Downsizing and moving can be a significant and stressful event in a senior’s life. Most seniors move from a family home to senior living or, in some cases, to a more manageable home environment such as an apartment or condo. Whatever the reason, there are ways to make the process smoother and less overwhelming. Here are some tips for downsizing and moving.
Downsizing
- Start Early and Plan Ahead – If you have the time, begin as soon as you know you are moving so you can avoid last-minute stress and have the time to make wise and informed decisions. Many seniors have a lifetime of accumulated items. As a family member assisting a senior with downsizing, be sensitive to the emotional impact of this process and stay as flexible as possible.
- Consider The Space You Are Moving to – Measure the space you are moving to, which will guide your decisions about what to bring. Ask someone to help you decide where to place furniture. You will want to keep your new space clutter-free, and it is easier to move less than more. You can always add furniture later to the space if you need to.
- Make a Timeline – Designating deadlines allows you to stay on schedule and avoid a time crunch. Ask your family for help in setting this up.
- Ask for Help – Enlist the help of family and consider hiring professionals. Professionals will help you declutter, sort, and pack.
- Sort and Declutter – Sorting and decluttering are where many people get stuck. The idea of getting rid of things can cause a great deal of anxiety, but there are practical ways to cope with this.
- Use the “Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash” method. Create piles for each category. If you are unsure which items to keep, ask a family member to store them for you or rent a storage space. You can decide later what you want to keep or eliminate.
- Consider the space you are moving to and prioritize useful items that bring you joy or have significant sentimental value.
- Pass down cherished items to family members who will appreciate them. Don’t be surprised or hurt if family members don’t want items you consider valuable.
- Sell, Donate, or Recycle Unwanted Items – Selling, donating, and recycling can take time and energy. Ask a family member for help or hire a professional. Remember to recycle items like electronics or hazardous materials according to local guidelines.
- Packing – Pack with care to make unpacking a breeze at your new location.
- Use sturdy boxes and label everything.
- Protect fragile items with bubble wrap, packing paper, or towels.
- Pack essentials such as important documents and items you will need for the first few days in a separate box.
- Keep essential documents in a safe place. Consider temporarily giving them to a trusted family member for safekeeping. You could also rent a safe deposit box at your bank.
Moving
Moving day can be highly stressful, but you can minimize the distress by following these tips:
- Hiring Movers – Hire movers well ahead of time to ensure they can schedule when you need them. Look at reviews and ask for recommendations to select a reputable company.
- Hydrate and Eat – It is easy to underestimate the fatigue of moving. Drink water throughout the day and have snacks to keep your energy up.
- Take Your Time – Once everything has arrived, take your time adjusting. You have plenty of time to unpack, and you should rest and regroup before diving in. Focus on the essentials first, like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Ask your family for help unpacking and placing items. Don’t move heavy items without help.
- Stay Organized – Make sure you update your address. You will want to notify banks, health providers, insurance companies, and your bank.
- Take Care of Yourself – The transition to a new place gets harder the older you get. If you are moving to senior living, we have some suggestions on how to make the experience a positive one:
- Resist the urge to isolate. The sooner you get involved, the better you will feel.
- Acknowledge feelings of loss, but do not let them interfere with meeting new people. Everyone has experienced the same thing that you are going through.
- Take care of yourself by focusing on improving your physical and mental health.
- If you are not moving to a senior living community, get involved in the community by volunteering and attending the local senior center. The risk of isolating is higher in a building that isn’t senior-specific.
Downsizing and Moving: A New Beginning
As disruptive and stressful as downsizing and moving can be, look at the experience as a new beginning. Leaving home behind brings inevitable emotions of loss, but seize the opportunity to make memories with new friends and enjoy the journey.
Contact Us
Ready to join a community that celebrates you every day? Contact us at Park Place or The Chateau to schedule a tour and see firsthand why so many active adults are proud to call Highlands Residential home. Our friendly staff is here to answer any questions and help you find the perfect place to start this exciting new chapter of your life.