Downsizing Home Checklist For Seniors

Jan 25, 2022 | Moving Tips

Downsizing Home Checklist For Seniors

Are you an older adult who’s selling their home and moving to a smaller house or more accessible residence? If so, you aren’t alone. Downsizing is a surprisingly common trend among seniors, allowing them to trade in their square footage for comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

But what are you going to do with all of your stuff?

If making all of your belongings fit in a new, smaller space sounds intimidating, you’re in the right place. Read on for top downsizing tips for moving and a downsizing home checklist just for seniors.

Pre Downsizing Home Checklist

Before you start downsizing, you’ll want to consider some key components of your new home. Does it come equipped with appliances – and if not, will it accommodate what you already own? How large are the rooms, and will your current furniture fit?

Will you have outdoor spaces? And, if not, what are you planning to do with items currently stored outside your home, either in your yard or garage?

You should also contact a reputable local storage facility to learn about their rates in the event that you end up with items that don’t fit in your new home. 

Downsizing Checklist for Seniors

Before starting this checklist, take the time to ask yourself if you’re up to the task. Asking friends and family for assistance is normal, but you can’t rely entirely on them to get the job done.

You should also get in touch with professional residential movers before downsizing. They can assist with everything from packing and boxing to relocation – and they’ll be bonded, insured, and licensed, prepared to handle your personal belongings with care. 

Have a Plan

Before starting into this moving checklist for seniors, you should write a clear plan for success. Include details like your final move-out date and how much time per day you’re willing to commit in the meantime. 

You should also list out what you plan to do with items that you can’t take with you and won’t be storing. For example, who you might gift specific or valuable objects to. 

Cut the Clutter

Next, have a look around your home for items that aren’t needed or are currently in use. You can follow the Markie Kondo method, asking yourself if each item sparks joy. Or, simply gather up anything that you haven’t touched for a year or two. 

In either case, you should be able to reduce the number of items you’ll be sorting ahead of your move considerably – so long as you’re honest with yourself about what should stay and what should go. 

Sort Carefully 

Rather than rushing through the process of deciding what stays and what goes, sort your items into a few firm categories, including belongings that should move to your new residence, objects for storage, and things to be given away.

You may find it helpful to take notes or pictures so you remember where each item ends up. Once you’ve decided to let something go, be sure to stand by your choice – that way, you won’t wind up moving more than your new home will fit!

Downsizing Tips for Moving

With these downsizing tips for moving as your guide, you’re set on the course for success. Just be sure to save this article in your bookmarks or print it out, so you’ll have access to the downsizing checklist for seniors later when you need it.

Then, when you’re ready to move, call in the experts. Charles Moving And Storage have over a decade of experience working with downsizing and relocation – and we’re happy to help you! Contact us or call (908) 687-8898 for professional guidance and assistance with all your moving and storage needs. 

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