When the entire family comes together to help, it can make downsizing more manageable and the transition more seamless.Įach family member has different skills that they can bring to the table. In order to make downsizing a proactive and positive experience, it’s best to set a plan that involves the family as a whole. It is common to need guidance during the moving process, especially with downsizing. Have a spot for all items you plan to keep.If possible, scan them onto a computer or take a photo Take photos of items that hold memories but are taking up space.Here are some downsizing tips for seniors when it comes to decluttering: Getting rid of old items can be hard but also necessary when moving into a smaller space. The biggest part about downsizing and starting over is to declutter. Hers is just one of the many methods you can find if you need more guidance through this process. She is known for creating and establishing an organizational method that has helped countless people when it comes to downsizing and decluttering. When sorting through your belongings, here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding what to keep:Īsking yourself if an item brings you joy is one of the many tips Marie Kondo has shared with the world. Unfortunately, not all of them can be part of the move. Over time, many items have graced your home, each with memories attached. Questions To Guide Declutteringĭecluttering may be overwhelming at first. In this case, consider keeping a journal of these memories with an item description or photo, along with a note of a special memory. Some items may serve better as a memory than as a tangible item, such as childhood toys, clothing or projects. As you continue to go through items that may hold sentimental value to you, they may not hold the same value for others. However, it is still important to check with that person first before springing items onto them. If an item is special or an heirloom, it may be a valuable gift. Don’t Clutter Othersĭuring your process of decluttering, don’t pass everything on to others. If you come across a special heirloom, keep it in the family and pass it along as a gift. In this case, you could also research junk removal companies in your area that can come and pick up large items for proper disposal.
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Throwing away or recycling items is an option if something is damaged or not likely to benefit someone else. If something you own is still in good condition, try hosting a garage sale or donating it to those in need. Items you no longer need will require a plan of action for removal. If you’re someone who struggles with letting items go or deciding which items to keep, consider picking up a book on decluttering and downsizing which can provide helpful guidance, such as those by world-renowned organizer Marie Kondo. If your current home is tight on space, use sticky notes to label your items so that you can keep track of what you’ve gone through already. All necessities should be put aside first - things that are staying with you no matter what, such as your bed and other essential furniture.Ĭlear out a corner or area of your home to place the “yes” items and begin packing the “no” items, clearly labeling them as to where you plan to take them (donate to charity, giving to a family member, etc.). Once you have the checklist as a guide, it’s time to begin sorting into “yes” or “no” piles. Related: Pre-Moving Checklist for Seniors 3. For any room that doesn’t exist in your new space, such as an office or spare bedroom, consider donating those items. Do a walk-through of your new apartment and take measurements so that you know these items will fit properly in your new space. Work on prioritizing which items you want to bring to your new home and create a specific list of furniture you’d like to bring. These pre-made checklists for seniors who are downsizing can be used to offer a focus on how to pack and can help in making swift progress. Many senior living communities have a list of what they suggest you should bring and what to refrain from bringing. Making a list can be the best way to begin the process of downsizing. By preparing yourself well in advance to start the sorting process for downsizing, you won’t feel rushed to potentially throw away something worth saving. Items tend to accumulate over the years, and it will take time to properly sort through your belongings.
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Make sure to give yourself time during this process. Take a look below at these downsizing tips for seniors. After selecting a community and an apartment, the next step is preparing to downsize and making the decisions on what to take to your new home. When the time comes for you to prepare for a move into a senior living community, one of the most significant changes can be downsizing.