Downsizing in retirement can often appear as an overwhelming challenge. Here are some tips to help make the process go as smoothly as possible.
1. Make a List
Looking at all of your belongings as a whole can be overwhelming. By breaking them down into categories and sorting through them one at a time, downsizing becomes a much more manageable task. Start making lists with categories; such as, “Everyday Uses” or “Can’t Live Without”. If an item isn’t important or hasn’t been used recently, consider leaving it behind when moving to your new home or a retirement community. Additionally, you may consider giving it to friends or family members.
2. Know Your Future Floor Plan
Being as familiar as possible with your future living space will help you to better envision the furniture layout of your new home and save money. Ask for larger floorplans for your new home. Some communities even offer interactive floorplans that you can use to mock up furniture placement. If you are moving into a senior living community, ask if you can visit someone living in the same size apartment. This will not only help you determine the furniture that best fits your new home but also complement your retirement lifestyle. You can also get some advice about downsizing from someone who has been in your shoes before.
3. Get an Objective Opinion
It is only natural that you feel a connection to everything you own, but that can add an emotional hurdle when deciding what to take and what to leave. Consider bringing in some outside help to evaluate the items you are bringing. Ask a close friend or a family member to take a look at your “keep” pile. They will be able to see beyond any emotional connections you might have and help you to decide if, sensibly, the item needs to stay.
4. Take Pictures of Sentimental Belongings
Oftentimes, it is not the physical object that holds sentimental value, just the memories that are attached to it. If something cannot be used or has been sitting in storage for the last few years, consider taking a picture before parting with it. You can upload these pictures to your computer or print them out to keep in a scrapbook. This will save you a lot of space while also allowing you to take a walk down memory lane whenever you want.
5. Start 3 Months Before Your Move
Doing any project a little at a time is easier than trying to get everything done all at once. Giving yourself plenty of time to sort through each item will provide you with a chance to think through what you want to bring and help you stay organized during the process of downsizing in retirement. By planning, you will reduce a lot of the stress that comes with moving. Start with the smaller, less meaningful objects and work your way to the bigger decisions. This will help you to avoid rushing at the last minute and throwing everything into the moving van.
6. Multipurpose Furniture
Sometimes downsizing for retirement is not just about getting rid of belongings, it is about doing as much as you can with the space you have in your new primary residence. Try to find tables for your living room with drawers to add some storage to your living space. In your bedroom, use a bed set that has storage underneath the box spring so that your room can be managed with a smaller dresser or closet. Using one piece of furniture to handle two jobs will give you more space to work while also helping you avoid clutter.
If you’re considering moving to a retirement community, reach out to us at Riddle Village. As the premier retirement community in PA, we’re here to assist you with all your needs. Contact us today!