As a senior, it is probably inevitable that you will have to downsize sooner or later. Moving into a smaller home is often a stressful and tolling process – both emotionally and physically. However, if you focus on the positive side, this can be the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in your life. Isaac’s senior moving advice packing services provide a few moving tips on how to easily move into a smaller home.
Three Tips to Make Downsizing Easier
1- Know Where You Are Moving To
Knowing exactly where you are moving to will determine just how much you must downsize. Having established that, you can then start the downsizing process, keeping the following in mind:
Use A Blueprint Of The New Home
A blueprint of the new home will help you to plan and create an accurate floor plan. By drawing a scale picture of all your furniture ahead of time, you will be able to see what will fit where.
Eliminate Rooms
Your new home may not have a garage, study or guest bedroom. So, everything in those spaces will need to be sold, donated, tossed, or relocated to other rooms.
Start Small
Start in an area with little emotional attachment, such as the laundry room or linen closet
Start Early
Give yourself plenty of time for this process; don’t try to sort through your entire house in one day or weekend.
Understand Your Needs
If you’re moving from a large 3-bathroom house to a compact 1-bathroom apartment, you will not need a closet full of towels.
2- Declutter
Getting rid of mementos and knickknacks that you have acquired over a lifetime is an incredibly emotional process. These aren’t just objects; they’re memories of a life well-lived. Asking the following questions will help you to sort through the items:
- Do I need it or want it?
- Does it have sentimental value?
- Do I use it often?
- Do I have another item that performs the same function?
Here are some more tips to declutter your home:
Get Rid Of Duplicates
You will not need 2 toasters – get rid of all duplicate items.
Reduce Collections Creatively
A lifetime of collections takes up space, which you don’t have. So, why not consider taking photographs of your collections and creating albums, which will allow you to look at and revisit the memories, without taking up the physical space?
3- Find New Homes For The Items You Aren’t Keeping
Consider Legacy Gifts Early
If there are certain heirlooms or pieces you plan to leave to your family in your will, why not give those gifts now? It will get the items out of our way, and you’ll be able to see the joy of your loved ones now.
Yard Sales
Yard sales are a great way to find new homes for your things quickly. And, you can even make some extra money to help fund the move.
Donate Excess Belongings
Consider donating excess items and belongings to your local charities.
Rent A Storage Unit
If you are not quite ready to part with certain items, you may want to rent a storage unit to hold the rest of your belongings.
Additional Tips to Simplify the Transition
Take It One Step at a Time
Moving is both a physical and emotional process, so don’t rush it. Instead of looking at your entire home as one massive project, break it down into manageable steps. Sorting through just one closet or a single set of drawers each day makes the process much less overwhelming.
Digitize Important Documents & Memories
If you have stacks of paperwork, old letters, or photo albums taking up space, consider digitizing them. Scanning important documents will ensure they’re safely stored without cluttering your new home. Similarly, having digital versions of photographs allows you to preserve memories while freeing up physical space.
Prioritize Comfort & Accessibility
As you settle into your new home, consider the practicality of your layout. Arrange furniture with ease of movement in mind. If needed, invest in storage solutions that keep essential items within easy reach. Your home should be a place of comfort, not unnecessary obstacles.
Make Your New Space Feel Like Home
Downsizing doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it’s about making a fresh start while keeping what matters most. Take time to personalize your space with meaningful décor, favorite furniture pieces, or a cozy reading nook. The more familiar and welcoming your new home feels, the easier the transition will be.
Why Choose Isaac’s Moving & Storage?
Downsizing your belongings is extremely difficult. So, you will want to avoid any additional trauma by choosing a professional moving company that will help you to move your carefully selected furniture to your smaller home. Isaac’s Moving and Storage has not only been moving seniors around the US since 1988, but we have also received the coveted Circle of Service Award from NASMM for our outstanding service to the senior living communities. We can help you to:
- Pack up your belongings,
- Dispose of anything that you may not need, and
- Help with any unpacking services you may require at delivery.
Our senior moving services can help you with your upcoming move so contact us today. One of our trained moving consultants will be happy to help you plan your move! You will be glad you did!
