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Tips for Senior Citizens Moving into a Smaller Home and What to Do with those Unused Items
If you are downsizing to a smaller home, it may be hard to get rid of things especially if you’re a senior citizen. The benefit of downsizing is you can save money on the cost to pack and load unwanted items. We’ve gathered some tips on the process of downsizing your move to help make the transition easier.
1. Start with rooms that don’t have sentimental value.
The attic, basement, or storage rooms are good places to start since you probably haven’t used those items in a long time. Starting here first will be less emotional and won’t change your everyday spaces.
2. Declutter one room at a time.
You will feel like you are making progress this way and you won’t wear yourself out.
3. Have a plan and start early.
Devote 20 to 30 minutes a day to decluttering. We recommend all homeowners start decluttering at least one month before your move date.
4. Sort items into Keep, Donate, Sell, or Throw Away.
Keep these things in mind as you sort through items:
- Will you need it in your home?
- If the unneeded item is sentimental, give it to family.
- If the item is usable and in good condition, mark it for donation or selling.
- If damaged or not repairable, you might need to throw it away.
- Could the item be more useful to someone you know or a local charity? If so, donate it.
- Most importantly, donate items or have them picked up immediately after sorting, so you won’t change your mind.
5. Make a list of charities and family or friends for unwanted items.
There is a home for all your usable items even if it is not your own. Ask family members to take your sentimental items before you move. Thrift shops and non-profits, like Goodwill and the Salvation Army will take your old clothes and bedding. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a great place to donate your gently-used furniture. Ask a librarian if they know a local school or literacy program that could use your old books or magazines. See if you can donate old electronics and TVs to a local community center.
6. Sell items that are in good condition.
There are many options for selling your items, like having a yard sale, selling items online, or selling them at auctions or through consignment shops.
7. Have a Professional Moving Company pack your items.
Downsizing your home can be emotionally draining, so the last thing you want to do is pack. At Leaders Moving & Storage we have certified packers which will treat your items as if they were their own. We offer full-service packing where we can pack all or some of the items in your home. Hiring a quality team will help the transition go faster and easier.
8. Take Your Time to Reflect.
Don’t rush yourself through the process. Keep in mind as you downsize that you’re not getting rid of everything, just keeping the most important things. Reflect on your old home and think of this as a new beginning.
Choose a Trusted Mover
Leaders Moving & Storage has been helping seniors transition into smaller homes, their children’s home, or senior care centers for 20 years. We can help with moving, packing, and offer short-term and long-term storage for any items that you can’t get rid of. Call or get an online quote today.
We’re sponsoring an event all about downsizing later this month. Downsize Columbus will be holding the event Friday, April 24, 2015th at the Dublin Community Center. You can get advice from experts about real estate, auctioning your items, and staging your home. And of course, visit us to find out how we can help with your move. Find out more about the event at http://www.downsizecolumbus.com/. We hope to see you there!
photo credit: The Gift of Storage via photopin (license)
About the author
LEADERS Moving & Storage was founded in 1994 in Ohio with a pickup truck and a handshake. Since then, we’ve become one of the largest moving companies in the Midwest and have set the standard for others to follow.
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