutter creates cognitive overload, and what practical tools can help you reduce overwhelm, avoid burnout, and actually make progress.

We’ll also walk you through strategies like:

• Setting pre-made downsizing “rules” so you don’t have to overthink every item
• Batching decisions by category
• Creating realistic time blocks for sorting
• Celebrating micro-wins to stay motivated

You’ll walk away feeling less guilty, more energized, and armed with new clarity about why this is so hard—and what to do about it.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• What decision fatigue is and how it works
• Why sorting stuff drains more brainpower than we think
• Simple mental shortcuts to reduce emotional load
• How to create pre-set downsizing rules that make decisions easier
• Tips to pace your sorting and avoid burnout

📌 Related Resources
→ www.downsizingroadmap.com for upcoming events, consultations, and more episodes
→ Share your favorite pre-set rule on Facebook and tag us!

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If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to Follow our show so you never miss a new one. We’re here for your downsizing questions — on the podcast, in your community, and when you’re ready to move. As Realtors®, we can connect you with the right specialists to make your next chapter smoother. We’d love to hear from you!

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Let’s simplify, declutter, and create space for your next chapter—together!