SENIORS - Downsizing, Moving and Organizing

I have been speaking at Seniors Groups about Moving and Downsizing and I thought I would share some of my presentation; as well as, some of the questions and responses I am getting from Seniors.

If you have collected decades of memories and “stuff”:  moving is traumatic.  This is a normal reaction. Even the thought of moving leaves many “paralyzed”.  So you put off moving or put off even creating a plan to move until a move becomes more of a problem than it needs to be.

There are certain experiences in life and moving is one of them that can result in Transitional Trauma which is characterized by anxiety, confusion and hopelessness and these emotions involved in moving can even trigger physical reactions.  If you haven’t moved in 10, 20, 30 or more years and you try to take it on by yourself, if you have no plan and you find yourself surrounded by boxes---you are going to make moving a negative event.

Think about some positives to moving – moving to a smaller space can expand your independence because it relieves you of all the “stuff” that owns you.  It frees you up both mentally and physically to enjoy life Downsizing is like losing a large weight off your shoulders.

Downsizing:

Some Tips for Downsizing:

Start Slowly: As I just talked about do one small space at a time and give yourself some breaks.

Organize: Figure out how much space you will you have in your new home, including storage space in the kitchen, closets and cabinets.  How many dishes, clothes, books, etc will you have room for and plan ahead accordingly.

Ask Do I Really Need This:  old clothes, non-fixable items, old medications, how many dishes, cups, Tupperware, pens, pencils, etc does one person need. Old bills/statements etc…everything is computerized nowadays you don’t need to hang onto all the old paperwork.

As Stated before – Get Help – downsizing can be a painful process, both emotionally and physically, don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

Give Away Gifting – Distribute things to family and friends including family mementos, photos and books.  Save only those keepsakes that mean the most to you. 

Donate – this is for those items you aren’t going to give to family or friends and you will not have room for and are able to part with.  There are lots of organizations around the Lower Mainland that would love to have your items to help those less fortunate.  Shelters, transition homes for women and children, day programs, treatment centers.  There are plenty of places that will make sure your items are given to those in need for free.

Hobbies/Collections:  Hobbies and collecting can be a lot of fun.  People collect all kinds of things: stamps, records, books, etc.  Think about why you started the collection in the first place and what you get from the collection. 

One example I can give you is VHS tapes…I have had plenty of clients with very large movie collections and yet they no longer own a VCR.  However, when I would discuss with them why they were holding on to their collections, inevitably the response was, "Well I spent a lot of money on them and I can always sell them".

So you need to keep up with the valuation of your collection, if that is why you started to collect a particular item.  Things go out of favor, become obsolete, and are just taking up space in your home.  If on the other hand you started collecting an item just because you really like them - think about where you can display them without taking over the home.

Unfortunately, the fact is none of us is going to live forever, and while you may really enjoy your collection of 500 Cabbage Patch kids, that doesn't mean anyone in your family wants to deal with them when your gone.

Collecting can be fun and you can get real enjoyment from discovering a new piece to add to your collection, but think about limiting your collection to a certain space within your house so it is not intruding on your being able to comfortably enjoy your home as well. 

Moving:

Develop a plan for your new residence so you know where your furniture will go and what items you won’t have room for.  If family or friends do not want any of the furnishings you don’t need; there are organizations that will appreciate them.

Bottom Line – The fewer items you need to pack and move, the smaller the moving bill and the easier it will be to set up your new home.

Again feeling stressed, overwhelmed and anxious about moving is natural…As good am I am at helping others downsize and prepare for a move…I freeze when it’s a move for my family…my husband does it all – packing, moving, unpacking and organizing the new home.  However, if you ask for help, plan ahead and allow yourself time…you will reduce your stress and be able to enjoy your new home.