At first, preparing to downsize a home can seem like a big job—but it doesn’t have to be! When you’re getting ready to move to assisted living, it helps to keep a positive outlook. These communities are an excellent choice for older adults looking to live a happy, supported lifestyle. So break the move down into smaller steps, and try to:
- Plan for your new home
- Be practical, but flexible
- Try to minimize duplicates
- Hold onto precious belongings
- Think about hiring professionals
- Be positive!
1: Plan for Your New Home
When it’s time to think about downsizing, there’s an easy place to start: getting a floor plan of your future home from the community.
This can give you a clear understanding of exactly how much space you’re going to have in your future home. You can visualize how you want things laid out, and how your belongings are going to fit into place. Planning ahead is the key to making informed decisions about what to bring with you… and what to let go of.
If you’re more of a visual thinker, most senior living communities offer the chance to schedule tours ahead of time. This lets you see the available floor plans and get a better sense of how your new home will look and feel. Take advantage of this opportunity, and go in person to see what life is going to be like! Then you can have a realistic understanding of how you’ll lay out your future home.
2: Be Practical, Stay Flexible
Once you have a plan for the home, it can help to begin ruling out anything unnecessary. Start with the big question: will the home be furnished? Because, if so, you don’t need to worry about moving several couches, a TV stand, and an entire dining room set!
Instead, prioritize the things you’ll first need in your new living space, like:
- Bedding
- Toiletries
- Treasured belongings
- Decorations
But remember, you don’t have to be firm in your decisions—not yet. You’re human, after all! Give yourself time to think and reflect. Maybe you don’t use all those extra coffee mugs every day, but if you enjoy collecting them and they bring you joy, go ahead and pack them all. The goal is to create a space that reflects your personal tastes and preferences.
3: Try to Minimize Duplicates
We’re all guilty of hanging onto too much stuff, and downsizing provides the perfect opportunity to let go of duplicates. As you go through your belongings, ask yourself if you really need multiple items that serve the same purpose. Consider prioritizing quality over quantity and keeping the items that bring you the most joy or have the highest practical value. Instead of bringing several copies of tools or utensils, just grab the necessary amount!
Maybe there are a few outfits that you haven’t thought about in years, or an old tool chest sitting out in the garage full of screwdrivers and loose nails. Are you actually going to need that box of fishing lures, or the half-full cans of paint sitting on a shelf? Consider carefully, and if the answer is “no” then it’s time for them to go.
4: Hold Onto Precious Belongings
There’s an important thing to focus on, though. While downsizing always involves letting go of many possessions, don’t forget to hold onto things that hold sentimental value. These items are part of your life story and can bring comfort and joy to your new home. Whether it’s family heirlooms, photographs, a signed book from your favorite author, or mementos from special occasions, find ways to incorporate these cherished items into your downsized space.
Think about displaying your favorite things in a designated area, or set up a memory box where you can revisit these memories whenever you want. When you’re downsizing, you’re trying to get rid of the excess—not erase the meaningful moments from your home. So give yourself some slack, and bring along the things that make you happy.
5: Think About Hiring Professionals
Downsizing can be physically and emotionally challenging, which is why considering professional help can make the process smoother. Hiring a team of professional packers and movers can help reduce the stress of packing, and it makes sure your belongings are going to be handled with care. Plus, they’ll be able to help you make tough decisions and coordinate the logistics of the move itself.
Professional movers have the experience and expertise necessary to efficiently organize and transport your belongings to your new home. And who knows? They may even have advice on using your future space more efficiently! All in all, their assistance can save you time, energy, and emotional strain.
6: Be Positive!
Remember, downsizing to assisted living is an exciting new chapter in your life. Embrace the opportunity to simplify and create a living space that suits your needs and preferences. Surround yourself with the things that truly matter to you and let go of the rest.
If you’re assisted living, Bridge Senior Living is here to help. We believe in supporting each and every person in our communities. Contact us today to find a community and schedule a tour. We’re excited to meet you!
