5 Tips For Senior Downsizing
Senior Downsizing: The Upside to Downsizing Belongings
Over the course of life, we tend to accumulate a lot of belongings. Things we use. Things we collect. Things we wish to pass down to the next generation. Even things we just never got around to throwing away. Whether you’re looking to make a move to assisted living soon, or just wishing for more room in your residence, there are upsides to downsizing; and spring is a great time to get rid of clutter.
It can often be hard to let go of things we own. We have memories associated with our belongings, and we also remember how much those items cost us to purchase, these thoughts can get us down when downsizing. Yet it’s been estimated that 80 percent of what we own, we never use. And downsizing creates a calmer environment which reduces stress levels, saves time and money, and enhances a happier lifestyle. Celebrate the things in your life that help you live your life to its fullest. Remain positive and think of the good reasons for downsizing. Here are a few tips…
1. Focus on how free you’ll feel
Focus on the freer, more agile lifestyle you’ll have once you have less clutter and more space. Downsizing allows you to focus on the possessions you really value and need. These are the things you’ll be keeping. When you envision yourself living a leaner, more focused life, always keep yourself front-and-center and feel good about yourself.
2. Keep representative bits of favored items not all
Photos, memorabilia, and collections typically take up a great amount of space. Many services digitize images and papers for you for reasonable prices. Pick key photo prints — those that make you happiest — and display them on the walls; large tabletop displays take up too much precious space.
3. Share the joy now
If you’ve saved a special something over the years for a relative or someone else you care about, give it to them now, rather than waiting for the next holiday or milestone. Passing the item on during a quiet time between special events might even make for a more memorable moment, since weddings and holidays can often be hectic; the moment may be lost.
4. Donate items to charity
Giving belongings to a charitable organization helps seniors feel good about what they’re disposing of. Many seniors are from a generation in which they were taught not to waste and discarding belongings may feel like wasting. Making a donation is giving, not wasting. The main donation outlets include Goodwill, the Salvation Army, AmVets, and Purple Heart. Depending on your area, popular alternatives may include other charities or a local hospital.
5. Get help
Seniors should downsize with another person (a caregiver or loved one) to help them sort through what should stay and what should go. If the senior is moving, hiring a move manager may be a good idea. According to the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) hiring a move coordinator can be a great move in itself no matter how much assistance you need. Move managers can streamline the whole process from start to finish, or it can simply help you organize and create floor plans. If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, Tailored Transitions can help you.
If you’re presently seeking a senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community for yourself or a senior loved one, don’t forget to visit alternativesforseniors.com to assist your search. Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families. You can also call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747).