Just as we change throughout our lives, our lifestyle and housing needs also change. As a senior, a time will come when you have to downsize your home.
KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO DOWNSIZE
Your current housing situation should be a good fit for where you are now. However, it’s not easy to know when it’s the right time to downsize. The idea of downsizing is not welcomed by many seniors. If you are experiencing any of the following, then, it is time to downsize.
- You have multiple empty rooms that are no longer used in your home
- The stairs in your house are no longer a go zone
- Cleaning and maintaining your home is becoming devastating
- You are stretching your budgets too far because of energy bills, mortgage, insurance, and taxes
DETERMINE WHERE YOU ARE GOING
After realizing it’s time to downsize, the next step is to determine where you will go. This affects how much downsizing is needed. Choosing the right home for seniors can be a daunting process. You don’t want to go to a place you will experience loneliness and isolation. Where you go depends on factors such as; budget, caregiving needs especially if you are old or sick, location of your loved ones, and mobility limitations. Remember that a senior’s preference place of stay should be considered while choosing a place to stay. Options for downsizing for the elderly include;
- Staying with a loved one
- Buying/ renting a smaller home
- Going to a retirement community
- Moving to assisted living e.g. nursing home facilities
Whatever the place you find best, seniors love to retain their freedom and anatomy. So, choose wisely.
START THE DE-CLUTTERING & DOWNSIZING PROCESS
No matter how much you are attached to your belongings, the truth is, you can’t take everything with you. Downsizing means that you have to give up some of your belongings. Start sorting out your belongings in different categories. Have the things to keep separate, things to donate or sell, things to store elsewhere, and trash. While de-cluttering, ask yourself these questions to make the process easier.
- Does something have value?
- Do you use it often?
- Is the item a need or a want?
- Do you have a duplicate item that performs the same function?
- Will the item fit in a small area?
PACKING
Once everything is sorted out, the next step is to pack. Packing is not an easy job. It is a physically demanding task that you will need to give yourself enough time to finish up. Alternatively, you can look for professional movers to help you pack and move faster.
MAKE THE TRANSITION
Despite the place where your seniors go, it will take time for their new home to feel like home. A living transition requires time. One of the benefits of community living is the interdependence between caregivers and other seniors that make the adjustment easy. By doing more of what you enjoy during the transition period, adjustment to the new life and routine will be easy.
Downsizing is one of the best things an elderly person can do. It simplifies your life leading to happier living. If you or your loved ones are considering the idea of downsizing, Park Central is the place to be. We offer a special place and services for senior community living where they can live life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more about our services, or join us for lunch!
