Tag: Downsizing

Kristen Christian shares three questions to ask yourself about each item to guide whether it should stay or go as you declutter.

Kristen Christian at Bee Organized advises how to transition your mindset to start decluttering and downsizing.

Kristen Christian at Bee Organized on treating downsizing like an art, an opportunity to craft and curate an environment that supports you.

Aging in Place expert Dr. Jill Bjerke talks about the importance of considering downsizing and decluttering if you're getting close to 65 or considering retiring.

Once you've got Mom settled in her new senior living community, you still have to go back and sort through the rest of her things. This segment talks about three piles you need to make while sorting through her things: sell, donate, trash.

Kelley talks about how the conversation often goes, when Mom first sees a potential model unit. You know she'll need a couch, bed, table and chairs, nightstand — no brainers. But she sees no room for the things that matter to her. If her little crystal animals are that important to her, find a way to bring them. It's not whether she uses it or not, it's something that connects her to something she loves. The move itself is traumatic enough, so be kind and listen to what she wants. Honor her for who she is; it's important to her. Have those conversations with the community. The more people share, the more the community can help.

This segment focuses on beginning stages, and putting the plan in action. First: we're downsizing for a reason, whether Mom is moving in with an adult child, moving into an assisted living facility. Look at the space she's moving into and assess how much space is available. Visit model units to get an idea of what would work in the space, to see if Mom's couch will actually fit.

Kelley talks about how we can help our parents and ourselves so we don't leave a lot of clutter for our own children to deal with. When a family member downsizes from a 2,000 square foot home to a 900-1200 square foot retirement apartment, or to an independent living or assisted living apartment, now you're looking at 500-700 square feet of space, or smaller depending on the apartment. You have to weigh what's important to keep, and it will be home — you want to bring your things so it feels like home. Many people in a home look at the challenge and don't even know how to begin downsizing. If you have a senior loved one, or have mobility issues, it can seem an overwhelming challenge. This hour will talk about how to begin, and what to expect regarding amenities when you move into senior living, and how can you leave a legacy for your community.

On this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Suzanne is joined by Suzanne Allbee and Kristen Christian at Bee Organized Seattle about the benefits, simplicity and peace...

On this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Suzanne is joined by Suzanne Allbee and Kristen Christian at Bee Organized Seattle about the benefits, simplicity and peace...