Imagine Walking Into Every Room of Your Home
and Feeling Nothing But Peace
After decades of raising a family, building a beautiful life, and filling a home with memories, you're ready to declutter, downsize, and start your next chapter - with more space to breathe, a home that fits your life now, and the peace of knowing your kids won't be the ones sorting through it ALL one day.
That new chapter feels a long way off when you walk past the cluttered closet, the overflowing garage, or that spare room full of your kids' old things and the "treasures" you've inherited. The same thought creeps in: I know I need to sort through it all. I just don't know where to start. You've thought about hiring someone to help, but the idea of a stranger going through your home feels way too vulnerable. You've tried to get through some "how to declutter" YouTube videos. You've told yourself you'll get to it. And somehow, the boxes and clutter are still there.
Here's the truth almost nobody tells you: this isn't really about the "stuff."
It's about the heaviness of letting go, the fond memories and stories you've attached to every item, and the fact that no one ever taught you how to let go (emotionally or practically.) Decluttering a lifetime of belongings isn't just a weekend project. It's a process. And without a clear plan and a little accountability, it's easy to stay stuck for years.
Hi, I'm Cris. That's exactly why I created the Lighten the Load Project.
It's a self guided, go-at-your-own-pace online video program made for empty nesters and retirees ready to declutter and downsize. Whether you want to stay in your home for years to come, help your parents through their own transition, or simply feel lighter in the space you already love, this online program is for you! You'll work through eight lessons covering everything from the emotional side of letting go to a step-by-step system for sorting, deciding, and moving forward, plus monthly live coaching calls and a private community cheering you on the entire way.
You don't have to figure this out alone, and you don't have to do it all at once. In as little as eight weeks, working at one lesson a week, you'll have a clear plan, real momentum, and the tools to keep going long after the course ends.
Picture this: your closets are organized and you know exactly where to find things. Your kids are grateful instead of dreading "the talk." You can have your grandkids over without worrying about what they'll trip over. And instead of avoiding that one cluttered room, you walk past it and feel something you haven't felt in years...lighter.
My Own Lighten the Load Story
A few years ago, I asked my parents, (gently...then not so gently) if we could start cleaning out their house and downsize. Year after year, I offered to help. And year after year, they said, "not yet," and kept collecting more stuff. By the time they were in their mid 80's, the house was disorganized, packed full of a lifetime of belongings, and my parents were overwhelmed just trying to find what they needed.
One day, my Dad said the words I'd been waiting years to hear: "I think it's time."
We found the perfect apartment for them. They put down a deposit. And then, just before the big move, they panicked and wanted to cancel. I knew that if I let that happen, it might never happen again. So I said no - and I immediately flew back to help them move in just three short weeks.
It wasn't easy. It was emotional, exhausting, and at times, I had to be the "task master" nobody wants to be with their own parents. But something beautiful happened once they settled into their new home: a sigh of relief. My dad looked at me and said, "I'm living a carefree life at 86 years old." They had let go...and what was left was lighter, simpler, and entirely theirs.
That experience taught me a specific organizing process I now share with my clients. Decluttering and downsizing a home full of memories is hard. But it's also an act of love, for yourself, for your partner and for the people who would otherwise be left to do it for you.
"I'm here to support you with patience and compassion, at whatever pace feels right for you. I'm here to walk it with you, one step at a time, until you feel what my parents felt: lighter and free."
With Love and Support,
Cris
FROM PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE
"Cris has developed a plan that is very do-able and is available to answer questions along the path. I am using her expertise on my own path to decluttering a house we have lived in over 25 years! She’s a time saver!"
Teri O. retiree, Loveland, CO
"Our monthly meetings provide me with the accountability I need. Since I know we will be sharing our progress on our goals, it gives me a deadline to get stuff done!"
Linda S. empty nester, Ft. Collins, CO
"Among other things the content helped us think through some emotional obstacles that were keeping us from doing anything about our stuff, and it gave us some concrete ideas for some first steps."
Sharon H. retiree, Loveland, CO
Here's What You'll Learn
Lesson 1: What's Your "Stuff" Story?
Before we move forward, we have to look back. In this lesson, you will be given the opportunity to look into the impact "stuff" has had on your past. This is a vital first step in your Lighten the Load journey.
Lesson 2: What's Your "Why"?
Once you have looked back at your "stuff" story, it is time to get clear on why you are embarking on this Lighten the Load Project. If you don't have a compelling "why" you may have trouble staying the course and continuing to work on your project when you get tired or discouraged.
Lesson 3: Assess Your Situation
Once you've discovered your compelling "why", it's time to assess your situation. There are multiple factors that will impact your decisions on your Lighten the Load Project journey. These include: health, finances, logistics and proximity to family.
Lesson 4: Consider Your Emotional Obstacles
The words organizing and downsizings will likely set off a whole range of emotions - everything from fear to feeling overwhelmed to resistance to relief. The practical details are real and daunting but rarely the biggest hurdle. It's emotions that cause people the most trouble. In this lesson we'll unpack a few of the most common emotional obstacles that can trip us up and derail our Lighten the Load Projects.
Lesson 5: Identify Your Treasured Items
Letting your family know what is most important to you and why is an amazing gift. You may be holding onto things that are precious to you but without sharing the stories and memories, your people may not know why you are keeping them. In this lesson we will bring these treasures into the light - both practically and figuratively.
Lesson 6: Build Your Team
You're likely going to need physical help with sorting, hauling, donation drop-offs, etc., but you'll also need emotional support and accountability to keep moving forward with your Lighten the Load Project. In this lesson we'll identify who can help you along this journey.
Lesson 7: Prioritize and Start S.O.R.T.ing
In this lesson we are going to take everything you have done so far as groundwork and put it into practice! If you have skipped ahead because you just want to get started, I urge you to review the first 6 lessons. They are vital in setting you up for success and helping you when you hit challenges and discouragement along the way. It is time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Let's do this!
Lesson 8: Celebrate and Share
Pausing to celebrate and experiencing the joy of generosity are vital parts of the Lighten the Load Project. In this lesson we will talk about the importance of this step - especially in the context of a potentially long, slow process. Small (and large) WINS keep us motivated to stay the course and keep going. In each of our monthly group coaching calls and in our private Lighten the Load Project Facebook group we celebrate with others who are making progress. Join us and share your success stories!
You'll Also Get These Bonuses!
Bonus #1: Planning and Goals Training ($49 value)
This bonus training addresses a common challenge for Lighten the Load Project participants. Decluttering and organizing takes time and if you struggle to set goals and plan your time, you may get discouraged. A simple but effective approach to goal setting and planning may be a key to helping you make progress on your journey. Even small steps toward being more intentional with your time management can be a game changer!
Bonus #2: Discover Your Organizing Style ($49 value)
Regardless of how you feel about the state of your home, you DO have an organizing style. In this workshop Cris unpacks Cassandra Aarssen's "Clutterbug" framework to help you discover your style and some insights and strategies that may help you accept your reality and live into your natural preferences.
Bonus #3: Decluttering Your Heart, Mind, and Spirit ($149 value)
In this workshop, we will take the steps of the Lighten the Load Project and learn how to apply them to any life challenges. Cris shares her story of how she did a personal "Lighten the Load Project" in order to work through a difficult season and how you can too!
Meet Cris, Your Expert Coach
Cris Alsum is a Certified Organizing Specialist, ICF-trained coach, and the creator of the Lighten the Load Project. For the past five years she has been helping women declutter, downsize and find real relief in the process. She brings 30 years of experience in business administration to her work, along with a coaching style her clients describe as warm, direct, and completely judgement-free.
She also knows this journey personally. Helping her own parents downsize their 40-year family home in just three weeks showed her how emotional and overwhelming this process can be, and how much of a difference the right support makes.
Join the Lighten the Load Project Today
When you join the Lighten the Load Project, you'll get immediate (and LIFETIME) access to:
8 Video Lessons ($299 value)
Monthly LIVE coaching calls ($399 value)
Unlimited email access to Cris ($299 value)
Private online community ($99 value)
Downloadable Lighten the Load Project Workbook ($30 value)
BONUS #1 Planning and Goals Training ($49 value)
BONUS #2 Discover Your Organizing Style Workshop ($49 value)
BONUS #3 Decluttering Your Heart, Mind and Spirit Workshop ($149 value)
Your Investment Today
Option #1
(cash flow friendly)
2 payments of $275
Option #2
(pay in full and save)
$499
You don't have to do this alone,
and you don't have to do it all at once.
Just get started!
