Senior relocation and downsizing
Relocating later in life is so much more than just packing up and starting over in a new place. There’s often downsizing after many years in the same home, figuring out what to do with a lifetime of stuff, juggling family obligations and timelines and creating a whole new routine.
It’s a lot, and it’s a lot easier to tackle it all when you take it one manageable step at a time. Downsizing and moving don’t happen overnight, and there are no immediate answers for all your belongings.
Plan the Space Before Sorting
Know your destination.
The dimensions and storage in your new place, accessibility needs, what you’re leaving behind, etc. will all influence the items you can feasibly take with you. You may find that your favorite dining room table would technically fit, but you won’t be able to comfortably walk around it in the room you’ve planned on putting it. Maybe you own an extensive book collection, but you only have room for a couple shelves’ worth at your next destination. Figuring this out in advance will help you pack smarter, and avoid unnecessarily packing up and moving items that won’t fit.
Here are some other helpful things to list out ahead of time:
- Furniture you use on a regular basis
- Any necessary medical equipment and/or medications
- Important paperwork
- Items you use on a regular basis (seasonal clothing, etc.)
- Irreplaceable items
- Mobility equipment and other items that promote accessibility
Work through downsizing at a manageable pace.
It’s easy to feel rushed or overwhelmed when downsizing, like everything needs to be done immediately. Resist the urge to let the process become all-consuming; instead, it’s easier to stay sane when you tackle one area at a time. Try starting in less emotionally-charged spaces (like closets full of linens or a junk drawer full of extra kitchen gadgets) before wading into trickier territory (sentimental keepsakes, family photos, etc.)
Home downsizing and moving preparation
Try sorting items into the following piles (I bookmarked https://cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/how-to-declutter-your-home for this): keep, pass along to a family member, donate, and get rid of. If something doesn’t seem to fall under any of these categories, it’s okay to shelve it for later instead of feeling like you need to make a final decision about it right away.
Want to soften the sting of parting ways with mementos? Consider photographing them, or jotting down stories or memories to go along with the items you’re passing on.
Take your time, don’t feel like everything has to be done in one fell swoop, and give yourself permission to change your mind if you’re unsure about something.
When Does Outside Help Make Sense?
Hire relocation services when it makes sense for your situation.
Sometimes it makes sense to get some help moving, especially if you’re on a tight timeline, family availability is limited, there are a lot of items to wade through, or lifting/packing could potentially be unsafe for you to do on your own. Caring Transitions has more on senior movers in San Antonio for readers considering that route, but skip this if trusted friends and family can safely cover the work. Depending on the level of service, your relocation team may help with decluttering, packing, making donation drop-offs, unpacking in your new space, and handling moving day logistics.
On the flip side, if you don’t have many things, aren’t on a super strict schedule, and have a trusted cadre of friends/family willing to pitch in, this could be a good time to pool your resources. Make a to-do list together and tackle the move in a series of sprints instead of one marathon effort.
- Will you or a family member be on-site to receive fragile or valuable items?
- Who will be in charge of important documents?
- Who is coordinating donations?
- Who is making arrangements for items you’re getting rid of (especially larger items, like furniture)?
- What’s the process if you need to make any last-minute changes?
Keep Control While Settling In
(Disclaimer: this doesn’t necessarily have to be you, especially if you’re feeling ambivalent about certain items. But ideally, you’ll be as hands-on in the process as possible.)
Unpack strategically.
Try not to let your new place devolve into a maze of mystery boxes overnight. Pack a go-bag with the things you’ll need right away (think toiletries, chargers, medications, a change of clothes, important phone numbers, etc.) and focus on setting up your bathroom, bedroom and kitchen first. It can also help to pull out some familiar comforts right away (favorite chair, treasured photos, well-loved throw blanket, etc.) so your space doesn’t feel so foreign.
Ease into your new surroundings.
Try not to over-schedule errands/appointments/social engagements right away, especially if this is a major life transition for you. Allow yourself some grace to acclimate and decompress, and realize that settling in can be just as draining as packing up was.
Your to-do list this week:
Think about what’s important to you, and jot down a list of what you want to take with you, what you’re willing to let go of, and how you’d like to divide up the moving process. Pick one area of your home to start downsizing, and start sorting your stuff into “keep,” “pass on,” “donate,” and “get rid of.”
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