Your Guide For Downsizing To A Senior Living Community
Downsizing into a luxury retirement community marks a significant lifestyle shift. Embracing this change with thoughtful planning and organization can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Here are our top tips for seniors navigating the downsizing process into their new, more compact living space.
As a luxury move concierge company with experienced professional organizers, we specialize in making this process stress free and seamless.
Top Tips for Seniors Downsizing
1. Start Early and Plan Strategically
Begin the downsizing process well in advance of the move. If there have been many years in the current home, odds are a lot has accumulated which won’t fit or be needed in the new home plus different needs may come into play at the new place.
- Create a detailed plan that outlines tasks and timelines, allowing for a gradual and stress-free transition.
- Start the editing process well in advance - I joke with our clients that as soon as the thought even crosses your mind - this is when you start decluttering!
- Identify professionals and vendors needed for the transition. This goes beyond movers but may also include (ahem) professional organizers who offer move concierge services, art craters/transporters, cleaners, interior designers, drapery or wallpaper hangers, electricians, painters, etc. The job of moving often turns into project management which is where having help is key.
Top Tips for Seniors Downsizing
2. Prioritize Essential Items
The new space will most likely be much smaller than the current home so really thinking through what to bring is key.
- Identify and prioritize essential items that hold sentimental value or contribute to daily comfort.
- Focus on bringing belongings that will fit well within the smaller space while maintaining a sense of familiarity.
- Be realistic about what you actually use in your kitchen, laundry, closets, etc. Bringing that panini maker that hasn't seen the light of day since 2007 isn't a good move.
- If mobility is an issue, you'll need wider pathways, minimal clutter, and smooth floors which may impact what you choose to bring.
3. Measure and Plan for The New Space
Nothing is worse than paying to move something and finding it doesn’t fit! Planning ahead and making sure everything will work is critical.
- Obtain floor plans or measurements of the new living space. This helps determine which furniture and belongings will fit appropriately, preventing unnecessary clutter.
- Measure your current furniture and determine what will fit in the new space and where. Often furniture pieces will end up in different spaces due to space considerations so thinking outside the box is key.
- Determine if new pieces will be needed and get those ordered right away so you can hopefully have them by the time you move in!
Top Tips for Seniors Downsizing
4. Declutter Your Belongings
This is where a professional organizer can really assist. Having someone facilitate this process can be such a help in making the process go smoothly. Check out our How To Declutter For A Move Guide for the full process and tips from the organizing pros!
- Work room by room going through all of the items tucked away everywhere.
- Edit out unneeded items in each space - not just the surface areas but inside every cabinet, drawer, and closet.
- Start with the easy stuff - those items that don't have sentimental value or emotional attachments - think blenders or extension cords.
- Be ruthless - only so much can fit in the new place and you don't want to pay to move things you won't use.
- Identify end locations for things you don't need or want - a junk hauler can be your best friend during this process.
- Consider an estate sale if your current neighborhood allows these - this is a great way to clear out everything you do not end up needing.
Pro Tip: Don’t get caught up in the ‘maybe’s or the decide laters or the just in-case hamster wheel. All those delayed decisions eat up valuable time and brain space. Items are either a yes or a no so if it isn’t a definite yes – it most likely needs to go.
Top Tips for Seniors Downsizing
5. Gift Heirlooms Early
Family heirlooms, photos, and memories hold a special place in our hearts. When downsizing, determining where these items can be one of the harder parts of the process which is why having professional assistance can be crucial.
- If there are specific heirlooms or family treasures that are destined for certain loved ones, consider gifting them now. This not only ensures a smooth transition but also allows for the joy of sharing meaningful items.
- If you have items appropriate for donation to a historical society or club - this is a great time to make that happen.
- The items that are kept should have a spot for display or be stored in weathertight totes for safety.
6. Plan Out Decor
Art and decor space will be at a premium in a smaller space so really thinking about what you want to display is important.
- Measure your wall art and determine where it will hang.
- Pare down tchotchkes and knick knacks to just the few you love.
- Framed family photos can be removed from their frames and placed in an album or storage box - keep just a small selection to display.
7. Evaluate Storage Options
- Some communities offer storage so determining what will fit in there ahead of time is helpful.
- If you need off site storage - be really sure it's worth the long term investment compared to what you are storing (hint: it's probably not).
- Utilize the vertical space in your storage spaces with shelving or cubbies.
8. Focus On The Timeline
- Make repeated visits to the new space especially if renovations are happening to make sure things are progressing on time.
- Get the movers booked way in advance letting them know that the timing may shift (and be sure they do a site visit to give you a firm estimate).
- Stay in communication with your designer, contractors, or vendors regarding installations and deliveries.
- Revamp your timeline as needed and be sure to alert any vendors as things change.
9. Embrace a New Mindset
Approach downsizing as an opportunity for a fresh start. Focus on the positive aspects of simplified living, where less clutter allows for easier navigation and maintenance.
- Don't let old habits hold you back and focus on the joy of having less to manage and deal with.
- Think about what you are leaving for your loved ones - having everything in order will be such a gift.
Top Tips for Seniors Downsizing
Downsizing into a luxury retirement community is a transformative journey. By approaching it with a proactive and positive mindset, seniors can create a living space that reflects their unique personality and allows for a more simplified and enriching lifestyle.
Our move concierge services help guide you through the process from start to finish, making this a seamless and stress free time — giving you the freedom to enjoy your new home and lifestyle.
