Downsizing a home is the process of reducing the number and variety of items a senior has before moving into a smaller space. Whether the family home has become too large and difficult to maintain or it is time to move into assisted living, downsizing a home and a lifetime of possessions can be a daunting and emotional task. This process can cause stress on the entire family.
“Having that conversation about moving is super hard on everyone. It’s hard on the children, it’s hard between siblings, and it’s especially hard on parents,” said Jennifer Pickett, co-executive director of the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM).
When downsizing, most people focus on what they’ll have to give up. But if you think of it as surrounding yourself with or ‘cherry picking’ only those things you love and use most, you may find you can’t wait to get moving!
Do It Yourself? Here’s How to Get Started.
Identify What’s Important to You
Before thinking about what you’ll take to your new place, make yourself a promise that you’ll choose only those things that you both love and use.
Take An Inventory
Tour your house and put a green sticky dot on your favorite, and most used, pieces of furniture. You may be surprised to see that there are fewer things that fit that category than you imagined!
AARP Resources
AARP has some excellent resources to help you: How To Cope With Downsizing Your Home, and Downsizing? Ditch These Items to name two.
Ready for Some Help? Here’s What a Professional Can Do.
Get a Scaled Floor Plan of Your New Space
If you don’t have one and aren’t sure how to make one, a Senior Move Manager can help you. Think about how you’ll be using your new space and what kind of furniture you’ll need in each room.
Measure and Take a Picture of Each Piece You Tagged
Now that you have an idea of what you’ll need and a map of your new space, begin to plan where your furniture will go. Use your pictures to try different arrangements. Space planning is more than just “does this fit here?” So while you can do this by yourself, it makes sense to get a professional’s help.
Make Sure the “Flow” Works for You
A table you have in your bedroom now may be just what you need in your new living room. Feel free to mix things up. Things don’t have to be laid out the way they are now. A Senior Move Manager can help you try different arrangements on paper until you find the one that you like best.
Start Sorting and Downsizing
Now that you know where everything goes, you’ll find it a lot easier to leave behind things that you won’t need. Decide first what you want/need and later what to do with unwanted belongings. Separate packing from decision making. Again, a Senior Move Manager can be of tremendous help – especially when it comes to staying on “plan”!
Disposing of Unwanted Items
Since you can’t take everything you own to your new home, now is the time to make arrangements to ‘gift’ some of your treasures to special people in your life. Think about family, dear friends, helpful neighbors, favorite organizations or a church/synagogue. Call charities well in advance to schedule a pick-up. Have a back up plan if charities do not accept certain items.
Get a Move On!
When you have a floor plan laying everything out, moving day is easy! The movers will be able to set up your home just the way you want it. You’ll move into your new space, surrounded by your favorite things and you’ll see how less really can be more!
Guest Blogger: Maria Quinby owner of On The Move, Downsizing and Design, is a certified Senior Move Manager and Interior Designer who delights in creating beautiful spaces that are also comfortable and functional. Both patient and practical, Maria guides her clients through the downsizing process with ease. Contact her at Maria@OnTheMoveNow.com or phone 650-740-4911.
RESOURCES
Did you find this topic interesting? Below are some more in depth articles.
Downsizing during retirement can be draining. Pros can help – The Washington Post, February 9, 2023
How To Cope With Downsizing Your Home – AARP
Downsizing? Ditch These Items – AARP
Tips for Downsizing Your Home as a Senior – US News, September 19, 2019
Top 7 Reasons to Hire a Senior Move Manager – A Place for Mom
Helping Your Elderly Parents Downsize: 5 Tips to Ease the Transition – The Simplicity Habit Blog
National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers
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