HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! WE ARE SIX!

                           

                                WE ARE SIX!

Happy Anniversary as we celebrate six years as Smooth Transitions of St. Louis! We look back and reflect on how blessed we have been to assist several hundred families transition to a new adventure. We have taught many lessons in right-sizing and have learned a lot more from our clients. There is no right or wrong on what MUST stay or go with you and your kids are a lot more interested in that small item that has more everyday memories than your complete set of china for twelve.  In celebration of six years as senior move managers, Smooth Transitions of St. Louis wants to share our LIST OF SIX and offer tips on everything from how to talk to your parents about downsizing to how to enjoy the new adventure!

We are here to help and can do “as little or as much” as you want us to do. Let us manage your family’s stress to the new address with a smooth transition!

SIX WAYS TO APPROACH YOUR PARENTS ABOUT MOVING:

1.     Start the transition conversation early before a crisis happens.

2.     Don’t start by telling them what to do.  They must take ownership.

3.     Offer to get involved in order to get a better picture of their finances and living conditions.

4.     Help with everyday tasks to open the door for conversations.

5.     Acknowledge their feelings about their home.

6.     Offer to take them on a tour of retirement communities.

TIP:  Nearly 70%of households 85 years and older live in homes that lack the essential features that allow them to live safely.  Bring in a senior move manager (third party) like Smooth Transitions. Your parents may be more open to hearing about options from someone who can provide expertise and objectivity.

SIX REASONS TO RIGHT-SIZE:

1.     Your home outgrew you-it is too big!

2.     Your home has much needed and costly repairs.

3.     The family no longer lives at home.  The house is lonely-no one to talk to.

4.     Chance to reduce debt and shift investment.

5.     Mentally freeing

6.     You just don’t need it!

TIP:  Older adults have usually not moved for 30, 40 or 50 years and need to downsize considerably. They are struggling.  But, are hesitant to admit it.  Let a senior move manager (Smooth Transitions) guide you through the process to ease the emotional and physical stress associated with moving.

SIX TIPS FOR THE PREPARATION OF YOUR MOVE:

1.     Draft a design of your new place.  Focus on what furniture to take; not what to leave.

2.     Place green stickers on items going to the new location.  Sorting is the most challenging process.  Concentrate on items consistent with the design, functionality and treasures.

3.     If everything is a treasure; nothing is a treasure.  Do not overcrowd the new home.

4.     The low hanging fruit or downsizing opportunities exist in the kitchen, clothing, basement, and garages.  Remember, no storage at your new location, which means basement and garage stuff is out.

5.     Don’t forget the pictures.  They provide the finishing touch.

6.     Do not worry about your remaining valuables.  They can be gifted to the FAMILY, sold via ESTATE SALE, DONATED, and then finally DISPOSED.

TIP:  Pour a cup of tea or glass of wine and start sorting (green stickers) by confronting the smallest room.  Sort only or you will get bogged down.  Memories will abound! Enjoy the process.  Have fun.  Once you get the hang of it, graduate to a larger room.

      

SIX TIPS FOR SETTLING INTO YOUR NEW HOME:

1.     The residence should not be present during the move-in because of the potential hazard of moving furniture and too much stress.  This also sets up the “BIG REVEAL” at the end of the day.  Select a family member or rely on your senior move manager to coordinate activity in their absence.

2.     Furniture placement is key.  Have one family member become comfortable with the actual look of the apartment while the movers are still present.  The results should be consistent with the design and appealing to the residences’ wishes.

3.     Many food items at the old home are outdated and should not be included in the move.  As a result, it is appropriate to take canned goods, paper products, cleaning, laundry, etc. and then have a shopping day to fill in the voids.  Remember, the community serves many meals and it is not necessary to have an abundance of food inventory or cooking utensils.

4.     The television, phones and medications MUST be functional the day of the move-in.  The residence will need them for both enjoyment, security and health, respectively.

5.     Once furniture is placed, boxes unpacked, contents put away, and the final design has been implemented...then and only then, hang pictures.  The pictures are the icing on the cake.  However, they should not be placed until everything else is a go.

6.     Be kind to yourself- you did it! Now, enjoy your new home and manage the balance of the home transition (FAMILY, SELL, DONATIONS & DISPOSAL) from a position of strength.

TIP:  Senior Move Managers® minimize the chaos and stress associated with moving by addressing all aspects of the transitional process (Move, Family, Sell, Donations, Disposal). Consider using Smooth Transitions to customize your unique plan and make the transition easier.