We Baby Boomers, born between the years 1946 and 1964, are shifting down. We aren’t slowing down, but we are seriously considering the task of downsizing. Reasons for downsizing vary across the board. The task of downsizing however often is not simple.

Human reluctance argues for sentimental value and also for the fact that we, or someone else, might need the stuff later. But instead of clinging to stuff, we can “cling to your testimonies, O Lord” (Psalm 119:31).

Here are six steps to downsizing in the 21st Century.

Cheryl Petersen blogs as Everyday Spirituality on Beliefnet. Her book is 21st Century Science and Health.