If you raised a family or simply enjoyed living in a large home when you were younger, in your golden years, you may decide it’s time to move to something smaller and more manageable. If that’s the case, you likely have some pretty serious downsizing to do. Truth be told, it’s always a good time to go through your collection of belongings and get a little choosier about what you keep and what to part with.
If you are downsizing in retirement, you may want to consider some of the tips we are going to include here. Later, we’ll refer to a location that offers numerous amenities in a resort-like setting. Once you’ve downsized, you may well decide that a cozy suite, two-bedroom apartment, or one-bedroom apartment at Discovery Village At The Forum is right for you.
It’s time to commit to downsizing. To help you along in your endeavor, consider these four ideas.
Don’t Overwhelm Yourself
Start small when it comes to downsizing. Before attempting a big project like your garage or your kitchen, work on little spaces like half baths, linen closets, and the like. Get those decluttering muscles warmed up and stretched with small projects before launching into the big ones.
Giving/Leaving Your Positions to Others
You may have loved ones or friends to whom you are planning on leaving some of your most prized possessions. Don’t wait. There’s no time like the present to start clearing them out. This way, you get to see the looks on their faces when you give them something they know means the world to you. This will also lighten the load on whoever will be clearing out your belongings once you’re gone.
Take Pictures
Particularly if you have a lot of “stuff”, go through it and choose some of your favorite items. What about the rest? Grab your camera or smartphone and take some pictures before getting rid of it. You can catalog the photos of your collection, and go through them anytime you desire by keeping them on your laptop, in a coffee-table book, etc.
Repeats And Duplicates
If you have two, three, or four of something, do you really need them all? How about just narrowing it down to one of each thing, for starters. Duplicates and repeats can go to the thrift store, in a rummage sale, to a friend or relative, or possibly even be donated to a local shelter.
There are organizations that will gladly take your excess belongings off your hands, but there are also organizations that will help you with sorting, packing, unpacking, disposing of, and more involved in a move. One such organization is the National Association of Senior Move Managers. You may also want to check with the retirement community you’re moving into if that’s the case. Sometimes they have services that assist their new residents with their move. As an example, the Expressions Concierge service at Discovery Village At The Forum can help with moving services, interior decorating, and much more.
Check Out Your New Apartment at Discovery Village At The Forum
Now that you’ve downsized and have kept only those items you truly cherish or need, it’s time to experience resort-like living at Discovery Village At The Forum. We feature senior assisted living, senior independent living, and our SHINE Memory Care senior living options.
We have a selection of floor plans and layouts that range from spacious two-bedroom or one-bedroom apartments to cozy suites. Each of our residences features large bathrooms, spacious living areas, and a refrigerator-equipped kitchenette. We encourage each one of our residents to use decorative pieces, personal items, and their favorite furniture with which to personalize their new environment.
To get all your questions answered and see for yourself all we have to offer, please schedule a tour. We look forward to showing you around.
