Sometimes You Just Need Extra Help

Posted on: 2 November 2018

Senior living communities allow you to continue to live in an apartment or home. These apartments and homes are often smaller than the spaces that you occupied before. If you are moving into a senior living community from a larger dwelling, you are going to want to invest some time in downsizing your belongings.

#1 Create a Plan

One of the worst things you can do is try to go through everything all at once. That can be really tiring and stressful. Instead, if you have time, create a plan to help with the transition. Don't feel like you need to go through things every day; be sure to give yourself a break when needed.

Write down and define a goal for each day that you want to work on going through your home. Write down who or what you need to help you accomplish those goals, so when you tackle them, you are able to do so fully.

#2 Create a List of Things You Know You Want

Before you start going through your home, create a list of things that you know you want to take with you. These can be practical things, such as your electric blanket and your coffee maker, and it can be more sentimental items, such as specific photos and decorative items, such as your favorite vase.

Sitting down and writing what you know you want to take with you will help make it easier for you to decide what to get rid of and what to put in storage.

#3 Start in an Area Without a Lot of Sentimental Items

When you start going through your home, start in an area that doesn't contain a lot of sentimental items. Common easy starting points include your kitchen, garage, or utility room. You are going to want to start with these areas that include less emotional situations and items that you don't use as frequently and need to pack up soon.

#4 Share the Memories

Finally, involve your family in the process of going through your home. Go through your home with your family members. Take pictures of special items and make videos or voice records where you share the memories that those items hold for you. Find various ways to hold onto and share your memories without having to hold onto all the physical reminders of your memories.

As you get ready to downsize into a senior living facility, start out by making a list of sentimental items you know you want with you no matter what and practical items you know you'll need. Then, create a plan and schedule for going through your home. Start in an easy room without a lot of sentimental items. Find ways to share and preserve your memories without having to hang on to every physical reminder of a memory. This will help you be more prepared, whether you've moving to a living community where you can still take care of yourself and be active or you need to look at skilled nursing homes because you have health issues.