Is your house teeming with stuff? It is amazing how much we accumulate over time, from items which we use all the time and are valuable to those things that we keep just in case. While moving at any phase of life is a headache, it can be even more overwhelming to make that decision when you have lived in your home for decades and are now looking to downsize. A quick survey of your home will undoubtedly generate a long list of items that you will no longer need when you make the shift from a large home to Senior Living. Where do you even begin?
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Take Inventory
You will certainly need fewer items when you move to a smaller space so the first step is to decide what you take and what will stay behind. Take a seat, get out a piece of paper and pen and start to think about all the things that you really need to make the move. Take stock of your daily routine and make a list of the things that you use regularly. Is there a chair that has not been sat in for years, a treadmill that you have not walked on in a long time, or a closet of clothing that have not been worn in years? Then go room by room and decide which items will make the move and what needs to be donated or sold. It can be helpful to tag items with colored post-it notes to make it clear where the items are headed.
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Take Measurements
Make sure that the furniture that you intend to make the move can actually fit. Measure those pieces and make a layout plan of where they will go in the new house. Do you really need both bedside tables? Will they fit. It is important that you assess what will be able to fit into your new home or the movers will have to scramble.
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Keep Your Favorites
For many Seniors who are downsizing, one of the hardest things to let go of are sentimental items. Keepsakes that have been collected over the years are difficult to part with, but tend to take up a lot of space in the garage or attic which you most likely no longer have once you move. Keep your favorite pieces and consider passing on some to relatives. You can document the remainder of the items with your camera and create a keepsake coffee table book so you do not have to let go of the memories. If you have any items that you want to gift to your children as a legacy, now might be the best time to do so, rather than having an important item make the move.
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Sell or Donate Items
Items which have value can be sold, and while selling items has never been easier with the use of Facebook Market or Craigslist, it can be a hassle. Make sure that the items you wish to sell are worth the time investment of doing so. For many the easier option is to donate unwanted goods. Many organizations such as Salvation Army or Goodwill will allow you to schedule a pick-up.
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What to Do with the Family Pet
While many Retirement Communities take pets, some do not. If your new home is not pet-friendly or you feel like you can no longer take care of the pet, you may have to say goodbye to your dog or cat. If a family member is not able to adopt your pet, it might mean that you need to find them a new home. While the Humane Society or other shelters can be an option, many shelters recommend that you first try to find an adoption on your own. Use social media, and ask your children to spread the word. The more people who know that your pet needs a home, the more likely adoption will be. Meeting the new family is the best way to assure that your pet finds its way into a loving home.
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Take Your Time
This might be the most important tip! The whole process can take a long time to complete. We suggest you start this long before your move date. It will not only take away some stress, but it will also allow you to have the emotional space that can be needed when you move and part with belongings.
While we know that moving can be daunting, we at Core Properties are here to assist you with your questions. Please feel free to contact us at (314) 356-9052 and we will be sure to assist you.