For many older adults, an assisted living community offers the perfect balance of maximizing independence while getting assistance with daily activities that have become more challenging over time. In preparing for the move, one of the biggest tasks to tackle is figuring out how to downsize from your current home.
Fortunately, this checklist will walk you through all the essential steps for a simple, seamless process. Read on to discover the benefits of downsizing, how to get started and what assisted living looks like at Querencia.
What are the Benefits of Downsizing?
We often tell ourselves: bigger is better. However, many older adults find living in a more manageable space comes with numerous advantages. If you’re on the fence, consider these three benefits of downsizing.
Better Organization
Tired of digging through closets and drawers to find the one thing you’re looking for? Downsizing is a great way to get organized. As you prepare for a move to assisted living, it’s the perfect time to eliminate clutter. Downsizing helps you consider how you can get the most out of your space, and helps prevent you from accumulating things you don’t need.
Less Upkeep
A downsized space means less upkeep. Gone are the days of dedicating hours to dusting, mowing, vacuuming or scrubbing. With less space to manage, it’s easier to stay on top of regular tasks and those big messes won’t build up. On top of that, residents at Querencia enjoy benefits like lifetime exterior and interior maintenance, housekeeping and linen service, and 24/7 concierge service.
Increased Convenience
One of the biggest benefits assisted living residents enjoy is the convenience of countless services and amenities available right outside their front door. Your private residence is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Then when you want to socialize or get active, communities like Querencia offer everything from chef-led dining venues to a heated and covered outdoor pool.
Downsizing Checklist for Seniors
Whether you’re already sold on downsizing or are still evaluating your options, this helpful checklist will walk you through every step of the process.
Start Planning Now
There’s no time like the present to get started on downsizing. A great place to begin is working to remove things that are easy wins. These may be items that have already been boxed up sitting in the garage, or chores you’ve been meaning to accomplish. Thinking about everything that needs to be done at once is overwhelming, so a carefully orchestrated plan will take some pressure off.
Accept Assistance
As you prepare to make the move to assisted living, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted family and friends for a little extra help. Beyond packing boxes or moving furniture, they may be able to help you weigh any difficult decisions about what should stay or go. Additionally, grandkids or other family members may enjoy receiving keepsakes or items they feel a special connection to.
Work Deliberately
Another popular downsizing approach is to break your work into more digestible pieces. Instead of thinking about everything in your home at once, try moving through one room at a time. This creates a tangible goal that helps you feel accomplished about your progress. It may also help with overall organization so your possessions aren’t scattered among random boxes.
Make Donations
Give your unwanted items new life by donating them to a local nonprofit organization. Clothes, furniture, dishes and other household items in good shape will gladly be accepted. In some cases, you can even call and have them picked up directly from your home so you don’t have to deal with hauling them. As an added bonus, these donations are also eligible for charitable tax deductions.
Reduce New Purchases
When you’re working on downsizing, try to stay focused on the task at hand. While it’s tempting to start shopping for decor to fill your new space, this only makes the job harder. Do what you can to avoid shopping and buying more items. It’s often easier to determine what you really need after you’ve spent some time in the home, anyway.
Prep for Moving Day
Ensure you’re feeling comfortable from day one and pack a bag with all the essentials you need to get settled. Your “day one bag” could include toiletries, important documents, medications, clothes, cash or credit cards, and snacks and drinks. Everything you want immediately will be at your fingertips and easy to access.
Explore Assisted Living Options at Querencia
At Querencia, we’re committed to helping residents maintain their independence and get the most out of each day. Our dedicated team is here to offer the assistance you need around the clock. We also offer a number of health services for additional support, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation.
If you’re considering making the move to assisted living, please don’t hesitate to contact us and learn more about what makes the community at Querencia unlike any other.
