Every journey begins with a single step. That’s a good thing to keep in mind when you are facing a task that can feel overwhelming but really just calls for a plan—one that comes down to one step at a time. For example, take downsizing for a move to a senior living community. With a little forethought and preparation, you can break down the tasks into bite-sized chunks that are easier to manage, and actually be quite liberating. Remember: every step is progress!
How to prepare for downsizing to senior living.
Before you toss, pack, or hide in the closet (we promise you don’t have to), consider these suggestions as ways to ease into the process—and actually turn it into a positive, rejuvenating experience.
- Assess your collections. Look over the collectibles and knick-knacks you’ve collected over the years. Choose one or two items from each collection, and then photograph the rest. This will free you to still enjoy your cherished items without having to wrap, pack and move them—or find a place for them in your new residence.
- Photograph the rooms and contents of your home. Not only will this give you a reference to enjoy in years to come, it will help you really see what you have. And what matters most to you. You might realize there are pieces of furniture or possessions you rarely notice and wouldn’t miss if you did not have them. Consider that to be a sign it’s time to let them go. Downsizing to senior living is a great way to take an inventory of everything.
- Decide what is most precious. As you go from room to room, make a list of what has real meaning for you. You want to keep the “good” stuff, and let go of the rest. Then consider if simply having a photograph of the item would be enough. Or, would your son or daughter, or grandchild, like to have it?
- Talk early with family about what they might want. Successful downsizing to senior living means not waiting until moving day to make decisions. Early in the process, ask your family members to drop by and tell you if there’s anything they would cherish. Maybe your daughter has always admired your china. Give it to her now, and then you can enjoy it when you visit. Or perhaps there are vintage items your grandchildren might appreciate one day. But remember, it’s possible others will not want your furniture or collections. Donating to a charity is always a good option.
- Only acquire a new item if you get rid of something. You’re getting in the mindset to let go. So now is not the time to make purchases that might not go with you. Downsizing to senior living is a good time to discipline yourself into only adding what you truly need.
- Throw out expired paperwork. Everyone has that file of expired warranties, installation instructions, booklets, and more. Go through yours and get rid of anything that you won’t need in your new home. If a document can be stored online, throw out the paper version.
Next steps
Once you review what you have, what you want to keep and what others have expressed interest in, you can begin the next phase of downsizing— letting the rest go. It can be a liberating feeling to know you are moving forward with much less weighing you down. Now you can look forward to a whole new chapter in your life.
At Peregrine Senior Living, you can embrace a carefree, worry-free lifestyle that offers you support when you need it and independence when you don’t. We call it The Peregrine Way™®. We’d love to tell you more!
Assisted Living The Peregrine Way™ lets you live your best life.
Assisted living can be a rewarding and exciting new adventure—let us tell you more!
Discover more about The Peregrine Way™. Contact us today. Also, we hope you’ll download our free guide,Supporting Your Aging Loved One: Caregiver Tips & Tools.
