Are you an “empty nester”? Are you considering a move to a smaller home or into a senior living facility? As we age, it is common to have accumulated stuff from a life’s worth of living. We have drawers full of things we never use and never will, extra furniture we keep “just in case” and many items which carry emotional value of past events or people. We would like to begin downsizing, but we do not know where to begin?
Whether you or your loved ones are moving from a large house or a downtown apartment, the act of preparing for a housing transition can seem daunting. Once you are ready to take action, here are tips to help make your downsizing activities go smoothly.
- Evaluate the space available in the new place and assess your needs To help seniors downsize, it will be good to find out the layout for the new place in advance so you know how much space the senior will have. This will help you and your senior loved one decide on what will fit and things you can bring.
- Tackle one room at a time Don’t try to do it all at once. When packing, start with rooms the senior uses the least, as it will have less emotional attachments like attic, garage, bathroom, etc.
- Keep a list and determine the items to:
- Keep
- Give to family and friends
- Sell/Donate or
- Throw
- Take pictures It’s a good idea to take pictures of important things the senior will leave behind. This might make the “letting go” process much easier for seniors.
- Consider where you are moving? If you will be moving to an assisted living facility, cooking utensils and dinner plates will no longer be needed. It may be a good idea to donate items to churches or other local charities.
- Is a professional “senior move” firm necessary? If you’re helping a senior loved one downsize, you will be able to help decide whether or not a senior mover is needed. Seniors who downsize usually hire senior movers if they want to bring their furniture and other heavy things to the new place. Senior moving companies specialize in senior moving needs. They will help make the downsizing and the transition easier as most of these senior moving companies help in organizing and sorting the possessions of the senior. Contact the Golden Years Advisory Network to get recommendations! http://bit.ly/2dCVhUG