Helping the Elderly Downsize: A Must Read

Helping the Elderly Downsize

New York Times

Kaya Laterman

July 22, 2016

During the last several years, I have attempted to educate readers and clients about the features and benefits of senior move managers as they work to downsize their homes.  Listed below is a link to an excellent article that appeared in the New York Times that summarizes the challenges to downsizing and the benefits of using a senior move manager.  Enjoy…

Beth

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/24/realestate/helping-the-elderly-downsize.html?_r=0

Transitions Ballad

Jean Long Manteufel, senior move manager and CEO of Long’s Senior Transitions (Jean@TransitionsWithJean.com) writes her Transitions column on the first Sunday of each month about life changes associated with aging.  

She recently posted a very creative poem that begins with the reality of a senior’s challenge, doubt and stress associated with downsizing.  However, the perspective starts to shift and the senior soon recognizes the enjoyment of the new adventure.


Jean captures the transition perfectly and deserves tremendous credit for her creativity. The poem flows to the tune of "On Top of Old Smokey."

    

Transitions: In tune with seniors ready to move

March 6, 2016

              Transitions Ballad

On top of my table, all covered with stuff,
Are decades of treasures, going through them is tough.

My kids say, “Mom, leave here.” I wish they would know,
To leave this old house, well, it hurts my heart so.

My dear and I lived here, raised our family of four.
Now I am without him, I hurt to the core.

But time has a way of ... moving along.
I can’t keep this house up; I’m just not as strong.

My house has outgrown me; the upkeep’s such stress.
The windows need washing. The garden’s a mess.

The times they have changed now; I don’t move so quick.
Doing laundry in the basement, of that, I am sick!

Old neighbors have left here; I feel so alone.
This new place, I am told, will soon feel like home.

Is it true what folks tell me? I will make friends anew.
It’s hard to make changes, so I hope it is true.

It’s so overwhelming. Where do I begin?
The list is so long that — I guess I’ll jump in.

“Call a senior move manager,” my friend tells me true.
“She’ll help you consider, just what to do.”

The gal helps me pick out — the things I should take:
The sofa and chairs for — this new home I’ll make.

“Take things that are useful, and that you adore.
Fewer things will be needed.” She says “Less is more.”

From the den I will take a ... thing I enjoy,
The table my dear made, when he was a boy.

From the bedroom, so special, photos of all.
My family mementos, to adorn the new wall.

She says “Plates and glasses, of each, just take six.”
This “Now-sizing” idea, is starting to click.

The movers have pulled up. It’s now time to go.
Good-bye to my old house, I will miss you so.

Once I have my things out, the kids can go through
And take what they wish, they are their memories too.

My gal will then clear out and sell what she can,
Then get the house ready — to list. That’s the plan.

I’m so glad I called her and saved myself grief.
She made this job easy. What a relief!

I know this adventure — will bring on new things.
It’s time to look forward — to whatever life brings.

A month after moving, my apartment’s just so.
I wish we had done this, a few years ago.

I’m busy with projects. I’ve met some friends new
And re-found an old one — from back in high school.

My new home is lovely, so cheery and bright.
Don’t tell my children, but perhaps they were right.

Consid’ring a new home? To your house bid adieu.
Make a transition; you’ve still got living to do!

Downsizing to the Community. Be Disciplined

During past posts, I have outlined in detail the essential steps in downsizing.  The MOVE (sort, pack, transport, unpack & design) is always the most comprehensive and also the most important.  An orderly move allows the senior to transition into their new home with minimal emotional and physical stress.  Secondly, the Family selects treasures not included in the move.  Thirdly, remaining items of value are considered for SALE via auction or estate sale.  Fourthly, unsold staples are DONATED to local charities and lastly, the balance is DISPOSED (or recycled).  Now the home is ready for listing or occupancy.

The steps are all inclusive and need to be followed in chronological order.  Seems pretty simple doesn’t it?  Conceptually yes.  But, practically speaking, the answer is clearly no.  If married seniors (mom & dad) are moving from their four bedroom home (35 years occupancy and raised a family) into a two bedroom retirement community, the task is daunting.

Again, the five step process is easy to understand.  But, the challenge and the absolute key to success are in sorting.  A good benchmark is a 75% reduction in items leaving the home and heading to the community.  Moving 25% of the items into a new apartment allows the family (or senior move manager) the opportunity to design the apartment in an organized, uncluttered and functional way.  Think about it.  A new home with 30+ years of treasured furniture, paintings, photographs, clothing, and china is a showcase versus taking too many items and living inside a “storage unit”.

Okay, I know you are still with me.  But, it remains very difficult to sort.  Yes it is and as a result, let’s grab the low hanging fruit.  The number one opportunity to consolidate is the kitchen.  Remember, the seniors are moving to a community and they will receive two or three meals per day.  Secondly, holiday dinners are at the kids’ home and not the seniors’ home.  Thirdly, the retirement community knows the first two points and as a result, they do not provide very much kitchen cabinet space.  Therefore, two sets of china (formal & everyday; serving of six) and silverware are the maximum quantities.  One of everything else is more than enough.  No need for three spatulas, four soup ladles, five bottle openers…  I had a client that once was a big cook.  She wanted to take three pie pans to the new community.  Clearly, baking a pie was still a part of her interest, which is great.  But, not three pies at a time (LOL).

Secondly, clothes are another huge opportunity.  Guys take two sport coats, two suits, 5-8 sport shirts, 5-8 dress shirts and 3-5 slacks.  Everything else is overkill.  Ladies, will and should take more based on fashion and season.  But, be disciplined.  No need for 25 pairs of shoes and 25 matching purses.

Lastly, paintings/pictures are an opportunity to downsize.  There is much less wall space in the new location and much of this space will be directed toward family arrangements.  I always like to error on the side of too many family photos versus not enough.

In summary, when seniors downsize to a community remember, they offer many very attractive services.  Books (library), exercise equipment (gym), BBQ pits (outdoor patios), etc… are provided for the seniors’ enjoyment and do not require duplication.  There is a limited amount of space in the new “Shangri-La” and it requires discipline in the sorting exercise.  The fallout of taking too much stuff is facing the reality of a second move from the new apartment to reduce the clutter.  Or, living with the clutter and disorganization of a failed sorting discipline.

Be strong on the front end and you’ll be happy on the back end.

The Disposal

Well, the downsizing process is nearing completion.  We have Moved (sorted, packed, moved to new location, unpacked and designed); shipped desired treasures to the Family; sold unwanted items via the Sell to Auction houses, dealers, and on-line; and Donated items of value to our preferred charity.  The last component of downsizing is the Disposal.  Sounds easy, but the process is somewhat comprehensive if done correctly.

Our goal during the Disposal is to rid the home of all remaining items while attempting to recycle as much of the Disposal as possible.  The first step is to collect all hazardous material (which includes paints, insecticides, cleaning material, oil, etc.) and deliver them to a reclamation center.  Generally, the city site will allow maybe 50 pounds to be unloaded at no costs with an incremental cost per pound over the free allotment.  Disposing hazardous material in the trash is illegal and irresponsible to our environment.

Much of the remaining items can be recycled by the local community waste management company.  For example; cardboard, glass, cans, metal, leaves, and grass should be staged at the curb during your neighborhood recycle day.  Most recycle containers have a listing of the acceptable items for recycling.  If the recycling is significant and much larger than a normal week of disposal, it is wise to notify your waste management provider so there is no problem with the pick-up.

After recycling and hazardous material have been addressed, everything else needs to be trashed.  Generally, the easiest and most cost effective way is to utilize the waste management provider that services your neighborhood.  As with the recycling, a phone call is appropriate if you have a substantial amount of trash for pick-up.  The provider will ask about the number of boxes/bags for pick-up.  They will also inquire about large items like mattresses, cabinets, carpeting, etc.  Each of the larger items has a disposal dollar amount and they will itemize your list and bill you accordingly.  Don’t try and under estimate your items because you run a real risk of not having the provider pick-up the undeclared items.  Lastly, appliances usually need to be picked-up by an appliance recycle company.  Large televisions can be delivered to Best Buy (32” max) or a local television recycle center. All computer and electrical items should be disposed of at an electronics recycling center.

Now that everything is out of the home, it is appropriate to broom clean the floors, vacuum, clean the counters/bathrooms, and ensure the exterior of the home is presentable.  Any items that stay with the home (wood, shingles, and paint) should be orderly.  Remember, the buyer will do a final walk through of the property and if contents are excessive, the buyer can delay closing until the items are removed to an acceptable level.

The home is now ready to place on the market or it is ready to occupy for the new homeowners.  Wow, it has been a tremendous amount of work.  But, the process is complete and everyone can settle and enjoy their new surroundings and consolidated treasures.  It is a very freeing feeling! And as senior move managers, it is very rewarding to see the seniors go from overwhelmed to overjoyed.              

  

THE DONATION

                                     

The Donation

In review, we have completed The Move and our senior(s) are in their new home and hopefully enjoying their new adventure.  Secondly, The Family has sorted through the remaining items at the original home and we have shipped to the appropriate locations.  Thirdly, The Sell was successful basis an on-line auction, estate sale or dealer purchases.  We have gone from a large amount of “stuff” to a much reduced and more manageable quantity of items for further liquidation.

The fourth step, The Donation, seems easy enough, right?  But, like each step, the process can be comprehensive and involve significant work.  We now target the items that did not sell or were excluded from the sale.  These remaining household goods range from furniture, cookware to trinkets.  All items (excluding furniture) should be boxed and taped close to assist the charity in an orderly move of the donations.  Fragile items like glassware and china should be wrapped in paper or bubble wrap.  It defeats the purpose of your gift to arrive broken.  Use your discretion on all other items.  Most of these items should make the trip unwrapped and in a good corrugated box.

Once packed the boxes and furniture need to be on the street level of the home.  In other words, most charitable movers will not go up or down stairs.  Additionally, “some” charities will only pick up donations from the garage in order to avoid damage or liability to the home.  They also require a specific list of items and in most cases, will not take incremental donations because they have staged pick-ups based on the available cube in the truck.  Lastly, they will require appointments and usually provide only a 2-3 hour window the day of pick-up.  In summary, the charity has many rules and requires a lot of coordination.

There are many charities that are item specific and we like to contribute to those charities also. For example, The Lions Club has Recycle for Sight Program to recycle eye glasses. St. Louis HELP collects and provides free home medical equipment to anyone in need. Animal shelters always gladly accept blankets of any kind.

Generally, the charitable organization will provide a tax deduction form that may or may not have the specific donations.  It is the responsibility of the individual receiving the deduction to itemize and assign estimated value for the entire gift.  It is recommended that this paperwork be shared with your tax professional for review before processing your return. A tax donation is not always important to seniors, especially if they don’t itemize their taxes.

The Donation is now complete and we will review The Disposal during the next blog.  The clean-out of the home may appear simple.  But again, if the homeowner is conscientious about recycling, hazardous waste, and leaving the home for proper showing or occupancy, The Disposal requires significant focus.

     

 

                                              

 

 

 

The Sell

 

 

Today we will discuss The Sell (step 3), which is the beginning of the liquidation process that occurs after The Move (step 1) and The Family (step 2).  Remember, during The Move, all the household items were sorted for treasures and necessities. They have been relocated to the new home and unpacked according to the design.  Items left at the home have also been sorted by The Family and removed.  Now, we shift our attention to the elimination of the remaining items.

 

The Sell can be approached in several ways.  First, the owner must fully recognize that the items for sale have a market value much less than their original assessment.  Generally, the market pays 10 cents on the dollar.  Now, there are clearly exceptions like art, antiques, jewelry and coins.  However, the owner must proceed with a mind-set of “getting rid; not rich”.  Based on this proper expectation, the homeowner will conclude The Sell with peace of mine, inventory sold and a nice monetary dividend based on the market value of the items.

 

Like everything, the market to sell/buy items has changed significantly.  Generally, estate sales target very large homes and use the house as the stage for display and merchandising.  It also means possibly hundreds of people through the home. This option excludes many sellers.  Garage sales are a tremendous amount of work for very little return.  Craig’s List, eBay and classified ads are generally ineffective.  Again, all of these methods require the buyers to come into the home.

 

Smooth Transitions of St. Louis utilizes three methods that can be exclusive or combined.  First, the homeowner can take the task on themselves and approach dealers directly.  Clearly, the challenge within the dealer network is finding those that are buying.  If the dealer is in the market, remember, some buy art, others buy coins and still others buy antiques or jewelry. 

 

The second method is the on-line auction which is growing in popularity.  Items are grouped together in lots, photographed, categorized and placed on-line for buyers to make their bids. The auction is usually open 10-14 days.  The bids are slow at first, but rally near the end of the session. Market value will determine the price of an item.  Upon completion of the on-line auction, the buyers pick-up their purchases at the home.  The items have been paid for through the auction company and the homeowner will receive one lump sum (auction house takes about 25% of total sales) for all goods sold.  Again, the question referencing this opportunity is whether the homeowner has enough value (quality & quantity) to justify the work associated with the preparation of the auction.

 

Third, some auction houses will buy the entire contents of the home at a wholesale price and then resell the items at their auction house.  This option generates the least amount of cash, but does result in a quick liquidation.  Auction houses will also take select items on consignment and generally retain 25% of the sale price; it is usually the responsibility of the homeowner to deliver the items to the site.

 

The Sale is a very challenging process and professional assistance is recommended.  Once complete, the home will be noticeably empty.  Remaining items await The Donation (step 4) and The Disposal (step 5).   

The Family

During my last blog, I talked about The Move as being the first and most important step in downsizing.  Remember, during The Move, we selected (through the sorting process) the items that are in the new location or soon will be relocated.  They have been identified and are no longer part of the household inventory.

Now let’s discuss the second step: The Family.  Based on the wishes of the homeowner(s), the remaining items in the home can be reviewed to determine what (if any) treasures will be selected by the family.  This can get a bit sticky.  For example, if all three kids want mom’s piano, who wins?  Many times the parent will select the child who gets the piano; or maybe it is as simple as drawing high card; or maybe the first pick of the first round gets the last pick in the second round (and so on).  Just be careful that the item selection is fair and objective.  I’ve seen many families torn apart and left with permanent scars after dividing the family treasures.

Once these household items have been selected, it is very important to get them out of the house in order to provide room for the remaining steps (The Sell, The Donation & The Disposal).  Furniture that is heading out of state can be shipped or picked-up by the family member.  Shipping small pieces of furniture is very expensive so renting a truck or using your own van should be considered.  If shipping is your only alternative make sure you get at least two quotes.

The family can be a very constructive resource when downsizing a parent.  Working together is fun and eliminates the cost for professionals.  However, don’t be fooled!  Working as a team is very challenging.  Downsizing is a lot of work and the tasks will never be divided evenly.  Maybe some kids are out of town and it leaves the burden on the children that are in town.  Additionally, downsizing requires efficiency and organization.  Without a plan, the downsizing will seem endless and will add significant stress to the family.  Be honest with yourself and determine if your family has the resources and knowledge to get the job done.  If so, have fun.  If not, pass it off to a senior move manager and avoid the stress.

During my next blog, I will discuss The Sell.  It is very comprehensive, but it offers an opportunity to be very profitable.