If you’ve decided to move from your current home or are even thinking about a new living environment, congratulations! Simply contemplating this colossal decision means you’re open to exciting new possibilities.
A Major Life Event
It is no exaggeration to say that moving is a major life event. Not only are you pulling up stakes to perhaps an entirely different geographic area, you’re saying goodbye to neighbors and a houseful of memories. You are making big changes, and even positive change can be stressful.
On top of that is all the “stuff” you’ve likely accumulated over the years. The average American home has 300,000 items! Should they stay or should they go?
Less Stuff, More Living
Despite the considerable emotional and logistical ramifications of a move, there is so much to look forward to in a new home!
While senior living is sometimes mistakenly associated with a lack of independence, there is infinite freedom in doing what one wants to do instead of what they have to do. Leaving large homes burdened with clutter, hassles and headaches opens the door to personal growth and reinvention.
What’s more, a senior community can become one’s entire expanded home, complete with friendly neighbors, beautiful common areas, natural sanctuaries right outside one’s door (Collington’s 125 acres is an accredited arboretum!) and the pulse of a thriving greater community waiting to be explored.
How exciting!
Yet, the journey from decision to move-in day is a process of many phases, one that can be overwhelming and exhausting without proper planning and preparation. Here are some practical tips, whether you’re weeks, months or years away from a move.
When to Start Downsizing?
It is literally never too early to begin going through furnishings, appliances, knick-knacks, photos, kitchenware, linens, clothing, documents, etc., in your home and deciding what to keep, what to donate and/or sell (and to whom) and what to throw away. Very few people, if any, are willing recipients or decision makers of the contents of someone else’s home. The sooner you, the homeowner(s), can begin sorting and clearing things out, the better for everyone.
Keep, Give or Toss?
A more practical approach is to assess which items haven’t been worn, used, displayed for several months or years (after which they’re likely never to be) or are simply too large or stylistically unsuited to your new home. If it takes too long to decide if something is a “keeper” or not, it’s probably either a “no” or a “maybe” at the least. This advice applies whether you have already chosen a new place, or you are still in the envisioning stage.
Parting Ways
Once you’ve decided what to let go, here are just some of the repurposing options available to you well before you move:
Exhausted Yet? Move Managers to the Rescue!
While some people may be fortunate (nervy?) enough to rely on family members or friends to help them move, busy adult children and older peers are not always the most willing or able participants.
More and more, today’s older adults are relying on professional senior move managers. Approximately 1,000 of these companies are members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), offering various services tailored to clients’ individual budgets and needs. Some are full-service, turn-key solutions that help older adults with all phases of a move:
What’s more, move managers can provide personal services beyond “stuff.” This may include, but is not limited to, helping clients locate their deeds, collect their utility bills, get their papers in order, and help realtors ready their home for sale.
Moving is one of life’s top stressors, but with proper planning, preparation and assistance, older adults can look forward to living in their new home with a sense of sanity and joy, right from the start!
Let Collington help you make your best move yet.
Schedule a tour today!