Many clients require full service because they in fact have
a lot of “stuff” and have no desire or ability to complete the move
themselves. This approach eliminates
most of the physical and mental stress.
But, it also costs the most money.
For the individuals that want to manage cost by getting involved and
managing some of the move themselves, NASMM (National Association of Senior
Move Managers) has develop ten tips for downsizing. Following all or part of the these
suggestions will minimize the scope of your project and as a result, better
manage your cost of completing the move.
1). Start Early – End
Happy: It’s never too early to begin the
downsizing process. Begin by focusing on
typical problem areas such as the attic, basement, garage, closets, or file
cabinets.
2). Get
Generous: Since you can’t take
everything to your new home, now is the time to make arrangements to “gift”
some of your treasures to special people in your life including, and especially
family, helpful neighbors, friends, favorite organizations, or
church/synagogue.
3). Save your
memories: You may have boxes of old
photographs from every holiday, vacation, and birthday party attended. What do you do with them? Consider the following ways to preserve
family photos and stories: a customized
process of audio and video recording called Life-Storying. Copy your special photos on to CDs, or try
your hand at scape booking. Also,
services now exist that will take all your photo, slides, and videos and do it
for you.
4). New Looks for
Books: If you own large quantities of
books, you need to spend time downsizing your collections. Books occupy lots of space and are heavy to
move. Consider donations to libraries or
senior centers, or sales to used bookstores.
Call on a book dealer for older books with potential value.
5). Use it Up…Don’t
move it out: Take an inventory of your
canned goods, frozen foods, and paper products.
Plan to use as many of these products as you can before moving. If you simply have too many items, thinking
about passing them on to a local food pantry.
Check to see if the Senior Move Manager you hire participates in the
NASMM Move for Hunger Initiative.
6). Recycle the
Toxins: Take time to put together a box
or two of household, yard, and automotive cleaning products, as well as paint
products that are considered hazardous.
Visit Earth911.org for more information on hazardous collection in your
area.
7). Don’t Lose
Touch: Create a list of people, places,
and utilities/services that need to be notified of your upcoming change in
address.
8). Space Plan
Ahead: Most Senior Move Managers can
provide you with a customized floor plan of your new residence. A floor plan will help you determine the
pieces of furniture that will fit in your new home, and the best location of
each. Knowing which pieces will fit in
your new space will help you in your rightsizing process.
9). Pack a Survival
Bag: Put together a survival bag for
move day. It might include personal
needs (medications, eyeglasses, toiletries, change of clothes, important
papers, etc.); kitchen needs (snacks, drinks, folding chair, disposable
cups/plates); basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, flashlight, tape, etc.);
cleaning supplies (sponge, paper towels, soap, etc.); and payment for mover –
be sure you know which form of payment they accept.
10). Ask for
Help: Don’t be too proud or independent
to ask for help. Moving is not easy and
you shouldn’t do it all yourself. But,
don’t wait until the last minute to ask for assistance.
Some of these downsizing tips require months to
accomplish. The best place to find help
is through the National Association of Senior Move Managers (www.nasmm.org) or Smooth Transitions (www.smoothtransitionsstl.com) if
you are located in the St. Louis area.
