Downsizing for Seniors - By Michael Longsdon

Why Seniors Should Not Fear Downsizing Their Home


For many seniors, the idea of moving out of their comfortable, old house is hard to handle. Maybe then spent too many years in one place, or maybe they have concerns about the move itself. But downsizing to a smaller home makes sense for seniors. It can save them a lot of money, it's likely their older home is too big to clean and maintain properly anymore.


Knowledge is often a way to defeat fear, so knowing how to downsize can help seniors get through it. That means knowing how to sort through their belongings, how to pack, and why getting a moving company is a great idea.

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Knowing What To Keep
Downsizing offers a lot of benefits for seniors, but one tricky spot is sorting through a life's accumulation of possessions.When moving into a smaller space, there is less room for all of those beloved possessions. But deciding what to keep and what to get rid of can be difficult for seniors.  

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HGTV suggests first determining what’s necessary. Everything should have a purpose, so to help sort through things, determine what purpose these items serve. For example, that old VCR or dust-covered treadmill might not serve any purpose, which means it can go.


But instead of spending one or two days going through everything, Caring.com recommends focusing on one room or area at a time. Seniors often have built up an impressive collection of objects, especially if they live in a bigger house. It’s best to tackle one section at a time so it doesn’t get overwhelmed.
Tips For A Smooth Packing ExperienceOnce the sorting is complete, it’s time to start packing. Seniors can do this themselves, but it’s important to be smart about it.


Begin the process by focusing on small jobs at first. Instead of “I will pack my kitchen,” break that huge task down into smaller ones. Pack the unused appliances. Then go for dry goods, followed by plates and cups. By splitting things up like this, the packing process becomes more manageable.


American Senior Communities has a list of tips for seniors who are downsizing, including:

• Create a plan for what to pack and when.
  
• Start the packing process early to avoid being in a rush.
  
• Pack any mementos or heirlooms carefully.
  
• Clean rooms they are emptied.
  
• Create a “First Day” box with toiletries, basic tools, important documents, and the like.
  

Why Hiring Movers MattersAfter all of the sorting and packing, it's time to consider how to get everything into a new home. It's important for seniors to assess whether they can handle this type of job themselves or whether it's better to call in the professionals. More than likely, hiring movers is the best course of action. They are trained to do the heavy lifting and repetitive tasks, and they can do this more quickly and efficiently.


Start by contacting a few moving companies and ask some important questions like:

• Do they have experience moving seniors?
  
• Did they include everything in the estimate and is it clear?
  
• Do they have reviews or recommendations?
  

Downsizing Can Work For SeniorsIt will be difficult to leave a home behind, especially if it’s been in the family for many years, but downsizing is the optimal choice for seniors who need a more manageable lifestyle. By decluttering and winnowing down possessions, packing smartly, and hiring reputable movers, transitioning to a smaller home doesn’t have to be a difficult process. It can be the best decision a senior makes that paves the way for those enjoyable golden years.


- Contributed by Mike Longsdon, exclusively for Bryan Lincoln Real Estate
www.elderfreedom.net
[email protected]