Downsizing Tips for Our Seniors

Hello People With Stuff,

For most elderly or “Seniors”, there comes a time in their lives when they find themselves with a home that may be too large, has too many items or too much furniture, and not enough people (aka – the children) at home to justify the extra living space. The decision to downsize for a senior can be tough and a process many may not want to confront – both physically and emotionally! However, more and more seniors are making this tough decision and taking action. Here are a few moving tips that may help the WISEST PEOPLE WITH STUFF make the transition to a more manageable and simple living situation.

1) Don’t Be The Family Museum! – This is likely the biggest reason seniors have a hard time moving from a large space to a smaller space. Antique furniture & heirlooms, old books, album after album of photographs, china cabinets & sets, etc…..take up much of the space of the homes of our seniors. When downsizing, this is the perfect time to approach other members of the family about their time to “carry the family torch”, so to speak.  They will get the joy of using these items now and gain a new pride and appreciation for family history.  You will not only get the joy of giving the items to them, but still being able to serve your famous lime-green Jello mold on your grandmother’s buffet table at Thanksgiving……..but, at THEIR house!

2) Sell it or Give it to Charity – That sounds a bit harsh, but maybe you are not too attached to your items or the other family members just don't have the space for that giant barrister's bookcase. Consider a garage sale, consignment/antique shops, placing items in the classifieds, on EBAY or Craigslist, or simply donating the items to a charity like The Assitance League of Houston.  (Umm....if you don't know what to do with those old baseball cards, my email address is davidp@unitshouston.com - thank you.)

3) Of Course, You Can Store It! – (Geez!  I can’t believe I’m suggesting that idea!) Storing your items is a storage facility, such as UNITS Mobile Storage of Houston, is another great option when it is time for a senior to downsize. Secure mobile storage containers filled with your items can be economically held in climate-controlled warehouses (like in the picture below!) until other arrangements can be made for your belongings.

4) Take the Bare Necessities – The kids have moved on and there is no reason to have 4 skillets, 6 cookie sheets, 5 measuring cups, several place settings for 10, 4 televisions, and so on… Decide early on during the moving process how many of what items you will truly need in your downsized living space. This will make the move MUCH easier, take up less space at you new home, and make the move lighter on the wallet! After you are in your new home, audit your living space and needs every couple of years. Decide if you really needed to move that hand-cranked ice cream maker to the new home. Have you used it in the last 6 months to a year? If your answer is “no”, consider getting rid of it.

5) Need Help at the New Home? – Several of the moving companies offer special assistance services to seniors who moving. These companies will help not only place furniture where you want it (as they should anyway), but will perform other services such as TV/Stereo installation, the unpacking of boxes, closet organizing, and even the transferring of utilities services! A quick search on the web can help you locate moving and relocation companies specializing in senior assisted moving.

Last tip......

6) Try to Avoid Collecting Things Again - Remember, you just downsized and decluttered. Chances are you probably moved a few more things than you really needed to. Pass on temptations to buy that cute vase or cookie jar that reminds you of Aunt Mabel. Why?.…'cuz you will have too much stuff!