Smaller Can Be Better! A Downsizing Guide for Seniors

Many people choose to buy a smaller home when they get older. There are many good things about owning a small house! Little homes are easier to maintain, easier to navigate, and easier to clean. 

However, anyone who owns a lot of furniture and years of accumulated belongings will tell you that downsizing isn’t easy. Making your things fit into a small space after living in a large area for many years can be time-consuming and emotionally challenging. After all, letting go of your beloved objects can be tough! 

Here’s what you need to know about making downsizing your stuff easier and faster before your move.

Declutter the Right Way

Decluttering is one of the most challenging parts of downsizing your home. It’s time-consuming! You can make it less time consuming by handling it in an organized and decisive fashion. Here’s what you need to know.

Give Sentimental Items to People You love

Getting rid of sentimental items can be much harder than getting rid of everyday objects. Giving your sentimental items to people you care about, like family members and friends, can help you maintain a connection to those items.

Make Two Piles Only

Some people make three piles when they’re decluttering: a pile for keeping, a pile for throwing away, and a maybe pile. The maybe pile only makes problems because it draws out the decluttering process and forces you to make more decisions later. Take a keep or get rid of approach to keep the decluttering process faster and more cut and dry.

Get Started Early

You didn’t accumulate all that stuff in a day, so you probably won’t be able to get rid of it in a day either! Give yourself several weeks or months to declutter your home. If you have distant plans to move in two or three years, start the decluttering process now, so you’ll be ready when the time comes.

Declutter in Manageable Chunks

Declutter one room at a time, or one closet at a time, as you declutter your home. Decluttering in manageable chunks makes the process less overwhelming and can help ensure that no part of your house goes untouched.

Getting Rid of the Room? Get Rid of the Stuff!

If you’ve already bought a home and know that you’ll be losing some rooms in your house, get rid of the furniture and other items that no longer have a place to go.

Know When to Get Help

Decluttering and downsizing can be hard on the body. Know when to get help from friends or relatives to make your downsizing experience more manageable, less stressful, and safer. Don’t try to drag all the boxes out of your attic on your own! Get help from a family member who can help.

Focus on Multi-functional Furniture and Spaces

During the home buying process, look for a house that has a lot of storage space. A shed, walk-in closet, or a loft area in the garage are all potential storage areas. If you must buy furniture for your new home, look for furniture with hidden storage compartments to help you stay organized in your small space.

Get Help Moving from a Professional Moving Company

Make your upcoming move a positive experience by working with a professional moving company. Call movers today to get a quote and put your relocation on the schedule.

 

7 Tips for Helping Kids Move to a New Home

Moving can be a stressful transition for anyone but particularly trying for kids. Getting adjusted to a new home in a new city and leaving behind their school or friends often leaves children confused or even scared.

Following these tips and techniques for easing a child’s moving process’s stress can help them acclimate to their new environment easier.

1. Maintain a Typical Routine

Kids will still need to follow their usual daily activities once in the new home. Try to stick with their previous routines such as meals, wake-up schedules, hygiene, and previously established rules. A steady routine creates a greater sense of security in their changing world.

2. Familiarize Kids with the New Community

Youngsters might enjoy a trip to the playground or head to a local park. This often helps them feel more comfortable when it’s time for school to start. Check out city landmarks and the potential family stops like the local grocery store, pizza, or donut shop.

3. Make a School Visit Before the First Day

If possible, schedule time to visit your children’s school to look around and meet their new teacher. This helps the kids—especially younger ones—feel more at ease on their first day.

4. Create Opportunities to Continue Their Hobbies

Find local groups, clubs, or activities like sports or art clubs for children to continue involvement in reasonably quickly after the move. You might even look into options before arrival.

This allows them to meet new friends their age with similar interests, which tends to make the transition smoother.

5. Tips for Younger Kids

If possible, take youngsters to visit the new home if it’s nearby. It’s best to hold off packing up their bedrooms as long as possible.

However, bringing a few toys or boxes during these visits lets them into the idea of moving. Gradually transitioning them can get them more excited about the entire moving process.

6. Tips for Tweens and Teens

Older children tend to be the most resistant to moving to a new home. They have likely formed strong bonds with their friends at this age and aren’t too eager to make new ones.

Consider ways that will allow them to stay in contact with their current friends. If the new home is nearby, visits might be possible.

However, if it’s not feasible for in-person contact, look into ways such as social media, phone calls, or online communication that lets them maintain connections to ease their fears and lessen reluctance about moving.

7. Unpack Kid’s Rooms ASAP

Alleviate any fears or sense of discord by unpacking their rooms first after getting vital areas as the kitchen and bathroom prepped.

Allowing kids to start settling in offers a sense of stability. Let them help with unpacking, so they’ll know where their prized possessions are placed.

If redecorating is in your plans, let them help make any design and color choices that create a feeling of ownership and belonging in their new room.

Ease Moving Day with Professional Moving Services

Whether you are making a local or long-distance move, professional movers can streamline the process. If you need experienced movers, contact us today!