Usually the summer races up to Labor Day and that is OK. Where did it go? But this year it feels like we have a bonus – two weekends to get our act together. And one of them has three days!

The first weekend, this weekend, is a prologue. Do all kinds of jobs that need to get done. My list is a mile long. The next weekend we can get ready for fall and winter but also downsize.

When we are switching closets, getting out the warmer clothes, and putting away the summer stuff, we can sort and decide what we want next year. It is a beginning. The clothes we haven’t worn in two years or longer we can donate. The stuff that is stained and ragged – we won’t wear next year. The books and movies we no longer want can go to a library. The papers we can sort or throw out.

Get a copy of Gail Rubin’s Kicking the Bucket List book. The ideas work for any age – you are never too young to start downsizing. You may not want to do some things now, but some items will make you think! And after all – Labor Day is about work so why not do something for you?

— Barbe Awalt