You’ve weighed your alternatives and decided on the appropriate location for your next phase in life. What will you be doing with all the stuff one has acquired over the years? We are all aware that relocating can be a stressful moment in our life. Downsizing may help you redirect your life away from the stress, disorganization, and connection to unnecessary possessions.
Continue reading to discover seven helpful tips to help you downsize your home before moving into a retirement community.
Make a Plan Before Moving into a Retirement Community in Texas
It can be a daunting task sorting out years of accumulated belongings, especially if you are a sentimental person. You may not wish to go into this alone, or it may even be impossible for you to do so, as chances are you would already have a scheduled moving date. Create a plan for what needs to be done and set deadlines for them, and rope in friends and family to help you as soon as possible.
Create a List of Items to Bring with You
Before breaking open the closet doors and identifying everything you want to bring, take some time to sit down and make a list of the items you absolutely must bring with you to the retirement community. One good thing about doing this is that if an item doesn’t make the list, it’s likely that you can do without it. This can help to solve dilemmas of whether you should bring that cheese grater you bought on sale a few years ago.
Divide your Tasks
You may feel overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering your entire house. However, if you start with just one hour a day, the tasks appear less daunting! Make a list of locations in your home that you want to clear, such as bedroom closets, kitchen cabinets, and bathrooms. Next, devote one hour every day to that specific location. Do remember to take pauses when you’re tired and don’t overdo it. You could also make this into a fun activity by turning on some music and having a good time!
Give Away Things You No Longer Need
Ask yourself the following questions when you are deciding what to keep or give away: When was the last time I used this? Is this easily replaced? Are you holding onto something “just in case”? Decluttering your possessions can give you the freedom and ability to have more time for activities, friendships, and meaningful moments. If you are deliberating whether to bring a particular item with you, set it aside until a few days before the moving day. If you think about it at all during this period, you may want to bring it with you. However, if it completely slips your mind, you probably won’t be missing this item in your new home! Anything you don’t need anymore can be handed down to your loved ones or donated to a good cause. It will feel nice to know that your former possessions will be going to good use. For everything you don’t sell or give away to friends, you can donate to charities such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army. You can even donate dried goods and canned food items to local soup kitchens, food banks, and shelters.
Make a Photo Album
Oftentimes we are hesitant to throw out or donate items due to their sentimental value, even if they no longer have a use for us. While you are packing, why not create a photo album of all the memories you have with different special items? On the back of the photo, you can write why this object is special to you. This will be an entertaining activity while you organize, and help you downsize.
Prepare an “Essentials” Bag
Put everything you’ll need on your first day at the retirement community in a dedicated bag for essentials. This includes toiletries, pajamas, clothing, medicines, cleaning materials, and anything else you may require before you finish unpacking!
View your New Apartment with Loved Ones
Sometimes, it helps to visualize having all your things in your new home at the retirement community. If possible, you may even want to bring your loved ones along so they can help with planning and making the space your own. Intuitively, being able to visualize your prized possessions around you can help you make up a packing list that much faster. Ask your retirement community if there is a resident ambassador with a similar floor plan that can offer layout options.
Enjoy a Rewarding Residential Life at Conservatory
Are you looking for senior living options in Texas? If the answer is yes, our independent living option at Conservatory Senior Living may be precisely what you’re looking for. We prioritize providing our residents with a maintenance-free and pleasant lifestyle. Stylish apartment homes, gourmet meals, and daily social activities and events contribute to a richer and more delightful way of life here. Our retirement community is ideal for seniors who want to benefit from 24-hour care while still living a stress-free lifestyle.
Get in touch with Conservatory right away to learn more about our retirement communities!
