Moving or downsizing as a senior citizen is unlike any other type of relocation. It's a transition that necessitates far more preparation and assistance than a move made in your twenties or thirties. You frequently have to worry about transferring not just a few years' worth of belongings, but a lifetime's worth–not to mention possessions belonging to your parents, children, and siblings. A lot accumulates over a lifetime, making downsizing as a senior a considerably more difficult task than a typical relocation.
You've come to the perfect place if you're seeking senior downsizing advice. Whether you're moving into a new house or assisting a family member who has decided it's time to downsize, we've talked to the pros and obtained their best advice on how to make the process go well.
Starting Early
It's natural for a senior who has lived in their house for a long time to feel overwhelmed by the thought of downsizing. People frequently feel immobilized and put off getting started. This can make the task even more challenging.
Starting early, even before you start looking for a senior living complex, will offer you a head start. This reduces the amount of stress for everyone concerned. As you work your way through the house, you'll also get the chance to reminisce about old family photos and mementos.
Start Small
You undoubtedly already have things you want to get rid of in the kitchen or garage, but don't start with such a large room. You've got years and years of stuff to go through. Begin in a location where there are few emotional ties. A good place to start is the laundry room or the linen closet.
Garages, attics, and basements are known for being the most difficult rooms to clean. All of the old hobbies, boxes, old Christmas decorations, and clutter seem to accumulate in these spaces. Sorting through them might cause unnecessary distraction from the task at hand.
Give Away Heirlooms
If you have the opportunity to give valuable family heirlooms or furniture as a gift, you will be able to see how happy those artifacts make family and friends. Furthermore, there will be no ambiguity as to who should receive what.
Take a picture of it, write a brief description of its tale or history, and share it with family members for less exceptional stuff. Then, knowing that you've kept the memory, donate or sell the item.
Take the Help Of Your Children
When it comes to downsizing as a senior, the best advice is to "don't go it alone." That could involve hiring a professional organizer, working with a motivational coach, or enlisting the support of someone who is more personally invested in your decluttering endeavors, depending on what you're eliminating. Specifically, your family.
You are not accountable for the mementos of your grown children. Allow them one container for goods you'll store if they don't have storage in their new home or apartment. This will compel them to participate in a portion of the decluttering that is appropriate for them and frees up more time for you to declutter your own stuff.
Planning for a move to a senior living community? Hire the most highly rated Senior Movers in CT
