Many adjustments may need to be made to ensure a smooth transition when moving from a home to independent living for seniors. One of these changes comes with needing to downsize, as you will have less space than you’re used to. While it is a big switch, the benefits of senior independent living in Washington make the move beneficial for many seniors.
At Encore Communities, we want to help make the transition as smooth as possible, so we offer some valuable tips to make the process seamless.
How to Downsize When Moving to Senior Independent Living in Washington
Give Yourself Enough Time
If you are trying to move from a house you’ve lived in for decades, chances are you’ve accumulated many belongings that you need to sort through. This is going to take more time than you may think. Give yourself enough time to look through items and decide what’s worth keeping and what is not. This way, you won’t feel rushed or that you’re getting rid of things you may want. You’ll feel better about the process if you can make a thoughtful decision.
Make a List
Having a list of items you want to keep will help in the process and ensure that something doesn’t accidentally get left behind.
Eliminate by Room
One of the easiest ways to downsize when moving to independent living is to eliminate items by room. For example, chances are, your new home will not have room for a formal dining room set. Knowing this, you can begin to get rid of those items in that room that you won’t have space for and won’t need.
Start Small
Since going through your belongings can become complicated, you want to start in the areas you can get through quickly and have minimal emotional attachment. This way, you can begin to get things accomplished without worrying about items with sentimental value.
Don’t Have a “Maybe” Pile
Having a pile of items you might want to keep will only delay the process. Be decisive with a “yes” or “no” pile. This way, there are no questions about whether you will keep an item or not. Once you complete your “no” bundle, you can decide what to do with the things.
Have a Special Space for Sentimental Items
Be sure you have a special box or area for sentimental items. You don’t want them to get misplaced in the move.
Visit Your New Senior Independent Living in Washington Frequently
As you downsize, it’s essential to be mindful of the space you’ll have and where you’ll put items, especially those with meaning. By visiting your new living area frequently, you can continuously think about where you will place items from your home. This can also serve as a reminder of the things you won’t have room for or need.
Donate What You Can
If you have furniture, clothing, and other items in good condition, consider donating them. It will make you feel better knowing your things are going to a good place, rather than the landfill, if you no longer need or want them.
Think About the Cost of the Move
If you pay movers to bring items to your new home, you don’t want to move things you don’t need in your new space. Thinking about your move’s cost can help you downsize more efficiently as you clean out your home and pack.
Enjoy Senior Independent Living in Washington with Encore Communities
Encore Communities offers independent living in Washington in two convenient locations. Our Country Meadows community in Silverdale, Washington, provides spacious one- and two-bedroom cottages. Maintenance, utility, and housekeeping costs are all included in the monthly rent. At our Laurel Cove Community in Shoreline, Washington, seniors can enjoy spacious studio and one-bedroom apartments with cable, WiFi, and housekeeping services. Both communities offer meals prepared by award-winning chefs who will prepare tasty and nutritious food for your loved one.
To learn more about our independent living communities, call us today to schedule a tour!
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.