The Civil War sword. The vintage jewelry. Truckstop plates from all 50 states. Grandma’s china set. Heirlooms or have-to-go’s? It all depends on your point of view.
When older adults downsize from their larger homes, letting go of longtime belongings can be a daunting roadblock. Fortunately, there are workable solutions for moving into a home with smaller square footage. Here are a few:
Plan for the reduced space. Realtors or apartment managers can help with the square footage of the rooms in the new home. Use this to gauge which essentials will fit.
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Recruit family and friends. Every bit of help makes the process more manageable. Right at Home caregivers also can assist seniors with moving tasks and adjusting to the unfamiliar in the new home.
Start Small. Begin with the room that is least used in the home and work on a closet or drawers first. Work at a comfortable pace and take breaks along the way to allow your senior to share memories about possessions or the home itself.
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Create sorting categories. Set up piles for keep, toss, to give away and donate. Some moving pros discourage a “maybe” pile, but allow some flexibility when seniors express reluctance in the sorting process.
Sell, donate or recycle. With bigger items like furniture or appliances, advertise in the local newspaper and on craigslist. Consider donating items to charities, and for certain antiques and memorabilia, check with museums, schools and libraries.
Remember, what may seem like a pile of junk to others may hold priceless significance to the elderly. Show respect and practice patience. Preserving the relationship with your aging loved one is one cherished possession that can’t be replaced.
What works and doesn’t work when it comes to downsizing for seniors?
