Downsizing to Move to a Senior Community or Family Member
Downsizing to move into a senior community or a family member’s home is a significant transition that requires careful planning and organization. Here’s a step-by-step process to make the move smoother:
1. Assess Your Needs and Space
Determine the size of your new living space.
Understand what furniture, belongings, and personal items will fit.
Check facility guidelines for allowed items (if moving to senior living).
2. Create a Downsizing Plan
Set a timeline with target dates for sorting, packing, and moving.
Prioritize essential items and sentimental belongings.
Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
3. Sort Belongings by Category
Must-Keep: Daily essentials, medications, important documents, sentimental items.
Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that won’t fit or aren’t needed.
Discard: Broken, outdated, or unnecessary items.
4. Organize Important Documents
Gather medical records, legal documents (wills, power of attorney), and financial papers.
Store them in a secure, easily accessible location.
5. Digitize Where Possible
Scan and save important papers, old photos, and records to reduce physical clutter.
6. Involve Family and Friends
Ask for help with sorting, moving, or decision-making.
If gifting heirlooms or special items, distribute them in advance.
7. Arrange for Moving Services
Hire professional movers, if needed.
Arrange for storage if some belongings won’t fit but are still valuable.
8. Set Up the New Living Space
Plan furniture placement based on mobility and accessibility needs.
Ensure a comfortable and familiar setup with personal touches.
9. Say Goodbye to the Old Home
Take time to emotionally process the transition.
Consider a farewell gathering to create closure.
10. Settle into Your New Home
Unpack essentials first.
Meet neighbors and engage in community activities (if in a senior living facility).
Make the space feel like home with familiar decorations and keepsakes.
Contact Allen Deaver of Asset Realty for specific tips or contractor recommendations for moving into a family home versus a senior living facility?
