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Downsizing Tips for Seniors Print E-mail
Seniors downsizing tipsDownsizing one's home can be very demanding physically, mentally and emotionally. This is the case especially for seniors as it involves a lot of planning, packing and letting go of emotional ties to the home.

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In This Article:

Reasons Why Seniors Downsize
Downsizing Tips



Why Do Seniors Downsize?

There are several reasons why seniors downsize. Most seniors want to move to a smaller home because they feel that their house is too big. When their kids move out and it becomes an empty nest, it becomes tougher and tougher to maintain a big house as they age. While some sell their house to move to a retirement community or other senior care facilities, there are others that prefer to move to a smaller house or apartment.

The decision to downsize is not an easy one. Moving to a new place is always hard to deal with especially with all the memories shared in the home over the years. However, the most challenging aspect is still packing, as most people would agree. It will be very tough to decide on which things to bring and which things to throw away, leave or sell. One has to accept that the new home will be smaller, therefore, it is impossible to bring all the things that have been accumulate over the years.


Here are some tips to make things less stressful and easier for seniors when it comes to downsizing:

1. Find out the layout for the new place in advance so you know how much space you have. This will help you decide on what will fit and things you can bring.

2. Sort wisely- Avoid clutter. Be sure to sort out the things you use and things you barely use or do not need.

3. Start with rooms that you use the least, as it will have less emotional attachments like attic, garage, bathroom, etc.

4. Keep a list to stay organized.

5. Determine the things to:
  • Keep
  • Give to family and friends
  • Sell/Donate or
  • Throw
6. Organize a family get-together so you can distribute your things among family members. Be sure to share your memories before giving them the item so they know and understand its importance. This will make them appreciate your generosity even more.

7. Take pictures of important things you will leave behind. This might make the "letting go" process much easier.

8. If you will be moving to an assisted living facility, cooking utensils and dinner plates will no longer be needed. Donating it to social services or other charitable organizations will be a good idea.

9. Use a senior moving company as they specialize in senior moving needs. They will help make the transition easier as most of these companies help in organizing and sorting of possessions. Check the Internet or Yellow Pages for listings.

10. Relax. Know that you planned well and made the right choice.



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