Moving Soon? How to “Rightsize” Your Life Like a Pro
Bradford Square Retirement Community
Nov 08, 2022
Florida - Southwest
Email US
Click to Email Us
A move is a perfect time to sort through your belongings and let go of what you no longer need, use or love. In essence, it’s the right time to “rightsize.” If you’re like many seniors who are choosing to simplify your life and move to a smaller space, you may be needing to let go of half or more of your things. That can sound a bit overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can keep your favorite half and surround yourself with the things that truly bring you joy.
To get you off to a good start, we turned to subject matter expert Jeannine Bryant. She’s the owner of Changing Spaces SRS and the author of Ready to Rightsize? A Step-by-step Guide to Your Rightsizing Journey: For Older Adults and Their Loved Ones. She literally wrote the book on the topic, and along with her team of certified senior move managers, Jeannine has helped hundreds of seniors and their families through the downsizing and moving process – including some of our residents at Resort Lifestyle Communities.
We had the privilege of connecting with Jeannine personally, and she shared some of her best advice on rightsizing.
Q: What’s the difference between “downsizing” and “rightsizing”?
A: Rightsizing is about more than just downsizing. It’s finding that perfect place between too much and too little. It’s striking a balance and having the “right” amount of house, and stuff, for your needs and your lifestyle.
Q: How should someone begin the process of decluttering?
A: Start small! This process will take time. If you’re planning a move, we always recommend starting with a floorplan of your new space and measuring your current furniture to help you determine what will fit and what will not. Once you have decided on furniture, you can start sorting out the “little stuff.”
Begin with clothing and kitchen items. Remember to respect the limits of your new space. Bring only the amount of kitchen items that will fit in your new kitchen, and only as many clothes as will fit in your new closet. This is where the power of counting can come in handy. Counting the number of coffee cups, sweaters, and pairs of shoes that you plan to keep can help you keep a healthy perspective. Rather than despairing about the number of items you need to let go of, you focus on how many items you have room to keep.
Q: What tends to be the most difficult item to let go of, and what’s your best advice?
A: Sentimental items can be some of the most difficult to let go of. Glassware and china that’s passed down from a parent or grandparent can be a challenge. Oftentimes it’s not being used, so keeping it is not always practical. If younger family members don’t want the items (which is often the case), it’s okay to release them. You can either sell or donate the items.
The best advice when tackling sentimental items is to reframe the way you look at them. Remember that memories and love and stuff are not the same things. Simply letting go of an item that belonged to a loved one will not erase memories of them. Your love for family members cannot be contained in a mere crystal bowl or china teacup.
Q: What’s your favorite tip for someone moving into a retirement community like RLC?
A: Respect the limits of your space. When downsizing, it can be easy to bemoan the lack of storage space (as it compares to your current living situation), but a much more effective tactic is to reframe the transition. This is an opportunity to let go of anything and everything you don’t truly need or use or love. How freeing!
And, when you release those items (either by selling or donating), you are blessing others in your community who can utilize those things that were sitting unused in your former home. It’s a win-win!
Q: How do you know if you’ve truly rightsized before a move?
A: You’ll know you’ve rightsized when you’ve released the items that you no longer use and no longer love. When you can look around and realize you have everything you need, plus a few things you truly love and want to display, that is what a rightsized life looks like!
***
Special thanks to Jeannine for sharing her professional advice. If you’re interested in her book, Ready to Rightsize? A Step-by-step Guide to Your Rightsizing Journey: For Older Adults and Their Loved Ones, you can order it here.
We’re also offering a free download of her Power of Counting worksheet below. This simple tool can be extremely eye-opening as you discover just how much stuff you really have.
If you’d like to see what a rightsized, resort-style life looks like, let us give you a personal tour of an RLC community near you.
Other Articles You May Like
Memory Care in Fort Myers: A Compassionate Haven at Amavida
When a loved one is living with dementia or Alzheimers disease, finding the right care is essential. At Amavida, we are proud to provide exceptional Memory Care services in Fort Myers, FL. Our tight-knit community is designed to bring peace of mind to both residents and their families, offering a supportive, nurturing environment where individuals thrive.Comprehensive Dementia Care in Fort MyersAmavida is more than just a Memory Care facilityits a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing quality of life. Situated in the heart of Lee County, our secure neighborhood provides a safe and enriching environment, blending compassionate care with thoughtfully designed spaces to meet the unique needs of residents with dementia or Alzheimers.Heres what sets Amavida apart:Highly Trained Staff: Our caregivers are experts in dementia care, offering personalized attention and heartfelt support 24/7.Individualized Care Plans: Each resident benefits from a tailored approach that ensures their physical, emotional, and social needs are met.Engaging Activities: Daily life-affirming programs promote well-being, prolong daily functioning, and maintain a sense of purpose and dignity.Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care ProgramAt the core of our Memory Care services is the award-winning Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care Program. This success-focused, highly individualized approach celebrates every aspect of a residents life, fostering dignity, pride, and improved self-esteem.Key features of the program include:Personalized care that honors each residents life story, preferences, and needs.Daily activities designed to enhance physical and emotional well-being.A nurturing environment that promotes self-worth and overall health.Families also find comfort in this program, as it helps them step back into their roles as loving friends or family members, allowing for more relaxed and meaningful connections.A Safe and Connected NeighborhoodAmavidas secure Memory Care community is designed to keep residents safe while encouraging them to stay engaged with the world around them. From beautifully landscaped outdoor areas to cozy indoor spaces, every element supports a sense of calm and connection.Family Involvement and SupportWe understand that family involvement is crucial. Thats why we offer:Regular family events to celebrate milestones and moments together.Open visiting hours to foster meaningful connections.Communication channels that keep families informed and engaged in their loved ones care.Our central location in Fort Myers also makes it easy for family members to visit and stay involved, reinforcing the vital bond between residents and their loved ones.Peace of Mind You DeserveChoosing Memory Care at Amavida means entrusting your loved one to a community that values dignity, respect, and quality of life. Our compassionate approach ensures that residents receive the care they need in a place that feels like home.Explore Our Floor PlansAmavida offers beautifully furnished models to provide design ideas and inspiration for your loved ones new home. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed to create a comfortable, welcoming space.Schedule a Visit TodayContact us at 239-544-3986 to learn more about Amavida Memory Care or to schedule your personal tour. Discover why families trust us as the premier destination for Memory Care in Fort Myers, FL.
Assisted Living at Amavida: A New Standard of Care in Fort Myers
Choosing the right Assisted Living community is an important decision, and at Amavida, we make that choice simple. Designed to provide residents with dignity, comfort, and a vibrant lifestyle, Amavida offers a perfect balance of independence and support. With spacious apartments, resort-quality amenities, and a higher level of care, Amavida sets the standard for Assisted Living in Fort Myers.A Community That Feels Like HomeSpacious and Stylish ApartmentsAt Amavida, youll enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own beautifully designed apartmentlarger than most in the area. Choose from a variety of floor plans that best fit your needs and preferences. Each residence features:Exquisite finishes and fixturesA kitchenette for added convenienceLarge walk-in closets for extra storageLooking for inspiration? Tour our fully furnished models to see how your apartment can reflect your unique style.Dignified Support, 24/7Amavidas compassionate Assisted Living staff is available around the clock to provide dignified support tailored to your individual needs. Our services include assistance with:Bathing, shaving, and dressingWalking and diningMedication remindersAs a Limited Nursing Services (LNS) licensed community, Amavida can offer a higher level of care than many typical Assisted Living communities. This means youll have the peace of mind knowing you or your loved one will receive the support they needwithout compromise.Resort-Quality AmenitiesWhen you live at Amavida, you gain access to an exceptional lifestyle that includes:Engaging activities and events designed to inspire connection and joyBeautifully maintained grounds for outdoor relaxationOn-site dining and entertainment options to enhance your day-to-day experienceNo Large Entrance FeesUnlike some senior living communities, Amavida does not require large entrance fees. Instead, youll enjoy transparent pricing that allows you to focus on what matters most: living your best life.Call 239-544-3986 to inquire about pricing and schedule your personalized tour today.Uncommon Assisted LivingAt Amavida, Assisted Living is more than just careits about creating a place where you feel empowered to live life to the fullest. From spacious apartments to dedicated support, everything we offer is designed to give you the peace of mind and vibrant lifestyle you deserve.Dont waitschedule your appointment today and discover why so many people wish they had joined the Amavida family sooner.
Independent Senior Living in Fort Myers: The Amenities You Want
When it comes to independent senior living, Amavida in Fort Myers offers a lifestyle that is anything but ordinary. Designed for active seniors who seek adventure, engagement, and relaxation, Amavida provides a variety of amenities to ensure residents thrive in a vibrant community. Heres an in-depth look at what makes Amavida stand out.As a Resident of Amavida, Youll Never Be Bored!Amavida is not just a place to liveits a place to flourish. From exciting activities to top-notch fitness facilities, every aspect of life here is tailored to meet your needs and preferences. Whether youre looking for social opportunities, hobbies to explore, or fitness goals to achieve, Amavida has it all.Independent Living Amenities at AmavidaActivitiesStaying active is easy with an array of engaging opportunities, including:Bocce ball, tennis, pickleball, basketball, and a gold putting courseOutdoor pursuits like canoeing, bicycle riding, nature walks, and fishingEntertainment options such as live music, dancing, movie nights, trivia, and lecturesCreative outlets in a fully equipped arts studio with guided arts & crafts, open art sessions, and instructor-led classesSocial and recreational activities like bingo, bridge, poker, and gamesOpportunities for enrichment with worship services, book clubs, and support groupsClubs, Committees, and Social EngagementsGet involved with a welcoming and inclusive community through:The Welcome Committee, Volunteer Committee, and Lifestyle CommitteeSpecial interest groups like the Train Club, Theater Club, and Art ClubBible study, the Amavida Chorale, and the Low Vision Support GroupA bustling calendar of guided events and gatherings designed for residentsFitness and WellnessAmavidas fitness facilities cater to all levels of activity, offering:A full fitness center with state-of-the-art equipmentBocce ball, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courtsInstructor-led classes including yoga, water aerobics, circuit training, balance & agility, and seated exercisesOn-site physical and speech therapy for tailored rehabilitationA focus on holistic wellness with activities designed to boost physical and mental healthLive the Life You Deserve at AmavidaAt Amavida, independent senior living means having access to everything you need to lead a fulfilling, active, and enriched life. Whether youre looking to connect with others, develop a new hobby, or maintain a healthy lifestyle, Amavida has the amenities and opportunities to make it happen.Experience the vibrant, resort-style living that sets Amavida apart. Schedule a visit today to see for yourself why so many seniors are proud to call Amavida home.Enhance your lifestyle with Amavidaa community that celebrates independence, fosters connections, and offers endless possibilities!
Local Services By This Author
Bradford Square Retirement Community
Independent Living 3255 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, Florida, 34109Bradford Square Retirement Community, located in Naples, Florida, is the perfect choice for seniors seeking worry-free living in a luxurious setting. As Naples's independent living leader for seniors, Bradford Square offers all-inclusive, 55-plus senior living with 24/7 service, resort-style dining, and beautiful accommodations. Our community is known for its breathtaking sunsets, choice shopping, beautiful beaches, and world-class golf, making it an ideal setting for our residents.At Bradford Square, we pride ourselves on providing a vibrant and engaging lifestyle for our residents. From our spacious floor plans to our exceptional amenities, every aspect of our community is designed to enhance the lives of those who call Bradford Square home. Our residents enjoy a wide range of activities and amenities, including games, travel, exercise, movies, and more. Our on-site dining options offer a variety of delicious meals, including a full lunch and dinner menu with a choice of two entrees, two soups, and a full salad bar.Interested in learning more about our luxury retirement community? Schedule a personal tour today to see for yourself why Bradford Square is the premier choice for independent senior living in Naples.