Downsizing is inevitable for many seniors. Moving is the first step toward any objective such as the following: saving expenditures, simplifying living, assisted living, or being closer to grandkids.
The procedure, on the other hand, may be unpleasant and perplexing, but it doesn’t have to be daunting if you plan ahead of time.
Here are our top ten senior downsizing tips:
1. Give Yourself Some Good Time
You don’t want to hurry through packing everything three days before moving out. When considering downsizing for seniors, the sooner you start, the more straightforward the process will be.
With this in mind, schedule a moving timeline and begin at least three months ahead of your planned moving date.
Creating a moving task list, and going through your out-of-season stuff, guest rooms, and other hardly-used locations are all things you can do ahead of time.
Whether you employ a moving manager or a full-service moving company, you will still be proactive when it comes to packing. And besides, a moving manager or firm works for you, therefore they will need your guidance throughout the moving process.
Here are some packing ideas for seniors who are downsizing:
- Take caution when packing sentimental items. You can use bubble wrappers or packing paper for fragile goods
- Keep box weights to a minimum. Consider compact boxes for books, cast-iron cookware, and other goods.
- Mark each box with the location it will have in the new home. To avoid re-moving items later, ensure movers follow your labeling systems.
- Begin with the seldom-used spaces. A formal dining area, for example, may be loaded first while you eat your meals in the kitchen.
- If you require assistance, ask for it. A cousin or acquaintance may come up with an excellent idea that can help reduce the tasks.
- Remember not to pack any necessities such as medication.
2. Start Small
There is no need to overburden yourself by trying to get everything done in one session. Instead, begin slowly. Plan through to complete one room at a time. For example, start with the clutter drawer in the kitchen or another location with minimal emotional significance.
Downsizing for seniors can be a stressful task as it usually entails combing through years and years of memories. To make it easy on you, start small, for example, with the laundry rooms, and work your way up to more complex parts such as clothing, children’s toys, and souvenirs.
3. Be Patient
Downsizing can be a considerable process, mainly if you’ve stayed in your family home for a long while, say a decade or more. You probably need more time.
It isn’t practical to plan through 15 years’ worth of items in just a week or less. Therefore, starting early will give you ample time to get everything in place without having to rush at the last minute.
Moving is tricky, particularly for senior people who may be forced to move out of a home in which they’ve spent years with their family. Keep in mind that it’s okay to feel sad about parting with things.
4. Find a Perfect Sorting System
Utilize colored stickers to label items you want to give away and those that you intend to keep. Create a list of the nominated recipients and match up the items, rather than picking the recipients randomly as you sought through the items.
5. Consider Your New Home Layout
If you are shifting into a smaller apartment, there are certain rooms you won’t have in your new residence. For example, your new home may not include a guest house or a garage.
If that’s the case, you will have to sell, relocate, or donate the things in your current home’s garage or guest house. You can sell things by holding a yard sale. You can also give out unnecessary items to charities.
6. Get Rid of Duplicates
Duplicates are common in many homes—for example, you can have three identical spatulas in the kitchen or two pairs of very similar shoes.
Getting rid of these duplicates is a great way to declutter your home. The first step is to collect all copies into a pile. When you complete this, select your favorites and donate the remaining ones.
7. Be Very Decisive
Moving can be a very emotionally wrenching process. According to research, moving is more complicated than divorce. You will likely hold on to some items as you have difficulty letting go as you sort your things.
When you are shifting to a less sizable house, this is a mistake you can’t afford to make. When downsizing for seniors, create two piles only — Yes and No piles.
As you go through the items room by room, consider whether you use or like the article for everything you pick. If you don’t like or use an item, donate or sell it.
8. Sparingly Use Your Storage
You don’t have to morph into a minimalist when downsizing. If there are specific items you want to retain but don’t want to transfer to your new residence—for instance, family heirlooms or items you would like to pass to your grandkids later in life. Your items will be safe in the storage facilities, and this will help you declutter in your new home.
9. Donate Legacy Items
You may be holding on to something to give to your loved one—for instance, a baseball card collection for your grandson or an antique sewing table for your granddaughter.
You can choose to invite your loved ones over to pick a legacy item of their liking. Instead of relocating with these items, you can give them out before you move.
This enables you to get things out of your way and also appreciate the experience of gifting to your loved ones.
10. Give Space to the Movers
Once you’ve sorted through your things, you can bring in movers to pack and transport the items for you. The movers can pack up items like furniture and dishes—this will help you concentrate on settling in your new home.
Expert Moving and Downsizing Tips for Seniors
Do This A Week Before Moving
To make your move smooth, you should tie up loose ends a week before moving.
- Consume any leftovers in your refrigerator and freezer.
- Put your pans, pots, silverware, and plates in boxes. You can use paper products in your last days to make the process easier.
- Pack up the remaining box or suitcase with shoes, clothes, medications, and toiletries.
- Bring in a cleaning service to work on your current home before the walkthrough.
- You should have light cleaning supplies ready for your new house. Even when the previous resident leaves the house clean, you still get supplies to clean the shelves and cabinets.
Change Utilities and Addresses
Lastly, you should change your address details at the postal service, bank, and any other important thing; cell phone bill, subscription, AARP, credit cards, Social Security, etc.
Additionally, you’ll need to inform your utility companies at both residences (old and new) of your relocating dates. This will help them stop and start services.
What to Do During and After the Move
Moving is guaranteed to be a breeze provided you have prepared yourself adequately. Ensure you direct the movers to place furniture in its correct spots. If something looks oddly placed, ask the movers to put it in another area.
You should use an arrangement that is familiar initially. This will help you quickly recall where you put things.
Once you’ve moved into your new home, start by unpacking the essentials first — television, computer, towels, some clothes, and silverware.
Ask your acquaintances to help you in organizing patios, kitchen cabinets, and linen closets. Remember to visit the grocery store to restock your fridge and pantry.
Emotions can crop up as you move houses. Once the excitement of moving wears off, you will likely experience remorse or loss due to the change.
This phenomenon is widespread among the elderly who downsize, especially if they had resided in their previous home for a long time.
If you experience any feeling of remorse or loss, concentrate on the positives that motivated you to move and give yourself time to adjust emotionally.
Ironically, downsizing for seniors is a big undertaking. Moving to a smaller house or assisted living facility can be exciting if you start early and are intentional at every step.