Their home once full of loved ones and prized possessions now feels big and empty. Time goes by so fast. You feel that keeping your house running is more work than you can handle right now. The process of downsizing can be emotionally and physically challenging. For seniors, going through a lifetime of possessions and memories is a difficult task. However, completing the process can help create a good, safe environment for you and your loved ones. We hope that these downsizing tips for seniors can help you have a stress-free move.
Time to consider downsizing
Is it the right time to consider downsizing? What are your reasons for choosing to downsize? It's important to identify the reasons for downsizing and moving from your current home so you would know what to look for in a new home.
These are the most common reasons seniors have for downsizing:
Budget – if your current lifestyle is too much for your budget and you see that most of your money is going on expenses related to the upkeep of your house, it may be time to consider downsizing. Finding a smaller and cheaper property is a great way of cutting on your yearly expenses by reducing insurance, property taxes, and mortgage payments. Also, the smaller your new home is, the less you will spend on electricity and heating.
Maintaining your home – as time goes by it becomes more difficult to take care of a house. Housekeeping, gardening, and small repairs all put pressure on your budget. Downsizing could be the answer.
The current home has too many rooms – perhaps sometime in the past, you used to need much more space than you do now. Maybe the kids have moved out and left their rooms empty. You still spend money on heating, cooling, and maintaining those rooms though.
Some medical problem needs to be addressed – As people age, more often than not, medical problems arise. Even simple tasks such as going up and down the stairs become difficult with age. Physical disabilities or hearing and vision impairment are often easier to deal with in a smaller home without stairs. It is important that you try to find an easily accessible home that is simple to navigate even for people with mobility issues.
Plan on time and sort
When downsizing your home it is a good idea to create a system that will help you organize your belongings and help you reduce the emotional attachment that you feel. Sorting through your things can be difficult so take your time, do it slowly. Take a look at some of these tips:
- Take as much time as you need. Don't rush, go room by room. Whenever you need to, take a break. You are downsizing your life and that is not easy.
- Take some time to remove clutter and organize your house. Get rid of the things that you don't need and that you aren't emotionally attached to. Once you get used to the idea of downsizing, try this with the belongings you are more emotionally attached to. Generally starting from the laundry room or linen closet is a good idea. Garages, basements, and attics are usually more challenging as they contain the most memories.
- It's best to start sorting your things into a few categories. For example, things to keep, store, sell or donate, and things to throw away. Having a „maybe“ pile is a big no-no. The „maybe“ category always ends being the biggest and you won’t know what to do with it.
- Giving away heirlooms and pieces that you planned on leaving for your loved ones in your will, will enable you to see them in their hands and will help with the downsizing at the same time. Donating to a charity is a good way for seniors to know that their belongings will go somewhere where they will be appreciated and needed.
- If you have a hard time letting go and adjusting to a new situation you can try creating pictures and notes about the things that you would like to recreate in your new home.
- As you proceed with organizing your belongings, you should begin to consider what to do with your current home. This is an emotionally difficult topic. However, with adequate time to consider all the aspects and the correct approach you should reach the decision that will be best for you.
- Review the downsizing tips for seniors, make a checklist, and track your progress.
Deal with your emotions
Downsizing for seniors can be emotionally and physically draining. You might want to view it as a new adventure or a new beginning. It’s important to understand that getting emotional during downsizing is normal. Inviting your kids and grandkids to help you sort through your things can make it easier. Talk about your feelings and insecurities. It's your family and friends that are important not your belongings. If you like your neighborhood you should try moving somewhere near your current home. Try and look ahead to your new life and the opportunities it brings.
Consider getting help and think about storage
Senior move management is a relatively new industry. So, when you hire a moving company make sure that they are a good standing member of the Better Business Bureau. You should ask for a free estimate and review any company you are thinking about hiring. Research the moving company that gets your attention. Some movers have an array of services so be sure to get the services that you need. Rest assured that careful planning can simplify your move.
The best things to put into storage are:
- Oversized furniture and home items.
- Items of emotional value.
Using storage units is one of the downsizing tips for seniors.
Labeling done right
Unpacking can be just as stressful as moving. But if you do your labeling right during packing, it can help you a lot during the first few days in your new home. Pack some of the boxes with the things that you will need first, almost right away upon your arrival. Label these boxes clearly as boxes to be opened first. When loading them into the moving truck make sure to put those boxes in last.
If you do your labeling right it can help you during the first few days in your new home.
Adjust to the new space
Get to know your new home in advance. Get a floor plan and try to organize your things inside that space. Rearrange your furniture a couple of times, try to find the best fit. If your new home is smaller than your current one, use your time to research tips for making the most of small homes. Having the right information at the right time can help you settle in and make a world of difference.
Getting a floor plan of your new home can help you find the best fit for your belongings.
Embrace this new beginning. Downsizing can be tiring, this is why we have these downsizing tips for seniors. Take this opportunity, let it be a step into the future. Take as many of your belongings as you need to feel at home, but do not let them hold you back and stop experiencing new things.
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