Moving can be one of the biggest and most stressful transitions in a person's life. Whether you're hoping to organize, declutter and modify your home to age in place or preparing to downsize and relocate, a Golden Age Move Manager can support you through the process.
We understand that 'home' has different meanings for everyone, and your reason to modify or downsize house can be a sensitive subject relating to loss, grief or change. A Golden Age Move Manager will work with you to create a project plan to limit your stress and delegate the tasks associated with your life transition.
Here is our list of top tips for preparing to downsize:
1. Write a list and prioritize tasks
The process of downsizing can be a daunting one, and you may not know where to start. With every Golden Age Management consultation session, we begin with collecting as much information as possible to understand the scope of the project and your expectations. It's important to determine what tasks are at hand, and then to prioritize them. The easiest way to do this is to create a visual or tangible form of accountability, such as a "to-do" list, to revert back to if you become lost or overwhelmed.
2. Start with one room
I am guilty of thinking I am a master of multi-tasking. However, the reality is you waste more mental energy when trying to juggle more than one thing at a time. Set a goal for yourself to complete one box, one shelf or one room at a time. Utilize labelled boxes or storage containers to keep similar items together.
3. Organize items for packing, donating, or disposing
The next step is to create clear boundaries between what is to be kept or packed for moving, donating or disposing. Ensure that these piles or spaces are clearly labeled so as not to create confusion. A good rule of thumb for deciding whether or keeping or getting rid of something is contemplating whether it brings you joy and if you've used it within the last six months. See Marie Kondo's book "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" for more information.
4. Seek support!
Life would be so much easier if we had an extra pair of hands! Don't put too much pressure on yourself to do it all alone. Ask for help from a friend, family member or neighbor. If you have limited supports, reach out to professional help that specializes in working with older adults and provides person-centered care.
If you're interested in utilizing the services of Golden Age Management to help you get started in organizing, downsizing and/ decluttering, check out this page for more information or contact us directly.
Comments