How to Successfully Downsize

Author

Cherry Creek Retirement Village

Posted on

Sep 21, 2021

Book/Edition

Colorado - Denver Metro

At Century Park we understand that one of the most difficult challenges for seniors looking to move into a senior living community may be downsizing. Downsizing is the act of getting rid of items that have collected over the years that may not have a place in a new home. This can be an emotional process for our residents, so we work to provide them the resources they need to make this transition as simple as possible. Erica Starich, a representative from Senior Move Coordinators and guest speaker at Cherry Creek Retirement Center ,shares her wisdom on how to successfully downsize your stuff and upsize your living.
Downsizing is a word that can instantly bring a sense of being overwhelmed upon people, especially those who are about to embark on a transition from a home in which theyve created a lifetime of memories to a much smaller residence. Its a realization that its time to part with items accumulated over the years, and its a time to re-evaluate what is important right now.
Start with the three Ds of downsizing for the sorting process - diamonds, donate and dispose.
Diamonds items that bring us joy. They are precious to us, and we want to keep them, but just like diamonds, they are more rare. They dont include everything that we like, rather, these are the things we love. Its time to enjoy the finer things in life.
Donate Some items are no longer used and would be great to pass along to someone else. Items such as board games, extra kitchenware, clothes not worn in the past two years, extra sets of sheets (keep only the highest thread count). Think of your favorite charity for donation dont forget food pantries and animal shelters.
Dispose Other items are simply broken, have holes or cracks, are expired and trash. Remember that chemicals, TVs, mattresses and old prescriptions require special recycling, and documents may need to be shredded.
The next step is creating a timeline for the downsizing process. As overwhelm can quickly set in, it is recommended to break down the sorting into layers. Whether that be room-by-room, a closet in a room or even a drawer in a room, the key is to just get started. As you evaluate an item, decide which category the items falls into and have a box ready for donate and have a garbage bag ready for disposal.
Know that this feeling of being overwhelmed can be turned around into a feeling of release. It is a time to simplify and redistribute items to new homes where someone else can enjoy what you once enjoyed. It is a time to cherish the memories, be thankful for those experiences and know that you are about to create new memories. You will have more time and energy for the things you enjoy.
The more time you have for the downsizing process, the better. However, if this is a sudden event or something that is just too much to take on yourself, consider bringing in a third party such as a senior move manager.The National Association of Senior Move Managers has a directory seniors can use to find the right fit for their move. Visit their website to find a manager near you -nasmm.org/.These specialists have the compassion needed to help sort through your belongings, yet not the emotional attachment. They also have all the resources needed to help with finding new homes for your items. They also have the resources to help if your downsize transition is across the country.

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Should You Downsize in 2025?

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Senior Moving - Simplified

For many older adults, the thought of movingwhether its downsizing, relocating closer to family, or transitioning into a senior living communitycan feel overwhelming. Its not just about sorting through possessions and packing boxes. Its about leaving behind familiar spaces, making emotional decisions, and managing a physically and mentally exhausting process.Thats where move management comes in.What Is Move Management?Move management is a specialized service that supports individualsparticularly older adults and their familiesthrough every stage of the moving process. Unlike traditional moving companies that focus solely on transportation, move managers provide a holistic approach to relocation: helping to plan, downsize, organize, coordinate logistics, and even set up the new home.This kind of support can make all the difference between a stressful upheaval and a smoother, more manageable transition.What Does a Move Manager Do?A full-service move manager wears many hats. Services typically include:Planning and coordinationDeveloping a personalized moving plan and timeline, communicating with family members, coordinating with realtors or care communities, and ensuring all details are managed.Downsizing and declutteringHelping clients decide what to keep, donate, or sell, and providing emotional support when letting go of personal items with sentimental value.Packing and organizingManaging all packing materials and labor, and ensuring everything is packed logically and labeled clearly to ease the unpacking process.Move-day logisticsScheduling and overseeing trusted movers, keeping things on track, and addressing any last-minute issues that arise on moving day.Setting up the new homeUnpacking, arranging furniture, making beds, hanging art, and creating a comfortable, livable spaceso the new home feels familiar and welcoming from day one.Why Move Management MattersEspecially for SeniorsMoving at any stage of life can be a challenge. But for seniors, the process often involves unique obstacles. Heres how move management helps address them:The physical demandsLifting heavy boxes, bending, and sorting can be too much for older adultsespecially those managing health conditions. Move managers take on the physical work, reducing risk and strain.The emotional loadLeaving a longtime home can stir up grief, anxiety, or uncertainty. Move managers are trained to support clients through these feelings with empathy, patience, and encouragement.The complexity of logisticsCoordinating a move involves dozens of tasks, from forwarding mail and transferring utilities to working with multiple vendors. A move manager streamlines it all into a single, organized plan.The pressure of timeFamilies may be juggling work, caregiving, or living far away. A move manager can step in as a reliable partner, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks when time is tight.When Its Time to Ask for HelpWhether youre helping a parent move into a retirement community or planning your own downsize, its easy to feel overwhelmed by the details. Thats when bringing in support can make all the difference. Move management offers more than just logisticsit brings peace of mind to families during a major life transition.If youre not sure where to start or just need someone to take the reins, consider working with a move management professional, like WellRive. We specialize in senior move management, offering personalized support for older adults and their families throughout the DallasFort Worth area and surrounding communities. From organizing and packing to coordinating the move and setting up the new home, our team is here to help make each step feel a little lighter, and a lot more manageable.

Moving Made Easy: Simple Tips for Seniors

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