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Why Downsizing is the Next Natural Next Step for Seniors

Seniors often find the chore of downsizing less daunting if they start before they even begin shopping for a new house. Doing so allows the task to be stretched across several months rather than being rushed in a very short amount of time. Here are some helpful tips (presented by Efficient Spaces) on preparing for this transition way ahead of time.

Start systematically

It helps to start scaling back as the need arises, such as packing away those seasonal decorations from Thanksgiving. Then, once you’ve tackled the obvious ones first, you can go about sorting, organizing, and getting rid of those items you no longer need to help clear up space in your home. Start in small batches to help make the process easier by going through each room one by one. Also, stick to a time schedule to ensure you can get around to the other important moving tasks that still need to be done.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Moving boxes can be physically demanding, and getting hurt could end up pushing you even more behind schedule. Don’t be shy to ask for help from friends, neighbors, or movers to help prevent any unnecessary delays. Furthermore, spreading out the work will enable you to remain focused and productive throughout the move and afterward.

When is it worthwhile to pay for downsizing help?

When you are totally overwhelmed with the project and don’t know where to start.

If you have 20 years’ accumulation of possessions, and/or you cannot physically do the work yourself, getting some quotes from professional organizers is a good idea.

If you don’t have family or friends who are close by and able to help with downsizing.

If you have just a month to complete your project: say your house sells fast and you only have 1 or 2 months to go through everything, it’s worth looking into. A professional organizer will speed up the project exponentially. She also can bring in a team if you have a lot of accumulation. Also, a professional organizer is trained to help you make good decisions you’ll be happy with later. And making decisions is one of the hardest aspects of downsizing.

Remember to plan ahead: most organizers are booked out 2 to 4 weeks.

Make sure you are getting a NAPO organizer who is experienced and insured for your project! (National Association of Organizing and Productivity Professionals) They hold to a strict code of ethics.

Managing your stress levels

While downsizing can be somewhat stressful because it means you’ll be letting go of things you once held near and dear to you, it’s still important to manage your stress levels to ensure that the whole process doesn’t become problematic or “out of control.” So, be sure to take a step back if you are feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or just plain tired to ensure you have the mental and physical fortitude to continue on with this process according to your timeline.

Place items in storage

Of course, you need not give away everything just for the sake of it; this is why you should consider storage options if you can’t stand the thought of parting with something with sentimental value. So, start looking for a storage unit ahead of time — preferably one that is near your new home so you can stop by whenever you need anything.

Speak with your real estate agent

You might also wish to speak with a real estate expert to help expedite the process. To ensure you have enough time to downsize, your real estate specialist can assist you with your relocation requirements as well as any necessary negotiations ahead of time. Be sure to get in touch with them right away to begin the process as soon as possible.

Furthermore, your real estate agent may be able to advise you on the best times to list and sell your property to ensure you sell fast and for a decent profit. For example, it may be best to list your property on a Wednesday to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. If you want your property to sell fast, Thursday is often the best day to list your home.

Certainly, there will come a time in everyone’s life when you probably won’t need as much stuff anymore. This is when life becomes more about enjoying the experiences life has to offer instead of working to build up your home.

With Contributions from Sharon Wagner of Senior Friendly

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