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Downsizing later in life has many advantages, including lower energy bills, a smaller space to clean and maintain, and the possibility of being closer to loved ones. It’s a fantastic way to start the next chapter of your life. Even so, for older adults, decluttering and downsizing can be a difficult and sometimes painful process. It’s difficult to say goodbye to the house where they’ve raised a family.
This guide is intended to make the process of decluttering and downsizing for older people and their loved ones as painless as possible. It will assist you in preparing for the transition and provide advice to loved ones on what they can do to assist. Maintain open lines of communication, take things one step at a time, and don’t jump in before you’re ready.
Step One: Making Moving Decisions
It’s critical to figure out where you/your loved one is heading. It will not only influence how much they should (or must) declutter and downsize, but it will also add a fun element to the process. Instead of focusing on the loss of their old home, your downsizing parent can anticipate the arrival at their new one.
Of course, the location of the older adult’s new residence will be determined by a variety of factors. Mobility and ability limitations, caregiving needs, loved ones’ location, and budget all play a part. Remember that the arrangements can look almost any way you want them to — many retirement communities and assisted living facilities offer customized options to meet any need or comfort — so make sure that everyone is happy with them.
Step Two: Declutter and Organize
It’s incredible how much you can accumulate over the course of a lifetime. Addressing where all these items will go can be overwhelming, from an endless array of dishes to closets full of linens to the many mementos and knickknacks of a life well-lived. For everyone involved, it’s also a very emotional process. These aren’t just items; they’re memories, and they’re what have made the house a home for so many years. It’s critical to recognize and honor this loss. Prepare to part with a lot of things while still allowing yourself to keep the items that mean the most to you.
Asking yourself four questions about an item is the most straightforward way to sort through it:
- Is it something I need ?
- Is there any sentimental value to it?
- Do I use it frequently?
- Is there anything else I have that does the same thing?
You don’t have to get rid of everything you don’t need, but you should be specific about what you consider to be a need. If you have a bread maker that has sat unused in your cabinet for years, don’t feel obligated to keep it just because it was a Hanukkah present.
Consider how you’ll use it in the coming years. Will you use it more than a few times? Are you genuinely looking forward to the few times you’ll put it to use? Will keeping the item make a significant difference in your life? It’s fine to say yes, but it’s also fine to let it go if you don’t need it. Making a decision and feeling confident in sticking to it is the key to decluttering and downsizing.
Sentimental Value Considerations
The items that are directly linked to happy memories with family and friends will be the most difficult to part with. Even so, decluttering and downsizing would be impossible if you kept everything of sentimental value. Use the process of packing and sorting to reflect and let go. Talk about your belongings and the memories they evoke as you and a loved one go through them.
Deciding If Items Are Used Enough to Warrant Moving
There will be some items that you are simply accustomed to having on hand, but that you don’t use very often. Consider your daily routine: which items do you use most frequently? When you look around your home, how many of the items are just for decoration? Consider whether you’ll be able to find a suitable substitute where you’re going — just because you’ve always used a big traditional four slice toaster doesn’t mean you won’t be able to adapt to a smaller toaster oven, for example.
Continue to be realistic about the future, remembering that someone else might be able to get a lot more use out of the item than you.
Determining Which Items Do the Same Thing
Duplicate items, whether two blenders or a dozen winter coats, are the simplest way to declutter and downsize. Choose the most up-to-date or best-functioning electronics, as well as a sufficient supply of more practical items such as towels, blankets, outerwear, and other clothing. Make the most of the opportunity to clean out your closet and minimize your belongings. Hiring a professional organizer can make all the difference in the world during this process and make the transition much easier.
Find New Homes for Items You Won’t Be Moving
Moving costs can add up quickly. Yard sales are a great way to earn some extra cash to help fund the move, as well as a quick way to find new homes for your belongings. Choose a day that is likely to be pleasant, even if it is some time away. If you hold your yard sale on a nice day, you’ll likely attract more bargain-hunting customers.
Donate any remaining items from your yard sale that did not sell. Many charities and organizations will come to your home and pick up boxes. Even with a yard sale, your items tend to go to neighbors you know, so it can feel impersonal and distressing at times, but it’s important to focus on the end result. Your donation will help someone in need every day, and they will appreciate it.
Time to Say Goodbye
Just as aging adults must say goodbye to their belongings, the time will come to bid farewell to the home. It will be a challenging process, but one that will be supported by the love and support of family and friends.
The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to bidding farewell to the family home. In an open and honest setting, discuss what will work best for your family; don’t be embarrassed if you’re having difficulties. It’s critical that the entire family works together to declutter and downsize, so don’t be afraid to ask for or offer assistance.
Make it a point to say your goodbyes, regardless of how you say them. You’re coming to the end of a significant chapter in your life. It’s fine to be sad, even as if you’ve lost someone close to you, but don’t lose sight of the exciting next chapter that awaits you.
Your new home, no matter where you are going, will not feel like home right away. Make every effort to bring in the most important items first, those that will provide you with the most comfort.
Even if you’ve already hired a professional organizer and/or movers, move-in day should be a family affair. Any family member who is able should come by to assist, bring food and refreshments, troubleshoot problems, and simply make the event a happy one. Maintain a light and exciting atmosphere by emphasizing that this is a new beginning rather than an end.
One of the best decisions an older person can make is to declutter and downsize. It will be difficult, often for the entire family, but the pain of leaving the family home should never deter anyone from living a simpler and happier life.
Just Organized By Taya specialize in compassionate and sensitive downsizing and decluttering. We can also help ease the transition into a new home via our unpacking and organizing services. Schedule a free 15-minute Zoom call here, so we can chat about the decluttering and downsizing needs you have and how we can help.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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