Downsizing and preparing your home for a move to senior living can sometimes be overwhelming. Transitioning from a larger home to a smaller home or apartment takes time and may take a toll on your emotions. Fortunately, we have created a list of downsizing tips to help make the process easier and less stressful.
4 tips for downsizing to senior living
1. Take it slow — Have your packing supplies ready and focus on one room or area of the house at a time. 2.Sort it out — Stay organized by dividing items into categories such as:
- Keep – Items you use regularly and things with strong emotional value, like family photos and artwork
- Donate or gift – Salvation Army, Goodwill, churches, and families in need
- Sell – Useful items in good condition, like furniture, major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, and tools
- Throw away or recycle – Broken, damaged, or stained items that don’t fall into the other categories
3.Find a way to let go —Parting with treasured items can be emotional. To make the process easier, consider gifting to family or friends, donating to a worthy cause, or taking photos of these items.
4.Bring friends — Downsizing is more manageable and a bit more fun with friends and family to help and reminisce. They can also help keep you accountable and motivated to stick with your goals and moving day timeline.
Discover what to expect in a senior living community >>
What to bring with you to senior living
The community may provide you with a list, but just in case, plan for these items:
- Comfort items — Bring your favorite blanket, throw, pillows, sheets, bedspread, and clock.
- Personal care — Make sure you have a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, a shaving kit for men, and cosmetics for women. Include any other personal grooming items, in addition to several bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.
- Clothing — Bring clothes that are comfortable to wear and easy to get on and off. Also, bring rubber-soled shoes to help prevent falls. Don’t forget undergarments, pajamas, socks, a robe, slippers, and a light sweater or jacket.
- Favorites —Remember to bring your favorite snacks, books, and music to make it feel even more like home.
Moving day tips
Consider hiring professional movers to prevent mental and physical exhaustion during your move. Talk to the community’s senior living team for recommendations on the best movers in your area.
To help the day go smoothly, make sure to:
- Have everything ready — All new resident paperwork should be complete, and you’ve oriented yourself to the community and its policies.
- Set up your space — It’s one of the first things you should do. You’ll feel more at home and be ready to welcome all those new neighbors and friends.
- Connect — Senior living communities typically have new resident ambassadors (or some type of buddy system) to help you feel welcome. They’ll pair you with a person or persons who share similar interests or backgrounds to show you the ropes.
- Pick their brain — Keep in mind, the residents have been where you are and may have some tips from when they first moved. And it’s a great conversation starter!
- Enjoy your first meal — Even if you’ve visited before, that first meal as a resident can be stressful. Have a family member join you, sit with your resident ambassador, or both to take the edge off as you meet and talk with new friends and neighbors.
Keep your eye on the prize: an active lifestyle
During this significant life transition, keep your mind focused on the prize: a new maintenance-free and active lifestyle where you’ll enjoy more independence and a better quality of life. You can look forward to opportunities to meet new friends, engage in activities that interest you, and pursue wellness activities to maintain or improve your health.
Remember to make your space feel like home by bringing your favorite items, like a chair, lamp, collection, or other object that you love and will provide you comfort as you adjust to the new environment. Surround yourself with things that are most meaningful, and don’t forget the family photos, albums, and scrapbooks to share with your new neighbors and friends.
Are you ready to explore senior living?
Download our free guide, “Choosing the Right Senior Living Community,” for a step-by-step resource on how to make an informed decision about senior living. You’ll learn how to do online research, review testimonials, understand costs, create a budget, and what questions to ask and what to look for during a tour.