Preparing to move to an independent living community can be overwhelming, especially the need to downsize to a new, smaller home. Downsizing involves not only cleaning and decluttering, but also choosing which possessions will be included in the move and which won’t. To make it easier and quicker, try these expert tips.
5 Downsizing Tips
Tip #1 – Stick to the “keep, sell, give, or pitch” rule
Right from the start, commit to designating everything according to whether it will be kept, sold, given away, or thrown away. Since downsizing can become emotional, this rule can not only eliminate the dreaded “maybe” pile, but it also allows seniors the opportunity to separate valuable items like heirlooms so they don’t get lost or misplaced.
This is also a good way to begin the process of defining who will be given items now or in a will. More and more seniors are giving heirlooms to loved ones before they die so they can share the recipient’s joy. To make the giving process easier, the extension.umn.edu article “Distributing personal and household assets,” is an excellent resource.
Tip #2 – Take an organized approach
Rather than jumping right in, taking time to get organized can make downsizing more efficient and less time-consuming. For example, start by going room by room and listing items to be kept, those to be pitched, and those to be given to family, friends, or charities. Another good idea is to list storage areas in each room like closets, shelves, dressers, bins, and cupboards. This can help clarify how much help will be required to get the job done in time for the move. For more expert organizing tips, check out the homesandgardens.com article, “10 Ways Professional Organizers Declutter to Downsize.”
Tip #3 – Don’t go it alone
Many seniors feel they don’t want others interfering in the decision-making process until they realize just how big the job really is. Instead, before beginning, ask family and friends for help and create a calendar that shows who can help and when. Not only will this keep the process on track, but it also allows seniors to set aside private time to make those personal decisions without interference.
For those who don’t have helpers readily available, consider hiring a professional senior downsizing company. According to the smartasset.com article, “Senior Downsizing Services: Retirement Guide,” these companies specialize in assisting seniors with a variety of move-related services from decluttering to space planning to packing and moving. To find a qualified company, the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) offers a search page as well as helpful tips for choosing the right company.
Tip #4 – Measure twice, cut once
To ensure everything you want to take will fit in the new independent living home, use a floor plan of the new home and measure large items like furniture. One easy way to do this is by using layout software programs like those described in thespruce.com article, “The Best Free Online Room Planners.” These user-friendly programs offer the ability to not only check for size and fit, but also to prepare for moving day so each piece of furniture can be placed exactly where it fits best, without having to move things around after the movers are gone.
Another reason to use layout software is that once large items are placed in the floorplan, it’s easy to see how much room is left for smaller items like art, plants, floor lamps, and wall shelves. Planning ahead can make a big difference in a smooth moving day, as well as in the cost of moving when time is saved.
Tip #5 – Downsize one room at a time
To minimize becoming overwhelmed, tackle one room at a time, starting with the room that is used the least. For example a guest bedroom with a closet full of old clothes can be quickly decluttered and sorted while barely impacting daily life. Depending upon how much time and help is available, steadily move on to other rooms like basements and garages until the only rooms left are living spaces like the living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Before beginning the process, be sure to remove valuable items and store them away from the home in a safe deposit box or with a trusted friend or family member. For specific step-by-step tips for each room, read the thisoldhouse.com article, “Downsizing Before a Move: A Room-by-Room Guide.”
Considering a move to independent living? Take a look at Ganton’s Countryside. For more information about Countryside, please call Margaret Nagel at (517) 206-5000 or download our brochure to learn about our care levels, cost, and amenities.
