Downsizing Tips For Seniors

When you are a senior and preparing to move to a new and smaller home, downsizing can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are unsure of where to begin. While moving into a new location is often thrilling and exciting, it can leave you feeling filled with dread if you are not fully prepared. Knowing how to prepare for an upcoming move and downsizing throughout the process is a way to gain peace of mind while alleviating the stress that is commonly associated with eliminating furniture and personal belongings.

Benefits of Downsizing

Before you begin downsizing your home, it is important to understand some of the most notable benefits of doing so, especially if you have not moved for years or even decades. Some of the advantages of downsizing a home before an upcoming move include:

• Eliminate Clutter: Eliminating the clutter from your home helps packing and organizing the items you intend to keep much easier and less of a hassle.
• Free Up Space: Freeing up space in your home prevents feeling stressed and overwhelmed once it is time to begin preparing and packing for your moving day.
• Inventory: Discover belongings and pieces of furniture you do not remember owning. Gather inspiration for decorating your new home by digging through old and lost treasures of your own.
• Save Time: Once you have completed the downsizing process, save time while packing and when transporting the furniture and personal belongings you choose to keep.
• Save Money: Moving is not always cheap and can require the assistance of professional moving equipment or companies to get the job done. After downsizing, require less assistance to get you into your new home as quickly as possible.

Begin Downsizing as Early as Possible

Starting early when you plan to downsize is highly advisable, even if you have yet to set an official moving date. Downsize as soon as you begin to entertain the thoughts of moving into a smaller home, apartment, or senior care facility. The earlier you begin downsizing, the less likely you are to feel overwhelmed once your moving date begins to approach. There are many resources available online that will help in the organization phase of the move.

Get Organized

Getting organized is the first step to take when you begin downsizing in your home. Create different piles and sections of your belongings to keep better track of them as you begin removing them from your home or packing them away. Some of the most common types of piles to use while downsizing include:

• Keeping/Packing: Furniture and belongings you want to use in your new home should be kept in this section. Consider the size of your new home and whether or not you will have the ability to store or utilize the furniture and decor you want to keep. If not, consider investing in a storage unit to avoid throwing out or donating items you treasure and hold dear.
• Donating: Donating old clothing, home decor items, and outdated furniture is a great way to downsize while giving back to your community and those in need.
• Selling: Selling your belongings is another option that can be done by hosting a yard sale or by listing your items online and with the use of social media. Use platforms such as eBay, Etsy, Amazon, and even Facebook Marketplace to post and share your items with those who may be interested. Downsizing ahead of time allows for more room to sell items without feeling pressured to simply give them away or throw them out.
• Gifting: Gifting your belongings to family members and friends is another way to ensure your treasures and collectibles stay with loved ones even after you have downsized.

Work on Unnecessary Rooms First

Begin downsizing in rooms that will no longer be available in your new home. If you are moving to an apartment or home without a basement or garage, start there. If you no longer have the need for all of the items in your hallway closets, organize them first. Work on downsizing items you may need in the future last to avoid going without while you are still living in your current home.

Start Small

Start small without putting too much pressure on yourself. Moving and downsizing can quickly feel overwhelming if you are trying to clean and declutter your entire home in just one afternoon. Spend a few minutes each day sifting through boxes, shelves, and cabinets in your home as you begin the organization process. Ask for help from friends and family members who are willing to lend a helping hand throughout the process.

Hire Professional Movers Who Specialize in Assisting Seniors

Consider the opportunity of hiring professional movers and a home cleaning service who specialize in assisting seniors with moves and downsizing. Professional movers arrive with proper tools and equipment to move, sort, and pack boxes appropriately with your guidance and direction. If you do not currently have a friend or relative that lives nearby to help, working with professional movers who specialize in senior moving and downsizing is highly recommended.

Understanding the proper steps to take when you want to downsize your current home for an upcoming move can help keep you motivated with your plans without causing you to feel discouraged. Preparing ahead of time, getting organized, and using the right resources is a way to ensure your transition to a new place of living goes as smoothly as possible at any age.