DOWNSIZING? WE ALL DO IT!

Whether it's my family or professionally, I've been downsizing for several years.  I've learned a lot along the way and want to share my "process" with you.

We all downsize, the question is when and if we are in control.  Generally, if it is by choice, we can do many of the tasks ourselves. If we experience a spouse's death or medical event, we probably have less influence on the decision making of the downsizing process and require professional assistance (senior move managers).

Whether in control (many tasks on your own) or experiencing a life altering event (professional assistance needed), the same steps must be followed to achieve our goal of moving and liquidating household items.

The five step process that I follow to ensure all activities are accomplished in an orderly way are as follows:

     The Move:

     The Family:

     The Sell:

     The Donation:

     The Disposal:

"The Move" is the transition from your current home to a smaller home or, for seniors, quite often the transition is to a retirement community. It can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Think about how you want your new home to look and feel. Then go through each room and designate (by using a dot system) the items that meet the criteria of your vision.  The "big things" are the easy part.

Next, begin the sorting process. It is difficult to go through life's treasures and decide what to keep, give away, re-gift, donate or sell. The basic questions to ask are:  1. Do I need it?  2. Do I love it?  3. Have I used it in the last 6 months?  4. Do I want my kids to have to deal with it?  Always try to keep in mind the vision you initially created. A senior move manager can help during these stressful times.

Now, your things are ready to pack!  Begin with items such as out- of- season clothes or those items with the least amount of emotional attachment. Packing requires the necessary materials to ensure your items won't be damaged as they are transferred to the new location. A reputable mover is imperative to a smooth transition. A couple of big guys with a truck sounds good because we all believe we don't have that much stuff. But, as with everything else, you get what you pay for.

Unpacking and making the new home "feel like home" is the next step. Safety and functionality are important considerations in the layout and design of the new residence.

Moving is only part one of the five step process.  It is very comprehensive and undoubtedly the most important and difficult of the downsizing process. Senior move managers are professionals that can help "as much or as little as needed".

Now, you have a clear perspective on "The Move".  During my next blog, we'll take a look at the second step of the five step process, which is  "The Family".  Until then, get sorting...