Family ... House and Home
Reign in Your Relocation: Downsizing Tips for Seniors
from Jessica Kohler, founder of Home Again Move Management
The single most important thing to do before moving is devise a plan.
This is even more critical if you’re a senior who is downsizing.
Unfortunately, this move won’t be as easy as tossing everything in a truck & hauling it to your new place.
No worries though, because I’ve created an outline to help you get started.
Check it out:
Establish move dates - An essential part of any plan is knowing your time frame. Whether you’re moving in 3 weeks or 3 months will determine how much time you have to complete each step of the move.
Decide what to take & what to leave – Unless you’re a minimalist living with the barest of essentials, chances are, you’re going to have to pare down. Some call it downsizing, some call it right-sizing, but whatever you call it… START EARLY. This step always takes longer than expected.
TIPS:
- Get a floor plan of your new living space. A 1 foot to 1 inch ratio should help you figure out which of your furniture pieces will fit & where.
- Make plans for the items you’re leaving behind. Do treasures given to friends & family require shipping? Contact a local charity to pick up donations. Consider how you’ll handle trash. Will it all fit in your garbage cans or do you need a dumpster or bulk pick-up service?
- An easy way to denote items-moving-with-you from items-to-be-donated (or trashed or given to family & friends) is by marking them with painters tape. It is easily removable from most surfaces. Simply write your intentions on the tape or use different colors for different destinations.
Research, research, research - It’s very unsettling having strangers in your home handling your things. It helps if you can find moving assistance that comes highly recommended. Start by asking people you know & trust. Who have they worked with that resulted in a good experience? You can also find professional help on the internet or in the yellow pages. Be sure to get quotes from multiple companies, in writing, & be wary of anyone who gives you a quote before visiting your home.
TIPS:
- If you’re selling your home you may also need to research real estate agents, home staging services, home repair & cleaning services.
- Look into the transfer of your utilities & other services such as cable & telephone.
- Create a list of people you should contact about your move. The list should include friends, family, & clubs/associations as well as medical, financial, & legal advisers. Don’t forget the IRS, post office, & DMV!
Enlist family & friends - Even if they’re unable to help with the physical aspects of the move there is still so much they can do. Moving is stressful. It’s OK to lean on your loved ones for emotional support. Perhaps they can help you with difficult decisions. They may be willing to help financially. The point is that you don’t have to shoulder it alone.
TIPS:
- The most unnerving part of Moving Day is when the truck is being loaded. The constant flow of people going in & out seems very hectic. You may deal with this best by simply removing yourself from the action until the end. If you feel the need to stay & manage the process I recommend having a friend help. One of you stays inside, while the other stays with the truck. Keep each other posted by phone.
- Be careful when choosing the people you ask to help. If there’s only one person available to help you out, but that person happens to be a family member you struggle to get along with, it may not be worth the stress. Be selective & keep your mental health in mind.
Planning a move is a lot of work, but it’s worth the time & effort. Being prepared will help you feel more calm & confident about your move & the event itself will go more smoothly.
