Moving into a new spot should bring feelings of warmth and excitement, but it can also bring anxiety when figuring out how to downsize for a senior move.
Relocations as an older adult entail different details than one may have experienced earlier in life.
Often, when seniors are making a move, they are heading to a smaller property to share space with family members or communities with others in their age group.
This cannot be overlooked and should be taken into consideration upon downsizing.
This guide is meant to walk you through the entire process of downsizing thoroughly.
It will help you create a proper plan for getting equipped and starting!
With this practical advice and tips, you can start your move off with confidence.
The Details of How to Downsize for a Senior Move in Denver
Downsizing can feel rather overwhelming with local moves as a senior.
There is likely a house full of things that mean a great deal to you, many of which are irreplaceable.
It is difficult to go through those things and attempt to figure out what to get rid of or pass on.
There is a need to downsize when moving as you don’t want to bring too much into your new space, giving yourself a fresh start.
This is particularly important for those downsizing in the size of their space or mode of living.
Understanding how to downsize effectively will set you up for success in the journey to your next place!
Preparing Mentally for the Transition
The first step to starting your downsize is understanding the mental and emotional implications.
Moving can bear a lot of emotional weight, which can wear down your mental state.
This is something that people see during almost any transition.
However, dealing with your home and memories is especially sensitive.
It is important to lean on those around you during this time for added support.
Call in close friends, neighbors, and family members who can offer help and added care.
You can also reach out to mental health professionals for specific support during this time.
It is essential to stay in touch with your mental and emotional state to ease into the transition.
Setting a Plan to Downsize
Manageable downsizing starts with making a plan of attack.
This generally starts with breaking things down into categories, rooms, or smaller parts.
This is essential when you downsize for a senior move.
It is easier to do by making a physical list or utilizing applications that can better serve as reminders throughout the process.
In creating a list, you are offered the ability to cross things off as they are completed.
If you already have a planner, you can simply use that, but there are plenty of apps available that are easy to use.
Applications like Google Tasks or pre-downloaded notes are available for both Android and iPhone devices.
Begin Sorting Through Your Belongings
Now for the action and the organization to downsize for a senior move.
Sorting through an entire household is difficult, so it is best to start by sorting things into categories.
Try not to take on everything all at once because this can be incredibly frustrating and overwhelming.
Start in a room that you may not frequent to begin getting through things.
Take everything one room at a time and give yourself plenty of lead time.
Details on Donations to Downsize for a Senior Move
When categorizing things in the home, most people will follow the following steps:
- Organizing into categories of keep, donate, sell, or trash. This breaks things down.
- Donating things doesn’t always mean they go to typical centers. You can give out things you no longer need to family or friends.
- When making donations, think about convenience. If you don’t have time or help to drop things off, use donation foundations that offer pickups.
- Certain things cannot be donated. This is specific to the organization but is important to review in advance when making donations.
Handling Documents & Paperwork to Downsize for a Senior Move
After living in one spot for some time, it is easy to build up stuff.
Oftentimes, there is a stack or multiple stacks and boxes of paperwork and important documents to deal with.
This can feel like a pain when trying to figure out how to downsize for a senior move.
It is best to have someone close to you help you manage their organization.
Plus, you can choose to scan and digitize everything that you may not need physical copies of!
This can help greatly in the downsizing process, and you can keep a zip drive with all of your files available at all times.
Organizing & Packing with Help
Once you have finished downsizing, there is likely some more downsizing to do.
This is crucial to complete before and during the packing process.
Packing is yet another time-consuming piece of the moving puzzle.
Instead of attempting this on your own, it is wise to introduce the help of loved ones or professional packers and movers in the Denver area.
There is no use in trying to tackle everything without those who have experience in packing.
Movers offer the perfect solution for your packing dilemma!
With the help of the pros, seniors have access to help with packing for delicate belongings, regular household goods, furniture, and everything their household holds.
Preparing with Labels for Your Arrival
One of the best packing supplies to buy is investing in a working Sharpie marker or color-coded labels.
Labeling those boxes is important because it helps older adults remain organized throughout the process.
This can signify movers being careful with fragile items or providing guidance on where to place things at your new senior community or assisted living facility.
Labels are the key to maintaining everything you have downsized.
They make the unpacking process simple and allow you to settle in with ease!
Hiring the Right Help When You Downsize for a Senior Move
Working with the pros in Denver provides seniors with peace of mind.
While you may need to complete some downsizing before moving day, movers can come in and take care of the rest of the organization and packing.
They bring quality supplies, equipment, and experience to ensure a stress-free relocation project!
Hiring the right crew can greatly reduce any anxieties older adults may have about the process.
Contact Local Movers for Caring Assistance on the Transition
Our licensed Senior movers in Denver are capable of providing professional packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking to ease seniors through the transition.
We look forward to providing your free moving quote to make the process of downsizing for a move easy and the move-in wonderful!