Tips for Downsizing and Moving to a Senior Living Community
For many people, moving to a senior living community means downsizing your home. Moving from a large space into a smaller one can be daunting and emotional because you need to decide what items to keep and which to give away. However, consolidating your belongings doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Here are some tips to help you downsize with ease before moving into senior living.
Keep Tabs on Your Most Treasured Belongings
Think about which items you can't live without. We recommend making a list to help you keep track of what you want to keep. A list also provides a visual of how much you plan to take with you and make adjustments based on how much space you have in your new home.
Separate fine jewelry, family memorabilia, special paintings, and other important items from all your other things. You don't want anything precious to get broken or mixed up with the things you are parting with. Keep treasured items safe by storing them at a family member's home or a storage unit until you can safely transport everything to your senior living community.
Try to Rehome, Donate, or Sell Household Items
You might feel upset throwing away your belongings, especially if you’ve had them for years or they hold some sentimental value. To avoid some of the grief that comes with purging your items, try giving them to your friends and family. That way, your items can continue to live on in the homes of your grandchildren, friends, old neighbors, and more. Taking a picture of sentimental items also helps them live on in your memory without having a physical presence.
If certain things cannot be rehomed to people you know, bring them to a donation center. Giving to charity allows you to help people in need, which helps you feel good about getting rid of the things you can't take with you. Some second-hand stores even offer services where they will come to your home to pick up donated items. While often fee-based, it can be a convenient option for larger donations of furniture and other household items.
Selling items at a garage sale or online marketplace before moving into senior living is another popular alternative that helps ensure items will not end up in a landfill. If you go the online route, ask a family member for help, and always follow safety precautions when interacting with people you do not know.
Don't Procrastinate and Take Things Slow
Give yourself a lot of time to downsize before moving to a senior living community. A slow approach allows you to reflect on the memories you’ve made in your home and makes the situation less stressful because you won’t feel rushed.
Cherish the moments you have going through your things with friends and family, and remember that there are good times ahead in your senior living community. It’s always hard to leave your home behind, but your new apartment will be a place to create more special memories with your new friends.
The Pillars of Lakeville is a destination, state-of-the-art senior living community with great staff and the best amenities in Lakeville. Our team is here to help you find the perfect home and answer any questions you have about moving into a senior living community. Contact us for more information about our floor plans and amenities!
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