Downsizing can seem like a daunting task when you’ve accumulated so many belongings. Add to that, the stress of leaving a home that you’ve lived in for years. We at Celebrate Living understand the importance of having a plan that makes downsizing and moving easier. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most important downsizing tips for seniors to help you get started.
A Downsizing Guide for Seniors
In this guide, we’ll offer some of the best tips for downsizing for seniors:
- Decide Where You Are Moving – First, it’s essential to figure out where you are moving to. The most common options include moving in with family, moving to an apartment or condo, or moving to a senior living community. Wherever you decide to move will determine how much space you’ll have and how many possessions you can bring with you.
- Make a Plan – The next step is to make a plan for your downsize. This will ensure you get everything done in time before your move and aren’t rushing later on. Give yourself more time than you think you need. Decide where you’ll start, what you’ll do with things you aren’t keeping, how you’ll organize your belongings, the labeling system you’ll use, and more.
- Sort Your Possessions and Give Away What You’re Not Keeping – Start small and go through your house one room at a time to keep things organized. One tip is to make “keep”, “toss”, and “give away” piles. Each item you own should end up in one of those piles. Another tip is to not keep duplicates of anything. You should also consider giving things away as you sort, so they don’t continue to take up space. This will also allow them to have a second life with a loved one or friend.
- Prepare for the Actual Move – After you’ve finished sorting through all of your possessions and you know what you are keeping, it’s time to prepare for the actual move. This involves making sure all of your boxes are labeled and determining how you will move all of your belongings to your new home—whether family and friends help or you hire movers. There are even moving companies that specialize in helping seniors move.
- Transition to Your Next Step – Finally, it’s time to transition to your new home, wherever it may be. Take time to adjust to your new situation and don’t rush things. It can sometimes be difficult, but try to look at the positives, which could be less cleaning, less cooking, more time and money for your favorite hobbies, more social interactions, and more!
Celebrate Senior Living is a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana with a variety of medical, social, and personal care services in comfortable long-term residential environments, including memory care, rehabilitation, and short-term stay options.
Explore one of our three senior living and retirement communities and select the location that fits your individual health, behavioral, and social needs.
If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the different living options for seniors, be sure to check out Celebrate Senior Living.
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