At any stage in life, moving is a physical and emotional challenge. As we age, we have more time to collect things. These things hold memories and can be difficult to part with and downsize.

Downsizing as a senior holds unique sacrifices and challenges but also tremendous rewards. When thinking of the best process for this task, keep in mind the goal. If and when the time comes to move into a senior residence or assisted living community, preparation and organization will be a gift you give to yourself and your loved ones.

Moving Made Easier – How to Downsize

Shift your Mindset – Instead of downsizing, think of the process as rightsizing and decluttering. What do you need and no longer need for your new space? How will this best serve you in your new space? Think practically about the right things (that are important to you) to make this transition positive and peaceful.
Set Goals – Laying out goals along with your timeline will be extremely useful. Give yourself plenty of time, when possible, to think through and sort through your items. Setting weekly and monthly goals is a good practice and an encouraging way to track your progress. It will also benefit your loved ones as they walk with you on this journey. Remind yourself regularly that although this process may be difficult, you can do this.
Ask for Help – Friends and family are a great resource when it’s time for a senior to make a move. There are also professional services that assist in the process to ensure an organized and smooth transition. Some senior living communities either provide this service for it’s incoming residents or can refer you to someone who does. You might find that working with a professional removes any potential for family conflict. Remember, this is a change for everyone involved.
Donate Some Items – If you no longer have the need or space for an item, a rewarding way to downsize and let go can be to find it a new owner. Perhaps a family member has a sweet memory attached to an item and would enjoy it for years to come. Local charities are a good place to donate. Many will pick up your items and they are used to benefit your local community. Women’s and men’s shelters, the veteran’s association, and Salvation Army are some good places to start. Donations are usually tax deductible.
Sell the Rest -The resale marketplace is booming. There’s always the good, old fashioned yard sale. Estate sales and auctions are also a popular option with the added benefit of professionals doing the selling for you. These experts are hired to make sure you get the best return and are a great way to sell things like antique furniture and china.Expert Tip: No cost options such as Facebook Marketplace, Let Go, Nextdoor and Offer Up are just a few of the many tools to part with items that no longer serve you while putting some money in your pocket. It’s a good idea to ask for assistance with this and follow safety guidelines while selling items to strangers.
Remind Yourself of the Goal – Once you have successfully rightsized and decluttered, the process of organizing, packing and moving will be much smoother and lighter. The careful preparation and focused time you took to sort and decide what to do with items you no longer need is a kindness you give to yourself and your loved ones.

There are many things to consider when making the move to assisted living, and beginning to downsize your belongings is just one of them. If you are looking for guidance or information about how assisted living may benefit you, call the experienced professionals at A Banyan Residence in The Villages.