Tips for Downsizing Your Home
Rome wasn’t unpacked in a day. That’s not exactly how the old saying goes, but the wisdom is there: when it comes to smart downsizing tips for your home prior to moving to senior living, the key is to do it in stages, slowly, and with a plan. Here are some tips on how to ease the process.
Downsizing Tips to Help You Get Moving: Your Home
Part of the overall downsizing process is getting your home ready to sell or rent. If you or your loved one have lived in it for years, chances are it could use a little touch up here and there. So spend some time walking around your space and make a list of what catches your eye that could need updating.
For example, these downsizing tips target your home:
- Replace worn outlet covers and light switches.
- Freshen the space with neutral paint.
- Update the lighting. This can include adding a few extra lamps to bring in more light for staging.
- Spruce up the entryway or front porch to enhance curb appeal.
- Keep the lawn mowed and trimmed, and the garden free of weeds; add some annuals or flower pots depending upon the season.
- Wash fingerprints off walls, blinds, doorways and other commonly touched areas.
- Consider more extensive updating such as kitchen appliances or bathroom fixtures if needed.
When you’re ready, you’ll want to stage your home to appeal to potential buyers. Remember to remove personal items so that prospects can picture themselves living there. Also don’t forget details such as having as many lights on as possible, fluffing up pillows, making sure everything is clean and crisp, and adding an extra touch such as a vase of fresh flowers here and there.
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Downsizing Tips to Help You Break Free: Decluttering & Clearing
- Start early and take it slow. Even if you aren’t sure when you will make a move or where you might go, don’t wait to start thinking about simplifying. There’s something to be said for the energy you gain as you create a lighter environment around you. If you’re a person who likes to make lists, consider making three: must-keep, not-sure, definitely don’t want.
If you’re more of a spontaneous decision-maker, start with a room or two and see what jumps out at you: is it something that brings you joy? Or is it an item you haven’t used in years?
Either way, you’ll start to see a pattern of what matters to you and what needs to go. And if you’re not sure, just put in the “not sure” pile and move on.
- Lose the duplicates. It’s amazing how much “stuff” we can accumulate in our lives. You might find you have too many baskets, dishes, towels, tools, or other items, most of which you haven’t used in years. Choose your favorites, then either donate or sell the rest.
- Take some photos. Have a collection of teapots you enjoy looking at, but never use? Take photos that can be uploaded online so you can look at them anytime you like, but don’t have find space to store them. You’ll still have the same reward of being able to see them—but if you’ve given them to a relative or donate to a charity, you’ll know they are also bringing someone else happiness.
- Be generous. Just about anything can find a new home with a charity, in an estate sale, or with friends or family. If you’re no longer using an item or piece of furniture, donate it or give it to someone who has expressed interest in it. If there’s a special antique you can’t take with you, but you don’t want to give it up completely, consider storing it with a family member or in a storage unit. Then when the right opportunity comes along, you can send it to its new home.
- Keep it positive. One of the smartest downsizing tips is to add some fun to the process by having friends and family around to help and reminisce. It can be a good time to share memories with children and grandchildren and shift the emphasis to a new beginning for the whole family.
Downsizing Tips & More: We Can Help
At Avalon Park, we’re here to answer questions your move, as well as about life in our independent living community, where you will enjoy our own apartment, a delightful dining experience every day, great friends, and an array of services and amenities to make things easy, comfortable and interesting.
You also enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that should your health needs ever change, a local health and home care provider has an office right on our campus. They will be happy to arrange appropriate care and support to be delivered right in the comfort of your apartment.
Leave your worries behind.
Contact us today to set up your personalized tour. Learn how a move to senior living can give you the lifestyle you deserve – download our guide, Choosing the Right Community.
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