Tips for Seniors Planning a Move: Think “Resizing” Not “Downsizing”

For many people, moving from a beloved family home to an assisted living facility or may be, at best, an intimidating notion and, at worst, a traumatic experience. At the Briarcliffe Preserve, we encourage our incoming clients to think of their move as “resizing,” not downsizing. Moving to a new space is the next chapter in their lives, not the final one. We help them consider and evaluate what they are gaining rather than losing. We pay attention to cues that will assist us in compassionately supporting a potential new resident in making decisions regarding possessions that have literal, and more importantly, emotional value for them.

Here are some tips from those who’ve “been there, done that”  to help you as you transition to a smaller space:

1. Start early. Allow plenty of time to go through your possessions so you can gently let go of those things that you will no longer need or have space for.
2. Begin with the living areas, including the living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Avoid attics and basements for now.
3. Determine what you need and what you want. Those things in the “need” category will take precedence over those you desire, of course.
4. It is always helpful to obtain a floor plan of your new space. This will help you determine what furniture you will be able to take with you. A qualified professional can assist you through the process, and he or she might also provide you with interior design ideas to assist you in making the best furnishings selections. This can be quite beneficial when it comes to making decisions.
5. Consider ahead of time what you want to do with any items you’ll be letting go of. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island is a great place to donate to because in addition to clothing, they also accept small household items. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are two places you can consider donating furnishings to. You may wish to donate your belongings to a synagogue, temple, or charity you care about. A favorite of ours is Threads of Good News Clothing Ministry in North Kingston- a church that provides free clothing to those in need. The pleasure of knowing that you are giving and not losing your things might assist you in making the move into your new lifestyle.

Take the Next Step

Between the real estate bubble and the many benefits of assisted living, there’s simply never been a better time to begin your resizing transition.  If you’re thinking of selling your property, check out the Rhode Island Association of Realtors and contact an experienced real estate agent (if you don’t already know of one) to learn more about the local market and take the next step in the direction of your new life.