3 Moving And Downsizing Tips For Seniors
While you may have planned on living in your current home for the rest of your life, it's not uncommon for seniors to eventually decide that they have too much empty space and that's it's time to downsize and move to a smaller home, an apartment or a condo, or even a senior living facility. Statistics show that seniors are more likely to give up home ownership in favor of renting the older they get, and this can be a good thing – a 2009 study also shows that seniors who moved as part of their retirement plans were happier than seniors who stayed in their homes. If that's where you are, you may be having some difficulty figuring out what you're going to get rid of and how you're going to get all of the moving and packing finished. Take a look at some tips that can help you streamline your move and condense your belongings.
Start in the Unused Rooms
If you're moving to a smaller place because you currently have too much house, then you probably have some rooms that aren't in use – maybe a guest room, a bedroom that used to be occupied by a now-adult child, or a study or sewing room that you no longer use.
These rooms are the best places to start when it comes to getting rid of things that you no longer need. Chances are good that if you're not using the room, you're also not using the things in the room, which will make it easier to get rid of those things. Starting with the items that you're least likely to miss can help you get into a rhythm and give you the momentum that you need to get through the rest of the house.
Get a Floorplan
A floorplan for your new place can really help you determine what you can bring with you and where your items are going to go. Just touring your new home may not be enough. With a floor plan that shows the dimensions of each room, you'll be able to tell whether or not your dining room table will fit, whether you can fit both your couch and your loveseat into the living room, and whether you should consider getting a smaller bed. Get your hands on a floorplan and a measuring tape, and you'll have a much easier time deciding which furniture stays and which pieces have to go.
You'll also be able to decide the layout of the items you are keeping before you move in, which means that you'll be able to tell the movers exactly where to put everything. Unpacking will be a lot easier if all of your furniture and boxes are left in the rooms that they belong in.
Let the Movers Do The Packing
Speaking of movers and packing, find a moving company that offers a packing service (click here to continue reading about these services), and take advantage of it. Moving is stressful enough without the hassle of finding boxes and fitting everything into them. You'll already be dealing with the logistics of the move and getting things unpacked, so why not let the professionals do the actual packing?
Not only will using professional packing services be less stressful, it will also help ensure that everything gets to its destination in one piece. Packing professionals have the art of safely packing fragile and delicate items down to a science, so why not take advantage of their expertise?
You can probably expect to feel some trepidation about your move no matter how smoothly it goes – that's to be expected when you're making a major life transition and letting go of possessions at the same time. But by planning your move carefully in order to give yourself the momentum you need to get through the downsizing and the organization you need to fit comfortably into your new home, and by availing yourself of professional moving assistance, you can minimize the stress on yourself and enjoy the excitement that comes with a new stage in your life.