Knowing how to navigate downsizing doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for seniors. If you’re preparing to move as a senior, you’ll want to take an organized approach. That means being practical with your packing list – and asking others for help.
Don’t start packing until you’ve established a plan. Read more below for a helpful guide about senior transitions!
Evaluate Your New Space
When you’re wondering how to downsize for seniors, start by looking at where you’ll be moving. To do so, you’ll want to consider your new home:
- Square footage
- Layout
- Amenities
If you’re moving to a space with half the square footage of your current home, for instance, you’ll need to make significant cuts to your belongings. You may not need two end tables or a coffee table, for example.
If your current home has plush, oversized furniture, you may need to opt for trimmer furniture pieces instead. Check the floor plan of your new space to help avoid overcrowding it. Plan on creating walking lanes and open spaces so the individual rooms and spaces feel more open.
Don’t forget to look at the amenities that come with your new home, too. You may have built-in dressers, for instance, so you won’t need to haul one from your current home. Or you may have access to a microwave in a kitchenette, which means you won’t need to bring your own microwave.
Perhaps you’ll have access to arranged meals in a community cafeteria. In that scenario, you may not need to bring as many food provisions. You’ll be able to access nutritious and balanced meals easily!
Determine Your Essential Items
Have you made a downsizing checklist? If not, it’s time to create one before you get too invested in packing. Otherwise, you could end up packing and loading items that won’t fit in your new home. Doing this wastes time and energy.
You’ll want to go room-by-room to determine which items need to make the move with you. Consider adding the following items to your essentials list:
- Toiletries
- Clothing
- Dishes and flatware
- Select furniture
You’ll need clothing and toiletries when you move, but you won’t need as many of each. If you have duplicate shirts, for instance, eliminate some to free up more space. Trim bulky sweaters from your collection and remove excess dishes.
Make sure to downsize your decorative items, as well. Don’t bring area rugs, as they pose a tripping hazard in a smaller space. Likewise, with less counter space, you may not have as much room for decorative vases or other objects.
Analyze Sentimental Items
No downsizing guide is complete without addressing keepsakes. While it’s important to be selective with what you take to your new home, you shouldn’t get rid of everything with sentimental value.
In fact, retaining important keepsakes can help make the transition easier. Having a cherished photo on the wall or family dishes on display can be a welcome reminder of your history. Sentimental items may include:
- Family photo albums
- Quilts or blankets
- Artwork
Look into storage bins that can accommodate smaller heirlooms. That way, you can display some while keeping others preserved safely. You can even change your displays from time to time in your new space.
To help save space, consider digitizing some of your sentimental items. If you have older documents or photos in an album, for instance, you can convert them to digital files. Then, you can access them whenever you want using a computer or tablet and share them with your new friends.
Consider Frequency of Use
When it comes to downsizing tips for seniors, a big one is to ask how often you use a given item. If you haven’t worn a sweater in over a year, for instance, it might be time to get rid of it. Similarly, serving dishes or mugs that aren’t seeing regular use should go in your giveaway pile.
Paring down your belongings can make the moving process less overwhelming. You won’t be confronted with too much stuff on the other side of your move. When you’ve determined what to leave behind, you can:
- Give it to family or friends
- Donate the items
- Throw away the items
You may have friends or grandchildren who could benefit from your old furniture. And donating items to local organizations is an excellent way to support your local community.
Know that not everything can be donated, however. It may be advisable to rent a dumpster to throw away bulky items. Enlist a friend or family member to help with any heavy lifting.
Get Input from Loved Ones
Finally, it’s always wise to consult with loved ones for help with senior living downsizing. Trusted friends and family can help with:
- Decision-making challenges
- Arranging moving help
- Emotional support
Loved ones can offer a more objective voice if you’re struggling to part with items or unsure what to do. After all, sometimes it can be hard to part with belongings. In some instances, they may be able to hold on to certain heirlooms for you.
And, of course, family and friends can lend a helping hand with the more physical aspects of the moving process. They can help coordinate moving services, if needed. They also can vet moving companies to facilitate a smoother process.
Once you’ve made the move, your loved ones also will be eager to help your new apartment feel like home. From hanging beloved artwork to choosing the right throw pillows, they’ll help you make a cozy and inviting space. Then you’ll feel comfortable and ready to embark on a new adventure!
Make Senior Transitions Easier
Senior transitions can go more smoothly with an organized approach. Assess your new space to determine what furniture and belongings are essential to pack. Then pare down sentimental items and work with loved ones to arrive at your packing list.
At TerraBella Northridge, we provide Raleigh residents with a dynamic and caring senior living community. Our compassionate staff ensures that you have the level of care you need alongside a full slate of enriching activities. Contact us today to learn more!
