Tips on Downsizing for the Active Adult

Moving out of your home can be a difficult and stressful process. No matter how long you have lived in a place, leaving it for downsizing purposes can be difficult. However, it has to be done. So, the best thing is to start early and work at a comfortable pace. This way, you can take plenty of breaks to walk down memory lane. Here are a few steps to make this difficult transition a bit easier.

Make Safety a Priority

Clearing and cleaning a house can be dangerous business. So, first of all, make sure you pay special attention to all the hazardous areas in your home. For example, clear the clutter on the stairs, near radiators, and in high traffic areas as these are the places that are prone to accidents and falls. Remove items on top of cupboards and shelves carefully without having them fall on someone. If your clutter puts you or anyone in your family at risk, you should obtain professional assistance with downsizing.

Consider the Floor Plan of the New Place

Downsizing means moving to a smaller home. This means, what you have in your current home may not fit into your new one. For example, what you put in your four-bedroom home will not fit into your new two-bedroom home. Do you really need an extra microwave and refrigerator? What about china for 12? Always consider the floor area of your new home and pack the most important, suitable, and useful things for your new home.

Keep it Simple

Sorting through a lifetime’s worth of things is not a small task. You cannot handle this in one go. Break it up into small increments and take your time. Focus on one aspect of downsizing for one day. For example, start with an area of your home rarely used by people. Then, focus on one single thing in the area and work your way out from there. De-clutter one room and move to another. This way you will not be overwhelmed by the task at hand.

Downsizing is not easy. It can be downright heart-wrenching. But, you cannot put it off. So, take a deep breath and get down to it. You are about to start the next phase of your life.

This helpful advice is brought to you by ActiveAdultLiving.com®, the active adult communities website where you can find a community to downsize to.