10 Downsizing Tips for Seniors

There are many benefits of downsizing for seniors. But our hearts don’t always agree with our minds, which is why moving can be both physically taxing and emotionally draining. The good news is you can make everything about downsizing easier by adequately preparing for your big day. Here are 10 tips — both practical and motivational — to help you do exactly that. 

1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Nothing feels good when it’s rushed — and that’s especially true when downsizing your home. Moving before an unexpected surgery or accident forces your hand, means that you’re in control of the process, which gives you time to make well-thought-out decisions and choices.

2. Recognize the Benefits of Downsizing for Seniors

Why downsize your home? It’s not just about avoiding stairs or having a smaller house to take care of. Moving to a new home can also inspire a new era of creating, learning, socializing, and enjoying life. It could be that you’re moving closer to family. Perhaps you’re moving to an active senior living facility like The Oaks at Denville, where you’ll have amenities like the performance hall or fitness center right outside your door. Whatever your reasons are, keep them at the top of your mind as you go through the process of moving. 

3. Have a Plan in Place

Downsizing a home isn’t something to approach haphazardly, especially if you have decades worth of stuff to sort through. Remember, the better you pack up, the easier unpacking will be. 

4. Begin with the Easy Decisions

Start by picking a few items you love and absolutely must keep. Then, gather the items you’re planning on giving to friends or family members — and make a plan to follow through before you move. Finally, go through your belongings and get rid of anything that’s broken, ruined, obsolete (that box of old remotes), or that you have duplicates of. You’ve now cleared the way for the next step.

5. Work Room by Room

Set up a schedule for yourself that details when you’re going to sort through each room in your house. Maybe you commit to one room each week (one of the advantages of giving yourself plenty of time). Some people like to start with the hardest rooms while others prefer to tackle something easy first like a guest bedroom. Whatever you decide, stick to the schedule you’ve set.

6. Pack With Purpose

What’s the biggest predictor of how smoothly your move will go? The effort you put into packing up your old home. You’ve already taken the first step by getting rid of things you don’t need. Now it’s time to make sure that everything is labeled properly. In big print, write the room where movers should leave each box. Next, specify what is in each box. Finally, number each box and record those numbers on a packing list so that if anything goes missing, you’ll know what it is. 

7. Prepare for Your First Night

It’s always a good idea to pack a box of things you’ll be able to locate quickly for your first night in your new home, including toiletries, medicine, and things you can’t do without. Remember both practical items like phone chargers, as well as things that will help you feel settled, like your favorite blanket or slippers.  

8. Start and Stay Positive

There’s a pattern that usually emerges when people are confronted with a major life change. At first, the tendency is to focus on what’s hard about the change — and that’s where a lot of us get stuck. But if you can shift your mindset to focus on what could be good or fun about the change, you’ll see your anxiety turn into anticipation.

9. Feed and Grow Your Positive Mindset

Staying positive is easier said than done. If you find yourself struggling, put in the effort to fuel a growth mindset. That could mean keeping an actual list of the benefits of downsizing, or maybe you’ll find it helpful to talk to a friend who has already downsized.

10. Imagine and Plan for Your New Home

Fresh beginnings are a chance to rethink what you want your life — and your home — to look like. Maybe it’s time to give away your 20-year-old plates and pick out a new style. Or perhaps your new home has a south-facing window and you’d like to buy a few houseplants. 

Tip: If you’re moving to an active senior living community, take a look at their schedule of activities and make a plan for new things you’ll try in your first month there. 

10. Draw on the Wisdom of Others

If you’re still struggling — or just need an extra boost — check out what these famous authors have said about change — and the good it can bring. 

• “Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go.” — Hermann Hesse
• “All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.” — Benjamin Franklin
• “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” — Dale Carnegie

What Life Looks Like at The Oaks at Denville

Moving to The Oaks at Denville can be a transformative experience, filled with new opportunities for growth, relaxation, and social connection. By planning your move carefully, personalizing your new space, and actively engaging in the community, you can make a smooth transition to senior living and enjoy all the benefits that this vibrant community has to offer. Ready to learn more about how The Oaks at Denville can help you embrace a fulfilling new chapter? Contact us today and discover the vibrant life that awaits you.