6 Tips for Helping a Senior Downsize Before a Move

It’s easy to accumulate a lot of stuff over the years. While it may not be a problem living in one place, having a lot of stuff makes moving difficult. This is especially true for seniors moving into senior housing. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to help make the move easier and to help seniors part with things that they don’t need. Here are six tips for helping a senior downsize before a move. 

Tip #1: Start Early 

For seniors who are looking to downsize their homes before a move, it’s important to start early. Starting early gives you more time to properly organize and prepare what items you will be keeping and what items you will donate or get rid of. It also allows for time to donate or sell items that have value. 

If you know ahead of time which items are leaving the house, set them aside in one area so they can easily be addressed when the time comes. Doing this allows for an efficient transition and less stress. Additionally, it may make sense to consult with family members about certain valuable items that could be passed down to future generations. It’s best to start as soon as possible in order to make sure everything is taken care of before the big move!

Tip #2: Have a Plan 

When downsizing before a move, it’s important to have a plan. Seniors especially should take their time and consider all their options, as moving can be a stressful process. When planning ahead and taking your time, downsizing before a move can be made easier with proper preparation and organization.

Tip #3: Create an Inventory List

To make the process easier, it’s important to create an inventory list. This list should include all the items you want to keep, donate, or sell. Start by going through each room in your house and deciding which items are necessary for daily life and can fit in the new place. Then, focus on items that will be difficult to part with but may not be practical for the new location.

Tip #4: Donate and Sell Unwanted Items

Downsizing for a move can be difficult, but getting rid of things that you no longer need or use can make the process less stressful. Donating and selling your unwanted items is a great way to lighten your load and potentially earn some money in the process. Consider donating gently used furniture, books, clothes, and other housewares to organizations that can put them to good use. Selling items online or at a garage sale will help you recoup some of the cost of moving while also clearing out clutter. 

Tip #5: Consider Professional Services

Professional services can provide support with sorting through possessions, selling items that are no longer needed, packing up personal belongings for the move, and even providing assistance with moving day itself. Services like these can be invaluable for those who are dealing with physical or mental limitations that make it difficult to handle the entire downsizing process alone. Professional services can also provide additional peace of mind and have the expertise to ensure a successful, stress-free move.

Tip #6: Make Downsizing Before a Move Fun

As a senior, downsizing before a move can be overwhelming and seem intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. With the right attitude and some creative thinking, you can make downsizing before a move fun! Start by getting rid of items that no longer bring you joy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, enlist the help of friends and family for support. They may even find something that they want to take off your hands.

Choose a Senior Living Option That Has Everything That You Need

Downsizing gets much easier if seniors move into care homes that have everything that they need. At Gardens Care, we try to anticipate what seniors need, from comfortable furniture to the right types of care. Call us at 303-566-1085 to discuss how our senior living homes are designed to provide everything seniors need.