If you’re planning to move into senior independent living, there are a few things you should consider before moving day. If you don’t start downsizing now, your move will be more stressful and overwhelming than it needs to be. Here are some tips:
Make an Inventory
Make a list of every item you own and check it against the room-by-room inventory sheet. You can use this spreadsheet, which provides the space below each room to write down what’s in each closet, drawer, and shelf. You should also include other items that are not part of your furniture but are still essential to know about (e.g., bookshelves). If you don’t want to do this all at once, do it over time so that as things come into your home or get replaced by others, they can be added to this list as well. You may even want to make copies for yourself and pass them along when applicable if moving out doesn’t seem like an option right now!
Start Early
Moving is a stressful time for anyone, but especially for seniors. Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to plan and pack, so you’re not rushing at the last minute.
Don’t wait until you have a place to store your things before packing them. If possible, take advantage of storage services offered by your local moving company or self-storage facility while they are on hand to help you move—and give yourself extra time if one of these two options isn’t available at the moment!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Buy durable items. Durable items are the ideal choice when it comes to downsizing your possessions. If you have difficulty getting rid of things because they may be helpful one day, choose something that last and can withstand a great deal of use.
Don’t buy something because it is on sale or a good deal. If you do not need an item in your life, don’t buy it even if it’s at a discounted price! If every time you go grocery shopping, every week there is some new sale going on, so you end up buying things that are not necessarily necessities but instead just “good deals.” This will lead to more clutter in your home and eventually could lead down the path toward financial ruin as well! Only purchase what is essential for living and keep those items adequately organized, so they are easy for everyone else around them (including yourself!)
Be Ruthless
After you’ve gone through all your belongings, you may find that you’re left with quite a few items that didn’t cut. If something is important to you but not used often, consider giving it to someone else who would appreciate it. Think about how happy that person would be when they receive this gift from you! Another option is finding a charity or thrift store where they can be donated and put in the hands of someone who needs them more than yourself.
For those pieces that are in good condition but don’t quite fit your style anymore or no longer align with some other item you own, don’t get rid of them just yet! You can use these as inspiration for redecorating one day down the road when things change again (and they will). This helps keep clutter down because once something has been “out” for long enough and there’s no chance of bringing it back into rotation anytime soon, removing it becomes easier.
Donate and Sell What You Can
Donate or sell items you don’t use. When downsizing, it’s essential to consider if an item has value to a family member, friend, or charity before deciding to store it or donate it.
Donate items you don’t use yourself and would like others to have. You could also offer these items to organizations that will resell them at their resale shops, such as Goodwill and Value Village. By donating your used goods still in good condition, you’ll help another person save money on their move or purchase new furniture and household necessities while providing them with quality products they need for their home!
Give Things to Family Members
You can give your things to the family members who will use them, appreciate them, take care of them and keep them in the family. You can also consider giving them to your favorite charities or consignment shops that will do the same thing.
Give away anything you don’t want or need anymore; it’s better than having it cluttering up a place where no one needs or wants it anyway!
Pack a First Night Box
The first night in a new home can be an anxious time, especially if you’re moving into senior independent living. To help make it easier on yourself, pack a box of essentials you’ll need immediately. Include any medications and toiletries as well as clothes for the next day or two (depending on when your movers are scheduled to arrive). This box will help you get settled in a new home and will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is already there waiting for you!
Useful Downsizing Tips
The biggest takeaway is that you should start downsizing your things long before you move. Start with a realistic assessment of what you need to live in your new home with the help of the given floor plans, and then get rid of the rest. If items have sentimental value, consider giving them away rather than keeping them at all costs. It’s better to give these things out now so you don’t have to worry about them when they’re no longer needed later on down the road! For more information, contact us today!
