The need to downsize for most seniors seems to come knocking when the kids are grown adults and out of the house. This change often presents empty nesters with the task of decluttering and simplifying into a smaller space.
Experts at Lifehack.Org recommend starting with a minimal area to jump-start your progress. If not, approaching the project on a larger scale can easily become overwhelming – know that it will take time to sort through belongings, because it has taken time to accumulate your possessions overtime. Do not expect to have everything done in just one day. Downsizing is more effective when drawn-out throughout weeks or months as opposed a shorter time frame. Tips:
- Be cautious of procrastination. The transition to Assisted dwelling may be unexpected, do not wait to sort through items.
- Hold an annual spring-cleaning to regularly declutter, so it stays under control.
- Plan it out. Map out one isolated area and define a manageable weekly goal. Remember – progress is progress, no matter how small.
Step 1
Sort belongings into three distinct piles or containers that may be donated, kept or discarded. Avoid the questionable, fourth “maybe” pile, as this only leads to doubt, uncertainty, and a decline in steady progress. Use priority methods to weed out the first to go. Some of those items may be clothes that do not fit, dusty books long forgotten about on the shelf, or multiples of a particular item. If it does not “spark joy”, let it go. It’s acceptable to keep some things that might be not fundamental but are individually valued. However, if forced to discard of such items, remember that one man’s trash could be another man’s treasure.
Step 2
When downsizing, it’s important to consider the available storage in the new space. The majority of the time, space is limited, especially in assisted living communities. To effectively pair possessions down, inquire about the dimensions of your new space, if not previously given. Use this as a physical guideline as to how much you can take with you. For more difficult decisions, utilize the yes-no method. Ask yourself if it’s been used in over a year; if you can live without it, etc. Certain items can be reorganized or consolidated into smaller means of storage. For example, scrapbooking family photos can be a great way to preserve portraits while also taking up less space. This same trick can be repeated with music and movies. They can now fit onto digital devices for instant streaming for easier accessibility. For bills and mail, scale back unnecessary paper clutter by setting up bill pay through mobile or online banking.
Beware of hoarding behaviors. Many seniors may fall victim to a home that has become hazardous or even unsanitary. In some cases, this lifestyle is an intuitive indication for greater health concerns. For example, bills left unpaid or prescribed daily medications missed, these could all be warning signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. See physician if these problems continue or worsen.
Step 3
Discarded items should be, donated, sold, gifted, or recycled. To donate, the local library or school may happily accept those boxes filled with used books. Need some extra cash? A garage sale or placing objects online can help clear unwanted clutter while giving a new life to what was once old to you. Gift your sentimental heirlooms to relatives, to pass down to their relatives. When in doubt, always recycle to help protect our environment for future generations to come.
At a Regency Senior Retirement Village, residents are certainly welcome to decorate their new spaces,. This helps make for a less complicated transition from house to an Assisted living community. Whether it is decorative items too everyday necessities, surrounding ourselves with our “things” can go a long way to making it to feel like a home.
When considering downsizing, act early, so the transition to an Assisted Living home is as seamless as possible, where valuables transition to the brand new living main issue at the same time different possessions are sold or disposed of. For more tips, visit http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/15-9-5-senior-downsizing-tips/
Is it time to spend your golden years free from life’s stresses about home costs and upkeep? Take advantage of stress-free living and transfer to a Regency Senior Retirement community today. Call us today at (423) 581-7075 for more information!