Starting the Downsizing Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide

As you decide to start the downsizing journey, consider this step-by-step guide as a tool to take you through the process of lightening your load. Did you know that 75% of seniors believe that the number of things they own has made them more reluctant to move? Downsizing is a daunting task to take on, it is important to take your time and to make a plan for yourself. Moving into a senior living apartment is a great decision to make and it is important to take it seriously.

Beginning your downsizing journey can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. It can be difficult to let go of items in your home that you have had for several years, especially as many items can be tied to memories and loved ones. It is important to take your time. You are going through a lifetime of memories and treasures, which can be a tiring but powerful exercise.

Benefits of Downsizing

Downsizing can be cost-effective as you will have less to maintain and can help you lower your monthly bills. With a smaller home and less to maintain, you will have more time to enjoy your retirement. Additionally, it can be safer in the long run to move to a single-level home with updated bathrooms. Downsizing your things does not mean you have to downsize your life.

Plan, Plan,Plan

It’s best to start with a plan. At King’sBridge, we have floor plans available for you to help visualize your space. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have a move date?
• What do you need to bring with you?
• Will your existing furniture fit in your new home with enough space to get around?
• Will you need to get rid of furniture too big for your space and purchase new furniture?
• What do you want to bring with you?
• What are the storage options in your new apartment?

Work backwards from your move date to set goals for yourself such as selecting the furniture and items you plan to bring along, ensuring that your family has enough time to pick up anything they may want, and scheduling donation pick-ups. In building your plan, decide if you will work your way through your home one room at a time, or if you will work in segments, such as furniture, clothes, trinkets, cleaning supplies, cooking utensils, hobbies, etc. Make a promise to yourself to finish each step completely before moving on to the next one.

The Joy of Less

Then comes the hardest step: decluttering. While it can be a helpful way to make physical and mental space, decluttering will take the most amount of time in your downsizing journey. Clearing the items that you know you will not bring with you will be the first tangible step. Freeing space in your mind will make you feel accomplished and ready for the next task!

This is where you need to be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot live without. This might mean removing duplicates of items you have around your house or throwing away broken items; it might mean letting go of exercise equipment or gardening equipment because your home at King’sBridge has a well-equipped fitness center and your new home will be maintenance-free!

One Step at a Time

Some of the ways that you can make this stage more manageable is to take it one day at a time. You can invite friends and family over to help you go through your things. Remember the reasons why you have decided to move into a smaller home. Employ a labeling system to keep track of your belongings, marking where items that you plan to keep will go in your new home or marking whether an item is trash or a donation. These small things will make your move easier in the long run!

Next Steps

Aside from sharing with family, you can begin looking at estate sales, donation centers, and consignment stores to take the items that you do not plan to keep. It can be hard to remember that even though your items hold a high value to you, they may not necessarily hold that value in the market. But it is still nice to get something back for the things you have loved for so long. Some donation centers will even come to your home to pick up the items you are donating.

If you are letting go of items that hold a lot of meaning to you, such as a set of crystal glassware or a beloved collection, taking photos of these items will be a great way to hold onto those things without them taking up space. Consider digitizing your photo albums, letters, and children’s artwork. You can store these things electronically and even use a small photo frame to keep these items on display in your new home!

Even if you do not plan to move in the immediate future, decluttering can be a great way to begin the process. Think of your loved ones as you go through your things. Help them while you are able. As a bonus, you will have fewer things in your home, making it safer to get around your space. Without a deadline, you will be able to give yourself the time you need to go through everything.

Be Kind to Yourself

Downsizing is a big decision, and choosing what you will bring with you can be stressful. Recognize that you are making a big change in your life and give yourself grace during this journey! Keeping an agenda to stay organized and on schedule will make all the difference. Take your time; you got this.

Contact us today to learn more about King’sBridge and schedule a tour of our beautiful community!