Tips for discovering the right match when touring assisted living communities
Downsizing the family home is often part of the plan when you or a loved one decides it’s time to take advantage of an independent or assisted living community.
Although it’s amazing how much we can accumulate through the years, letting go of items that have outlived their usefulness or maintain no sentimental value can be freeing – especially when it creates space to launch a new lifestyle.
What is Downsizing?
Downsizing reduces the amount of furniture and personal belongings before moving into a more efficient senior living community. Gaining a much more manageable home, residents often say they only downsized their possessions – not their lives.
Important Downsizing Features to Remember
If you’re helping a parent or family member downsize to move into a community, it can be helpful to take note of the following reminders:
- The Journey of Downsizing is Emotional
While moving to independent or assisted living is full of advantages, downsizing often means a significant life transition has occurred, such as retirement, the loss of a spouse or the need for more supportive living arrangements. Acknowledging these feelings will help. - Handle with Care
It’s essential to understand that the contents of your parents’ home are not merely possessions to be sorted – but are also memories. They are artifacts of their life. Allow the space for them to recollect, share stories and recognize any initial difficulty of letting go.
9 Tips for Successful Downsizing
If your family will be helping a loved one downsize before moving into a senior living community, the following list can smooth the process.
- Get Organized
Once a move-in date is discussed or scheduled, you can begin organizing the best way to downsize. Purchase a notebook with a pocket folder dedicated to this process. Keep all important dates, telephone numbers, contact information, the new home floor plan and receipts in one place. - Create a Workable Schedule
Start as soon as possible, add a few extra days to the schedule for unexpected delays and break the project into smaller daily tasks. While it might initially seem overwhelming, starting with rooms or possessions that are no longer used can help jumpstart the process. - Dedicate a Space for Possessions
Find a room or corner where you can start sorting items, such as what to Keep, Donate, Sell and Discard. Avoid a Maybe pile. It will be tempting to default to deciding later but a decision will still need to be made. - Complete a Home Walk-Through
Refer to the new home’s floor plan and decide what furniture to take. Bring only what will fit so the new space isn’t overcrowded. If buying furniture, consider pieces that perform double duty – such as a coffee table that also provides storage. - Involve Family and Friends
Invite your adult children home to pack up long-ago memories they might have left behind. This is also an excellent opportunity to talk about any items from the home that they would like to have. Enlist their help in sorting through possessions. - Add an Extra Day for Memories
Sentimental items are typically the most difficult to consider when downsizing. Allow extra time when going through childhood artwork, photos of favorite family vacations or a treasured grandmother’s jewelry. Enjoy the memories and remember they are not kept in the object but will also make the move. If it helps, take photos or write down special stories. - Eliminate Duplicates
Downsizing is the perfect time to realize that more than one set of pots and pans, several sets of dishes and more linen than beds have been accumulated. Go through the kitchen and linen closet and get rid of any spares. - Avoid Rushing the Process
Unless your family is in crisis, trying to downsize in a hurry can lead to regrettable decisions, heightened stress and emotional upset. Take the time needed to sort through belongings thoughtfully. There won’t be room for everything but consider and make confident decisions on what to keep and what to let go. - Plan for the First New Day
Plan ahead, so the first few days are not spent searching through boxes for a coffee cup or towels. Pack a box or two that are clearly marked to be opened upon arrival. These items should include any that will create a warm welcome at the new home.
Downsizing: A Bonus Tip
Moving to a new community can be the beginning of making friends, participating in fun activities, healthy dining, fitness classes and transportation. It can be a much easier and more convenient lifestyle.
Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that downsizing is not just a physical task. Allow time to adjust to new surroundings and remember that the ultimate goal is not just to reduce clutter but to enhance quality of life. Helping your loved one create room for new experiences and memories can truly be a gift.
About Presbyterian Village North
Our community was designed with every level of living so you can have true continuity to your lifestyle—with no need to move away from everything familiar if the need for a higher level of care arises. What’s more, whether the need is for Assisted Living, Memory Support, Long-Term Nursing Care, Short-Term Rehab, or even Hospice or Respite Care, your life can continue to be as full as possible. The PVN community has countless ways to engage, grow, and thrive, not to mention enjoy great dining! We’re here to create a beautiful life for all of our residents—including you.