Seniors may experience mixed emotions when they have to downsize their home.  You will need to take note of these  steps if you plan on helping a relative or friend with their senior move.

Senior Moving Help

Take Time Off to Reduce Your Stress Level

It is a slow process. Seniors shouldn’t expect that they will be able mentally and physically to prepare for a move within a matter of weeks. Professional organizers say, “It will take time. It will take more than you think.” That home has been occupied for over 20 years won’t be easy to empty. Start cleaning the house now to reduce stress and anxiety associated with a major move. Do not wait until the last minute.

Do not be afraid to ask for help

It can be difficult to downsize. Don’t be afraid asking for help. Hire moving helpers like Brunswick Organizing Solutions if you have the money. Ask your family and friends who you trust and aren’t judgmental.

Some Organization Rules Should Be Implemented

It will make it easier to downsize. We advise that you create rules to help you get things done faster and with more assistance. For example, all expired makeup and pantry items can be thrown out. Anything in bad condition, such as rusted, damaged, or ripped, will be thrown out. All duplicates will be reduced to one.

Keep an Eye on What You Should Keep

Your new home will be smaller so you will need to be clear about what you can and cannot bring. Make sure that what you are planning to move can fit into your new home. We recommend that seniors create a floor plan, which will include all furniture they are thinking of moving. Also confirm that it will fit in the new home before moving it.

Part with those “What If” Items

According to Jenny Albertini (founder of Declutter DC), we all keep things in our homes for the purpose of using them for a future project or for the hope of a past passion for a hobby returning to us. It’s important not to dwell on the “what ifs”. Now is the right time to get rid of anything that hasn’t been used, fixed or enjoyed in recent months. It can be stressful to downsize and transition to the next phase of your life. However, you can take this opportunity to get rid of clutter and other non-priority items from your home.

Donate to Causes You Care about

Many seniors who are moving out of their homes will need to donate all belongings that they don’t wish to pass on to family and friends. Donate to causes you’re passionate about. Is there a local emergency such as a fire or flood that would benefit from your donations? If you’re interested, you can visit the organization in person. Visiting a charity helps you see the items going to a good home. Sometimes, people will let go of their stuff if they know it will be loved.

We advise that seniors should not assume their loved ones will want one more item in their home. She says that your items may be discarded by people, particularly younger generations. Heirlooms and personal items have more value than banks collections.

Photographic Memories: Keep on Hold

Seniors may still choose to preserve special moments and memories. There are many options to keep photos and t-shirts safe and secure. Consider photo frames. It will bring us a lot joy. A sentimental quilt can be made that you love, but is also practical.

You can record a video of the space you are about to leave if you so desire! We encourage family members to walk through the house and create a video for their loved ones. Take a tour of the home and tell your family about your favorite stories about the home.

Say Goodbye To Anything That Makes You Feel Embarrassed

The book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” is a good book for senior downsizing preparation. Don’t let the title scare you! This book offers many useful ways to explain why it’s important to emotionally address our issues before we become too old to handle the task on our own. One category of items the author suggests dealing with is ‘dangerous and secret things’. These are items that could embarrass or cause problems for you or your loved ones. If the item is an embarrassment, you can dispose of them on your own or throw them off a bridge.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions has the experience you need to help you downsize. Call us today to make the move run smoothly. We can provide the boxes and help you sort, organize  and decide what needs to go.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-429-8158

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-477-3768