Whether downsizing to a smaller home, retirement living, or moving in with loved ones, the challenge always is: What should you keep? What should you get rid of? What should you expect your new lifestyle to be?

Here are our TOP TEN TIPS for making these transitions easier:

  1. Plan ahead. Try it out first before you make the move. If you are moving to a new community see if you can rent the guest apartment for a week before you move. Pay attention to the new lifestyle you will be living. It’s likely that you won’t need many kitchen appliances, tools or large pieces of furniture. It will give you an idea of how to structure your own life to adjust to the new adventure you will be experiencing.
  2. Chances are likely you won’t use it. Going through a closet of an item you haven’t used for a while, chances are you won’t be needing it. You may enjoy baking but find out that the new community you will be living makes the best chocolate chip cookies! You might cook a Thanksgiving turkey every year but find that the food you experience in the new dining facility is just perfect and less hassle for you.
  3. Pack enough for two weeks of living. Figure the rest out later. If you can pack enough bare basic items for the first two weeks that can help you immensely in determining what else to bring with you. It takes the stress off of you, and helps you understand much better, your needs in your new location.
  4. A multi-purpose for everything. Have a toaster AND a toaster-oven? Opt for the toaster oven, as it has more uses for you. Have an oven proof and a regular serving dish? The oven proof dish helps serve more than one purpose if you choose to heat up a party dip or small casserole. Bring items with you that can serve a dual purpose. Coffee tables should have drawers and areas for storage. Ottomans should open up to store items.
  5. Find ways to create extra storage in your new space. Today there are many storage options to help maximize space. ALWAYS build in closet organizers into the closet. The bathroom can be a great place to find additional space by putting up shelving or cabinetry above the toilet. Have two bathrooms and only really need one? Turn the 2nd bath/shower area into a storage area.
  6. Eliminate clutter. As a person ages, so do their ability to function in their space. Clutter can create a perfect storm for falls in the home. Make sure that knickknacks are stored behind closed doors, and that walkways are clear and free of clutter. Make sure that everything you bring with you has a place. Don’t stack stuff in plain sight. It will only get worse over time.
  7. Follow the one-year rule. If you haven’t used it in a year, it must go. Nothing is worth hanging on to if you haven’t worn it in a year. Nothing is worth keeping if you haven’t used it in a year. That means electronics, kitchen gadgets and/or appliances, etc.
  8. Re-home special items. If you are keeping your china and/or crystal for a loved one, now is the time to gift it. You will have the opportunity to watch your loved one enjoy those items that are precious to you. If you don’t have a safe, even your fine “special occasion” jewelry should be kept offsite if you live in a senior living facility. Your loved ones can bring these items to you on the rare occasion you want to wear them.
  9. Digitize photos and documents. Today there are apps that can convert family photos to disk, or on the cloud, so you can rid yourself of the boxes and boxes of photo memories. There are also cloud apps that can keep copies of important documents for safekeeping and easy access.
  10. Light the way! A new environment, no matter how big or small needs adequate lighting. That means overhead lighting, task/up close lighting, and motion lighting in the bedroom and bathroom to reduce risk of falling. Make sure you take extra time to assure that the lighting you have is adequate for all hours of the day.

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