As your parents grow older, it can be a difficult decision to move or downsize their living space. Whether they’re moving into a seniors home or with family, it will often mean that a lot of items will need to be discarded. Downsizing, decluttering, and getting organized is easier to do when broken down into manageable tasks.

Here are some ways to make this transition as smooth as possible.

• Plan ahead: creating a plan can help ease the transition for aging parents. It gives them time to adjust to the upcoming change.
• Start with decluttering: start to declutter slowly, over a few months. You can start with items like clothing and other household belongings that won’t be needed anymore.
• Claim keepsakes: family members should not use your parents’ home as a storage unit. Have any old belongings or memorabilia that do not belong to your parents taken away. This includes old school projects or work, awards or trophies, etc.
• Pack slowly: limit the amount of packing to a couple of hours each day and keep a relaxed atmosphere.
• Stay organized: your belongings should be sorted into categories: absolutely keeping, might keep, give away/donate, throw out.
• Be realistic: help your parents focus on the items and belongings they really need. This usually only includes those things they use on a regular basis. Everything else is replaceable.
• Hire a mover: one of the easiest ways to reduce the stress of moving for anyone, is to hire professional movers. Movers have experience handling moving and downsizing for seniors.

Bottom Line

When it comes to downsizing, there are several things you can do to make it a smooth change. By planning ahead, being patient and keeping only those items that are needed, will make the process more efficient and stress-free. Downsizing sounds so simple but it can be one of the most challenging tasks for seniors. So, if you’re ready to downsize, call the experts at Armando Movers. We will help make this transition a smooth one for everyone involved.