Five Downsizing Tips for Seniors - Alavida Lifestyles

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Moving into a retirement home is an exciting step in one’s journey. With so many amazing adventures ahead, and great friends to meet, the possibilities are endless. Preparing for the move is an important first step in the transition to retirement care and independent senior living. To ease the stress, here are five tips from us and one of our partners to help make the move fun and easy.

Start Early

 Early preparation makes for an easier transition. Take time to go through each room in your home separately. This allows you to thoroughly pack and remove items. It also prevents additional stress that may arise when the moving day approaches. Starting early allows you to plan and make room for adjustments.

“Consider where you want to be. You should live where you want to live. You should live in the place that you think is the best place for you at this time in your life”, said Barry Gordon of Gordon’s Downsizing & Estate Services LTD, an expert real estate, sales, and moving company. “This place may not be the same place as it was a year ago. You need to check in with yourself as you evolve.”

 Start Small

 You don’t have to get everything done at once. Start with small piles of items. Separate your belongings into categories. Work through each category until you have organized them completely. Make designated “yes” or “no” piles. It can be hard to start at all. That is why starting small is a great option because it helps ease people into the process and can prevent stressful situations.

Keep Important Items, But Be Selective

At some point, everything you owned had importance. Over time, this importance might have waned, or perhaps it grew. When packing to move into a retirement home, it is necessary to decide what no longer serves us. Things that were bought and never used, or old clothes that have not been worn in the last five years, are items to add to the list. Personal belongings that hold significant sentimental value can be kept. Pack knowing the limits of your space and be compassionate with yourself when choosing what stays and what goes.

Ask for Help

Yes, it is okay to ask for help! We encourage it. Bringing family members and close friends onboard your journey is a great way for you and them to connect throughout the process. There is strength in numbers, as they say. Building a supportive team to help you organize, sort, pack, and move is a great way to make the transition fun and manageable. Ask family members to come over and help you sort through your sentimental belongings and reminisce on the old days. This bonding activity can continue at your new home when your belongings are set up.

“We can make the process simple, straightforward, and low stress by managing all the pieces. The challenge for a lot of people when they think of the laundry list of things they need to prepare, is that they are making the choice to be their own project manager. We want people to know is that, that is just an option and if you don’t want to have to figure it all out then look for a company that can do it for you,” said Gordon.

Stay Positive

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful and even if it is, there are ways to protect your mental health. Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist about how you are feeling. You are not alone. Senior independent living homes and retirement communities welcome new faces every day. Join a club or participate in an activity during your first weeks to acquaint yourself with your new neighbours and home. Set up visits with friends and family members to show them your new space. There are endless ways to create and maintain connections in your new home.

“There are a lot of terrific things going on in retirement communities. There are a lot of options. There are a lot of really beautiful communities, social engagement, and lots of things to do. Embrace the opportunity to look at retirement communities as an appropriate lifestyle choice as you evolve,” said Gordon.

We Have Your Back

Alavida Lifestyles has your back. We strive to create purposeful and healthy transitions from your home to ours. Have questions or need assistance with moving? Call 613-798-2686