Downsizing evokes different emotions; parting with some possessions feels jarring, but donating or throwing away other items creates an exhilarating moment of lightness. The Senior Moves team understands that moving and downsizing elicit numerous emotions.
Our team is often tasked with helping clients decide what to keep. However, there is one rule we often follow in managing the organization of possessions. We believe that items that bring happiness are worth saving, but we also know that some clients have many cherished items. To help understand how to keep what you love during a move, use our guide to discover the items that bring true joy.
Table of Contents:
How Senior Moves Saves Mementos
What to Do With Old Letters and Cards? We Can Create a Book
Digitize Photos: How Tech Saves Cherished Photos
Saving Handmade Items and Artwork
Memory Quilt Ideas
Knick Knacks: How Senior Moves Organizes Tiny Treasures
Exhibit a Personal Collection
Books are Priceless
Key Takeaways:
The items that are beloved should always make a move. The Senior Moves team creates organizational strategies to allow clients to keep what they love.
Downsizing does not equate to throwing out all possessions. The process of downsizing requires a mindful understanding of what to keep and what to donate or discard. While every client’s case is unique, the Senior Moves team helps all clients uncover what items to keep and move to their new home.
Several items/mementos are standard “keepers.” These items include:
● Favorite books
● Photos and photo albums
● Notes, cards, and letters from friends, family, and loved ones
● Special clothing items (from children)
● Handmade crafts and artwork
● Personal collections
● Knick knacks with a special meaning
Every saved item must have a space, and possessions should not clutter a home. Any item can be saved, and the Senior Moves team works to find a home for each item. This space can be a shelf, an area of the wall, or even a more creative solution.
If a cherished item brings joy, our team wants clients to keep that item. However, any item that takes up space but isn’t used or cherished might be better off in a donation bin or left out for the trash pick-up.
When a client chooses to keep any item, we aim to find a strategy for organizing, storing, or displaying it. Senior Moves uses creative solutions that help ensure that items can be saved without sacrificing space or organization.
Many clients have an abundant collection of old letters and cards. What do you do with these treasured mementos? Again, when every item needs space, organizing all correspondence into order sometimes necessitates creativity.
One simple solution for organizing these items is to create a memory book. Large retailers like Walmart and Target offer three-ring binders and clear page protectors that can be used to create a book for storing cards, letters, and other written memories. Our team helps create these books for clients, saving these precious items.
Years ago, photos were printed and stored in envelopes or photo albums. In today’s digital world, these photos can be scanned and saved to a device. In addition, photo albums can be printed with digital photos. Transforming hard-copy images into digital files saves space and time.
Photo collages or framed photos also enable clients to save the images and create unique artwork for their walls. Collages can be themed for anniversaries, vacations, birthdays, etc. In addition, digital picture frames exhibit a collection of images; these pictures scroll in the frame, allowing guests and visitors to see various cherished images.
Children often create handmade artwork and crafts as gifts to their parents or grandparents. These unique pieces serve as tactile memories. Artwork and drawings are collected into extensive collections, and choosing a few favorites for framing might be necessary.
Thanks to digital technology, all of those masterpieces can be saved. The team at Senior Moves can photograph each drawing, painting, or craft and digitally preserve it.
A memory quilt is designed from special garments; these quilts include the clothing of a lost loved one, while others are created from t-shirts or jerseys from a child’s youth. Memory quilts also allow individuals to keep special baby blankets and garments in a meaningful way. Small pieces of clothing create the patches used to make the quilt, which can be draped on beds, sofas, or even displayed on a wall.
Senior Moves helps clients preserve special clothing and linens by working with companies and individuals who create these unique quilts.
An individual’s interest might lead them to amass a collection of items. We have seen many unique collections through the years and understand the dedication and joy that collections bring. Some clients collect vintage records, baseball cards, figurines, or model cars, and collections can also align with a theme. For example, a collection focusing on the individual’s interest in elephants might feature plush animals, statues, jewelry, or even lamps.
If a collection brings joy, we help you move it! We focus on creating a solution for storing or exhibiting the collection, ensuring it fits into the new home. We can even create a designated space that accommodates for more additions to a still-growing collection.
Many of our clients save knick knacks they received from friends and family or tiny treasures that they purchased during a vacation. Knick knacks are those little statues, figurines, or items displayed on shelves, mantles, bookshelves, and nightstands.
Over the decades, these tiny items grow in number. By the time seniors need to move or downsize, knick-knacks might be displayed in every room in the home. Should they all be saved and moved to a new space?
Knick knacks are tricky possessions. These tiny items hold many memories, some with more meaning than others. If knick-knack collections are extensive, we might recommend that our clients only take the most meaningful items. However, there are always exceptions.
Some clients have space for all their tiny treasures and are adamant about keeping all these memories. If every tiny figure holds joy, we work with clients to find a solution to move them to the next place. Again, creativity can be key. Floating shelves or display cases can store these treasures.
Avid readers and book lovers do not need to donate all the books in their library. Books are bound reminders of characters and adventures that transported the mind to another place and time. Personal book libraries can be vast, overflowing on many bookcases and shelves, spilling out of boxes, and hiding in drawers.
In some cases, not all of a client’s bound adventures can move to another home. Yet, the Senior Moves team believes that a client’s favorite books should always make a move. While choosing which books to donate and which books to keep can be difficult, the decision simplifies when our clients understand that donated books always enjoy another life.
Senior Moves always recommends keeping any autographed book, rare or higher-priced hardback books, and any book an individual wants to read repeatedly. We all have a favorite book; you don’t have to part with yours!
Yes, Goodwill accepts books for donation. However, the Senior Moves team can also find other organizations for book donations. We also help our clients create book displays to keep the books they love!
Senior Moves has years of experience with organizing collectibles and creating beautiful displays. Trust us to showcase the collections, knick-knacks, and items that make you happy. We will find a place for everything you want to keep.
Memory quilts incorporate different articles of clothing, old blankets, and other textile items to create a meaningful quilt. The Senior Moves team will help find trusted individuals experienced in creating these beautiful quilts.
The Senior Moves team has a process for digitizing old photos to preserve them forever. We help every client keep all photos organized and help create photo albums to showcase all these memories.
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
Senior Moves is a dedicated and compassionate moving service specializing in helping seniors transition to new homes or senior living communities. Founded in 2007, our team of experienced senior move managers provides comprehensive support to make the moving process as smooth and stress-free as possible.We understand that leaving a 'forever' home can be an emotional journey for seniors. Our team works closely with families and seniors to manage every aspect of the relocation, offering not just logistical support but also emotional guidance. Whether seniors are moving due to downsizing, health reasons, or the loss of a loved one, Senior Moves is there to lend a helping hand and a comforting heart.Our services include:Estate & Downsizing Specialists: We help evaluate and organize possessions, ensuring that only the most cherished items make the move. We assist with donating, selling, or discarding items that won't transition to the new home.Packing & Unpacking Services: We handle the time-consuming and often physically challenging task of packing and unpacking. Our team carefully organizes and categorizes items to make settling into a new home easier and more efficient.Senior Moving Services: On moving day, we oversee the entire process from start to finish. We coordinate with contractors, supervise the loading and unloading of moving trucks, and ensure that everything is done quickly and efficiently, so seniors can focus on adjusting to their new environment.At Senior Moves, we build meaningful relationships with our clients, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout the moving process. Whether you need full move management from start to finish or just assistance with packing, Senior Moves is here to help every step of the way. Our goal is to provide comfort, care, and convenience, making every move a positive and stress-free experience for seniors and their families.
Senior Moves is a dedicated and compassionate moving service specializing in helping seniors transition to new homes or senior living communities. Founded in 2007, our team of experienced senior move managers provides comprehensive support to make the moving process as smooth and stress-free as possible.We understand that leaving a 'forever' home can be an emotional journey for seniors. Our team works closely with families and seniors to manage every aspect of the relocation, offering not just logistical support but also emotional guidance. Whether seniors are moving due to downsizing, health reasons, or the loss of a loved one, Senior Moves is there to lend a helping hand and a comforting heart.Our services include:Estate & Downsizing Specialists: We help evaluate and organize possessions, ensuring that only the most cherished items make the move. We assist with donating, selling, or discarding items that won't transition to the new home.Packing & Unpacking Services: We handle the time-consuming and often physically challenging task of packing and unpacking. Our team carefully organizes and categorizes items to make settling into a new home easier and more efficient.Senior Moving Services: On moving day, we oversee the entire process from start to finish. We coordinate with contractors, supervise the loading and unloading of moving trucks, and ensure that everything is done quickly and efficiently, so seniors can focus on adjusting to their new environment.At Senior Moves, we build meaningful relationships with our clients, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout the moving process. Whether you need full move management from start to finish or just assistance with packing, Senior Moves is here to help every step of the way. Our goal is to provide comfort, care, and convenience, making every move a positive and stress-free experience for seniors and their families.
Senior Moves is a dedicated and compassionate moving service specializing in helping seniors transition to new homes or senior living communities. Founded in 2007, our team of experienced senior move managers provides comprehensive support to make the moving process as smooth and stress-free as possible.We understand that leaving a 'forever' home can be an emotional journey for seniors. Our team works closely with families and seniors to manage every aspect of the relocation, offering not just logistical support but also emotional guidance. Whether seniors are moving due to downsizing, health reasons, or the loss of a loved one, Senior Moves is there to lend a helping hand and a comforting heart.Our services include:Estate & Downsizing Specialists: We help evaluate and organize possessions, ensuring that only the most cherished items make the move. We assist with donating, selling, or discarding items that won't transition to the new home.Packing & Unpacking Services: We handle the time-consuming and often physically challenging task of packing and unpacking. Our team carefully organizes and categorizes items to make settling into a new home easier and more efficient.Senior Moving Services: On moving day, we oversee the entire process from start to finish. We coordinate with contractors, supervise the loading and unloading of moving trucks, and ensure that everything is done quickly and efficiently, so seniors can focus on adjusting to their new environment.At Senior Moves, we build meaningful relationships with our clients, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout the moving process. Whether you need full move management from start to finish or just assistance with packing, Senior Moves is here to help every step of the way. Our goal is to provide comfort, care, and convenience, making every move a positive and stress-free experience for seniors and their families.