7 Downsizing Tips for Seniors:

Downsizing has many benefits for seniors, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy thing to do, both physically and emotionally. That’s why it’s important to downsize strategically, setting yourself up for as smooth of a transition as possible. Continue reading to discover seven tips that will help make that happen.

1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Downsizing for seniors is hard, and downsizing on a tight time frame is 10 times harder. That’s why you’ll want to get ahead of the game and begin planning for the move as early as possible. Giving yourself the gift of time goes a long way in taking the anxiety and stress out of packing up a home.

Action item: Begin exploring new places to live, including active senior living communities geared toward people looking to learn, grow, socialize, and enjoy life on their own terms.

2. Start With a Positive Mindset

The field of psychology tells us that our thoughts can control our emotions. That doesn’t mean that we can’t feel sad about leaving a home, especially if you’ve lived there for decades, but it’s also important not to get stuck in an emotional spiral. Rather, train yourself to see the bright side of your move. Why downsize your home? Because it frees up time and money to explore new things and to invest in friends, family, and even volunteer opportunities. Not to mention that it’ll make life a lot more manageable, especially if you currently have an upstairs bedroom or a big yard to take care of.

Action item: Make a list of ways your life can improve by downsizing — and then focus on the positive, knowing that you have control over your emotions.

3. Take Care of the Things You Love Most First

Getting treasured items squared away will make the rest of the downsizing process easier to handle. First, think about the things that are most important to you. We’re not talking toasters or t-shirts. Rather, think about the figurines, paintings, and sentimental items you want to hold on to or give away to loved ones. Getting all of that taken care of will free up the mental bandwidth needed to deal with the rest of your home.

Action item: Think about what you will do with things like children’s drawings, letters, and photo albums. Experts suggest streamlining your collection. If you can’t bear to completely part with something but find you’re keeping too much, snap a photo with your cell phone. And, remember, your loved ones will appreciate your efforts to curate and condense family memories.

4. Work Room by Room

The downsizing process is big, which means you’ve got to break it into chunks. The most logical way to do that is to work room by room. The best way to start is to make a schedule that lists the dates of when you will begin working on each room. Some people go all in, choosing to tackle the attic or basement first, while others prefer to give themselves a quick easy win with the half bath. Either way, just keep chugging along and stick to your schedule.

Action item: Keep your packing fun by listening to music or even a podcast. (Check out 70 over 70, a podcast on making the most of every moment of life.)

5. Pack, Donate, Discard, Repeat

Now the real work of downsizing for seniors begins. As you go through each room, separate items into three categories: pack, donate, or discard (some people advocate for a “maybe” pile but that’s just putting work off). There are some items, however, that shouldn’t require any thought at all — things that are broken, ruined, or simply outdated (we’re looking at you, 8-track player.) Things that you pack should be labeled with the room where you want movers to leave them in your new house.

Action item: Research places where you can give donated items so that you’re ready to act.

6. Downsizing for Seniors and Dreaming Big

Downsizing is a chance to rethink what you want your new home to look like. Maybe you’re still using the stemware you got for your wedding, but you find yourself drawn to the new stemless wine glasses you’ve seen. Or maybe you want to paint your new living room a fresh spring green. Does part of you want to start woodworking or writing your life story? Take advantage of this fresh start to try something new.

Action item: Is there something you’re hanging on to or still doing just because you think you have to? Consider at least one way that you can rewrite the rules for yourself and then take action.

7. Stay in the Right Frame of Mind

Maybe you’ve made it till moving day with your positivity still in full force. Still, closing that front door for the last time can feel so final, especially when it comes to downsizing for seniors. This is the time to remember that your house doesn’t hold your memories; you and your loved ones do. It’s also the time to remember that change is good for us.

Action item: Take a few minutes to think about how change has helped you grow throughout your life. As legendary German author Herman Hesse wrote, “‘Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.”

What Life Looks Like at Springpoint Living at Manalapan

From therapeutic gardening and guided meditation to fitness classes and social gatherings, Springpoint Living at Manalapan offers activities to enrich each day, celebrate shared experiences, and foster friendships. Take a look at what an average day entails or, better yet, schedule a visit to see our Manalapan, New Jersey, campus.