There comes a time in everyone’s life when they need to take a look around and ask, “Do I really need all this stuff?” And for my senior friends who have been in the same house for 30 years, it’s time to look around and ask “Why do I need such an extensive cakepan collection (or screwdriver collection for the guys)! As I watch my parents try to downsize a house they’ve lived in for 30+ years, I’m learning a thing or two.
- The first thing to do is organize everything into 3 categories: Keep, Donate, and Trash. Don’t spend too much time wondering if your granddaughter wants a figurine your Aunt Betty had in the ’40s. Just put it in one of the 3 groups and then ask your family (later) to make sure everything is in an appropriate group. If they want something, ask them to speak up!
- Don’t play around with this one- focus on the “donate” and “trash” categories. If you haven’t touched it in a year or more, why do you still have it? Trust me; you will not ever need that 70’s Hawaiian print shirt ever again. Get rid of it! And your kids don’t want the “heirloom punchbowls!”
- Yes, selling the house and moving is very important and might even be necessary at some point. Start the conversation early with a real estate expert that you know and trust.
At Danbury Senior Living, we know that downsizing and moving can be a difficult and emotional experience. Since 1997 we have helped thousands of seniors and their families downsize and make the move to more appropriate surroundings. Give me a call today to learn how we can help!
