Senior downsizing is an inevitable part of life for many. Most seniors are aware that a day will come when they will need to downsize, either to cut costs, simply their lifestyle, get closer to their grand kids, or to deal with their medical needs. It’s often a tolling and stressful process – both physically and emotionally. However, it does not need to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to make downsizing easier.

Tips For Simpler Senior Downsizing

Begin Early

Spend a lot of time in this phase because it will always take much longer than expected. Take as much time as you can and don’t sort through your things in a rush by just spending a single weekend, or worse, just one day. A few weeks to a month is a much more realistic timeline. Deal with one room at a time and make sure to take breaks.

Go through all your things and make sure to give each one your own attention for at least a few seconds. It will also help if you create a decision making process since you’re no learning how to concentrate and choose. Downsizing will be much less stressful if you don’t rush things.

Start Small

You most likely know which items you want to get rid of in the garage or kitchen, However, you should avoid tackling these rooms right away. Keep in mind that you have several years worth of belongings to go through. Begin in an area where there’s less emotional attachment. Some good options are the linen closet and the laundry room. You should understand your needs, too. If you are moving in a house that has two bedrooms, having four sheets is enough. You don’t need the rest. The hardest rooms to tackle are the basements, attics, and garages because it’s where boxes, old hobbies, and clutter tend to accumulate.

Get rid of Rooms You Won’t Have In Your New House

If you’re moving to a town home or an apartment, you may not have an office space or garage. Almost everything in those spaces have to be donated, sold, tossed, or relocated to different rooms. These areas may also be good items for garage sales or consignment, outdoor tools and nice office furniture are much more valuable than old mattresses or sofas.

Get rid of Duplicates

You will find a lot of duplicates in your kitchen and now is the time to declutter. If you’re not comfortable at giving out that second roasting pan since you love to use it every holiday, then give it to a grandchild or a child who could bring it with them during the holidays and take it with them when they go home.

Don’t Make A Maybe Pile, Just Yes and No Piles

As you go through years of belongings, some things will tug your heartstrings and you may be tempted to create a third pile of things that you would like to keep if you have space. Do not do it. You will only wind up having a pile of that’s bigger than your yes and no piles. Once that happens, you’re sorting progress will mean nothing. Check every item you pick up. If you’re using it regularly then you can keep it. If you haven’t used it for more than a year then it should go. If you need professional assistance, you can always hire moving help.

Call now and let our professional organizers help you with your senior downsizing. Our team will make the experience simple and hassle free.

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Leland, NC 28451
910-477-3768
https://www.getorganizednc.com/

Brunswick Organizing Solutions
Shallotte, NC 28470
910-477-3768

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

Cities Served
Leland, Wilmington, Shallotte, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Southport, Bolivia, St. James, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Castle Hayne, Burgaw – Brunswick and Horry County