#Downsizing and moving checklist full#

It’s helpful to have a list or spreadsheet you can look at to help you decide what’s important. We recommend you label each box by room so you can unpack one room at a time. Have a spot for all items you plan to keepīe sure to take the time to organize and label your moving boxes.If possible, scan them onto a computer or take a photo Consider shredding any files you don’t need.Here are some downsizing tips for seniors when it comes to decluttering: Getting rid of old items can be hard, but also necessary, when moving into a smaller space. The biggest part of downsizing and a fresh start is the opportunity to declutter. They can help sort your possessions, take anything you don’t want and help you turn any “maybes” into something you’ll keep or give away! 3. If you’re having trouble parting with your things, enlist the help of friends and family. Selling them on Facebook Marketplace or consignment.Gifting them to friends or family members.So rather than letting them go to waste, you may want to consider:

#Downsizing and moving checklist full#

Do you have three winter coats but only wear one? A shelf full of books you haven’t touched in years? Donate or sell what you don’t use.Ĭhances are, you have many high-quality items that someone else could enjoy. Try sorting your items by labeling them as things you’ll want to keep, donate, sell or toss.ĭownsizing requires some preparation. Donate, Sell Or Give Awayĭeciding which items won’t be coming to your smaller home doesn’t have to mean throwing everything in the dumpster. With some items, like collectibles or mementos, you may need more time to decide where those items should go. Giving yourself months instead of weeks allows you to decide what items you truly want to keep, store or give away. We recommend you begin planning and packing around three months ahead of the move. As anyone who’s moved knows - packing always takes longer than you think.

You’ve spent your life accumulating a house full of stuff, so you can’t expect to downsize in a week. Start As Early As You Canīe sure to give yourself enough time to move in. Use our guide to help with the transition: 1. And, with no more home insurance or property taxes, moving to a community may be more affordable.Ī Step-By-Step Guide To Downsizing For Seniorsĭownsizing comes with plenty of benefits, but it can also be a lot of work. Moving to a senior living community allows you to stop paying for home maintenance expenses. Transitioning to a senior living community can help you find a space that better fits your lifestyle and make new friends with on-site mixers, daily activities, eating with neighbors in the dining room and more. Living in a large home can feel lonesome if you don’t need that much space. Consider downsizing your home to cut down on the time you spend cleaning, and spend more time doing what you love. One of the most sought-after perks of moving to a senior living community is the freedom from day-to-day chores. We’ve included the step-by-step instructions to help you move confidently into the next chapter of your life journey. Read on for our expert downsizing tips for seniors moving into a senior living community. We’re here to help you uncover what the downsizing process looks like and answer your top questions. When it’s time to downsize, you want to do everything you can to ensure a smooth transition.