For most seniors, downsizing is inevitable. Whether the goal is to decrease expenses, simplify lifestyles, or be closer to grandchildren, moving is the first step. The process, however, can be stressful and confusing. When you get organized beforehand it doesn’t have to become overwhelming. Here are our top 10 downsizing tips for seniors:
1. Give yourself plenty of time
The last thing you want to do is be rushing to pack everything three days before your move. When it comes to downsizing, the earlier you start, the easier the process. With this in mind,create a moving timeline and begin at least three months before moving day.
Making a checklist of moving tasks, calling Gallo Moving, and sorting through your out-of-season items, guest rooms, and other seldom-used spaces are all examples of things you can do early.
2. Start small
Please don’t overwhelm yourself by attempting to do it all at once. Instead, start small. Work in one room or area of the house at a time. Start with the junk drawer in the kitchen, for example, or some other place with little emotional meaning.
Part of what makesdownsizing so exhausting is that it generally means sorting through years and years of memories. Make it easier on yourself by starting small (with the laundry room, for example) and working your way up (to clothing, children’s toys, and keepsakes).
3. Consider the layout of your new home
If you’re downsizing, that probably means you won’t have certain rooms in your new home. For example, maybe your new house doesn’t have a garage or guest room. In this case, you’ll need to donate, sell, or relocate nearly everything in your current garage or guest room. Consider holding a yard sale to get rid of clutter and send unwanted items off to good homes.
4. Delete duplicates
Most of us have duplicate items in our homes – three silicone spatulas in the kitchen, for example, or two very similar pairs of shoes. One great way todeclutter your home is to get rid of these duplicates. Start by making a pile of all your duplicate items. When you’ve finished, pick out your favorites and donate the rest.
5. Be decisive
Moving can be an emotionally charged time. In fact, research has shown thatmoving is more stressful than divorce! During the process, many of us hold onto “maybe” items because we don’t have the energy for letting go.
When you’re downsizing, though, you can’t afford to take this approach. Instead, focus on making only two piles – yes and no piles. As you sort through your rooms, consider whether you use and like each item you pick up. If the answer is no – be decisive and donate it to someone who will use it.
6. Use storage sparingly
Don’t worry – downsizing doesn’t mean you have to morph into a minimalist. If there are select items you want to keep but don’t want to move to your new home (family heirlooms, for example, or things you want to give to your grandchildren later in life), consider storing those items at Gallo.
Keeping these items in a storage facility keeps them safe and helps you cut clutter in your new space. Gallo offers a variety of climate-controlled storage options to choose from. Give our team a call to learn more about which is right for you.
7. Consider the layout of your new home
Will your current furniture fit into your new space? This is a great time to draw a mock-up of your new home, and consider where you’ll place the sofa, chairs, tables, and other large furniture items.
If your current furniture is too large, sell or donate it and purchase more size-appropriate items. Instead of moving the new pieces, have them delivered to your new address.
8. Give out legacy items now
You’ve been holding onto that antique sewing table for your granddaughter, and you’ve always wanted your grandson to have that baseball card collection.
Instead of moving these things, distribute them before you move. Not only does this get the items out of your way, but it allows you to enjoy the experience of giving them to your loved ones now. Alternately, let your children or grandchildren come over and choose one legacy item to take.
9. Be patient
Downsizing can be an extended process. After all, you’ve probably lived in your family home for a decade or more. With that in mind, give yourself some time. You can’t expect to sort through 15 years’ worth of items in a week. Starting early will help you get it all done without feeling rushed.
10. Let the movers handle the heavy lifting
Once you’ve done the hard work of sorting through your items, let the movers handle packing and transport for you. The team can pack up things like your dishes and furniture, so you can focus on getting settled in your new location.
Gallo Makes Moving Simple
While downsizing will allow you to enjoy your golden years, getting there can be challenging. Fortunately, Gallo uses all these downsizing tips for seniors to make your move easy & smooth. A skilled local- and long-distance moving company, we pride ourselves on our professionalism, customer service, and commitment to quality.
If you’re facing a move, contact our team. From packing and transport to storage and more, we offer all the senior moving services you need for a streamlined, straightforward move.
10 Moving and Downsizing Tips for Seniors
For most seniors, downsizing is inevitable. Whether the goal is to decrease expenses, simplify lifestyles, or be closer to grandchildren, moving is the first step. The process, however, can be stressful and confusing. When you get organized beforehand it doesn’t have to become overwhelming. Here are our top 10 downsizing tips for seniors:
1. Give yourself plenty of time
The last thing you want to do is be rushing to pack everything three days before your move. When it comes to downsizing, the earlier you start, the easier the process. With this in mind, create a moving timeline and begin at least three months before moving day.
Making a checklist of moving tasks, calling Gallo Moving, and sorting through your out-of-season items, guest rooms, and other seldom-used spaces are all examples of things you can do early.
2. Start small
Please don’t overwhelm yourself by attempting to do it all at once. Instead, start small. Work in one room or area of the house at a time. Start with the junk drawer in the kitchen, for example, or some other place with little emotional meaning.
Part of what makes downsizing so exhausting is that it generally means sorting through years and years of memories. Make it easier on yourself by starting small (with the laundry room, for example) and working your way up (to clothing, children’s toys, and keepsakes).
3. Consider the layout of your new home
If you’re downsizing, that probably means you won’t have certain rooms in your new home. For example, maybe your new house doesn’t have a garage or guest room. In this case, you’ll need to donate, sell, or relocate nearly everything in your current garage or guest room. Consider holding a yard sale to get rid of clutter and send unwanted items off to good homes.
4. Delete duplicates
Most of us have duplicate items in our homes – three silicone spatulas in the kitchen, for example, or two very similar pairs of shoes. One great way to declutter your home is to get rid of these duplicates. Start by making a pile of all your duplicate items. When you’ve finished, pick out your favorites and donate the rest.
5. Be decisive
Moving can be an emotionally charged time. In fact, research has shown that moving is more stressful than divorce! During the process, many of us hold onto “maybe” items because we don’t have the energy for letting go.
When you’re downsizing, though, you can’t afford to take this approach. Instead, focus on making only two piles – yes and no piles. As you sort through your rooms, consider whether you use and like each item you pick up. If the answer is no – be decisive and donate it to someone who will use it.
6. Use storage sparingly
Don’t worry – downsizing doesn’t mean you have to morph into a minimalist. If there are select items you want to keep but don’t want to move to your new home (family heirlooms, for example, or things you want to give to your grandchildren later in life), consider storing those items at Gallo.
Keeping these items in a storage facility keeps them safe and helps you cut clutter in your new space. Gallo offers a variety of climate-controlled storage options to choose from. Give our team a call to learn more about which is right for you.
7. Consider the layout of your new home
Will your current furniture fit into your new space? This is a great time to draw a mock-up of your new home, and consider where you’ll place the sofa, chairs, tables, and other large furniture items.
If your current furniture is too large, sell or donate it and purchase more size-appropriate items. Instead of moving the new pieces, have them delivered to your new address.
8. Give out legacy items now
You’ve been holding onto that antique sewing table for your granddaughter, and you’ve always wanted your grandson to have that baseball card collection.
Instead of moving these things, distribute them before you move. Not only does this get the items out of your way, but it allows you to enjoy the experience of giving them to your loved ones now. Alternately, let your children or grandchildren come over and choose one legacy item to take.
9. Be patient
Downsizing can be an extended process. After all, you’ve probably lived in your family home for a decade or more. With that in mind, give yourself some time. You can’t expect to sort through 15 years’ worth of items in a week. Starting early will help you get it all done without feeling rushed.
10. Let the movers handle the heavy lifting
Once you’ve done the hard work of sorting through your items, let the movers handle packing and transport for you. The team can pack up things like your dishes and furniture, so you can focus on getting settled in your new location.
Gallo Makes Moving Simple
While downsizing will allow you to enjoy your golden years, getting there can be challenging. Fortunately, Gallo uses all these downsizing tips for seniors to make your move easy & smooth. A skilled local- and long-distance moving company, we pride ourselves on our professionalism, customer service, and commitment to quality.
If you’re facing a move, contact our team. From packing and transport to storage and more, we offer all the senior moving services you need for a streamlined, straightforward move.