Downsizing 101

There are endless benefits to downsizing in your golden years, like taking advantage of lower energy bills, having a smaller space to maintain, and having the opportunity to move closer to loved ones. It’s a wonderful way to start the next stage of your life. Even so, it can be a difficult experience for older adults. Saying goodbye to a long-time home may not come easy, so keep reading to see Pacifica’s tips and ideas for making this transition go much more smoothly.

Determine the Space of the HOME

Establish exactly where a loved one is headed and how much space they will have available. This can add an exciting element to the moving process. Instead of focusing on the old, focus on the new and what’s to come. Where older adults may move depends on several factors, like:

Mobility & Ability Restrictions
Caregiving Needs
Location of Loved Ones: Community Proximity
Budget
Loved One’s Preferences: Take Into Consideration Throughout the Process

There will be compromises and potentially budget concerns. Be prepared for multiple conversations. Pacifica Senior Living communities offer personalized options to meet any need or comfort. So, it’s important to make sure everybody is comfortable with the decisions throughout the process. There are a few main considerations for seniors looking to downsize, including:

Moving Into a Senior Living Community
In-Home Care
Entering Assisted Living
Moving in w/ a Loved One
Moving Into a Smaller Home

The sooner you discuss what downsizing will actually look like with your loved one, the more time there will be to evaluate options. Unless they have a medical or caregiving issue that hinders quality of life, there’s no need to rush the decision. It shouldn’t feel like an intervention – it should feel like a warm and meaningful conversation around options.

ORGANIZE Your Belongings

It’s amazing the number of things one can acquire over a lifetime. Addressing where all these items will go can be overwhelming and an incredibly emotional process for everyone involved. These aren’t just objects, they are memories. It’s important to acknowledge and respect this loss for your loved one. Having a conversation with your loved one about which items and belongings are most meaningful – and which are less – can help make downsizing a much more enjoyable event.

Try asking some of these questions when sorting through items:

Is it a true necessity or do I just want to simply keep it?
Is there sentimental value?
Is it used frequently?
Is there another item that performs the same function?

Be pretty strict about your definition of need by thinking realistically about the years ahead. Will you use an item more than a few times? Downsizing is about simplifying. So, help your loved one make the decision and feel confident in sticking with it. If you kept everything of sentimental value, downsizing would be impossible. Use the sorting and packing process as a way to help your loved one reflect and let go. In some cases, a photo of the keepsake can suffice to preserve the sentiment.

There are going to be items you simply don’t use very much. Think about you or your loved one’s daily routine:

Which items do you use the most?
Which items have only been used as decoration?
Will where you are going have a valuable replacement for certain items?
Do I have another item that performs the same function?

Getting rid of duplicate items is the easiest way to downsize. Choose a reasonable number of practical items, like towels, blankets, and clothing while keeping only the most important sentimental belongings. This is an opportunity to truly embrace minimization.

FIND Homes for Rejected Items

Yard sales are a great way to help fund the move, and a great way to find homes for your personal items. Donate any items you can’t find homes for. Many charities and organizations will pick up boxes directly from your home. It’s important to focus on the end result. Someone in need will benefit from your selling or donating.

PREPARE for the Move

Now you can start thinking about packing and making the move, which can be stressful and difficult. Having help in this area can be beneficial. Family members can help make the move as stress-free as possible and can continue to be by your side through the process. As well, many of our locations provide move-in assistance.

SAY Goodbye

The time will come to say goodbye to the house. It will be a difficult process. Love and support from friends and family will make it easier. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in this downsizing process. You are closing one chapter in your life. But don’t forget about the exciting new chapter that lies ahead.

The TRANSITION

Your new home doesn’t always feel like home right away. Surround yourself with your most important items, those that will make you especially comforted. Move-in day should be a family affair if possible, so strive to keep the mood light and check in on loved ones frequently to stay involved. It will make any senior less lonely. Ultimately, downsizing will lead to simplified and happier living.