Moving to an active adult retirement community is a great way to enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Getting there, though, takes diligence to make downsizing and moving as stress free as possible. Before beginning, take these expert downsizing tips to heart and make it fun and easy.
5 tips for downsizing to active adult living
Tip #1 -Take it step by step
One of the top downsizing tips is to take it step by step with a comprehensive plan. From making a daily schedule to pre arranging for help on certain days, to sorting, packing and hauling to deciding what will go on the moving van for the actual move, having a plan in place will help you to stay on track and eliminate worries and stress. Every aspect of a solid plan is one step closer to a smooth move so find out what’s involved in the Style Magazine article, “Tips to Make Downsizing to a Retirement Community Easy.”
Tip #2 – Don’t sweat the small stuff
There are plenty of big things to stress out about, so don’t sweat the small stuff! Start by eliminating clutter that has built up for decades. Many prefer to begin with the largest area which is often the basement or garage to sort out what can go in the trash immediately from that which may be given away or kept.
Next move room-by-room to closets and cupboards as well as cedar chests, dressers and cabinets. Create areas or containers for clutter to keep, pitch or give away so that you don’t have to decide the fate of each item more than once. For more expert downsizing tips on decluttering check out the tomsguide.com article, “7 decluttering tips when downsizing your home.”
Tip #3 – Pack smart
Half the battle of downsizing and moving can be won with another of the essential downsizing tips: pack smart. Start with a variety of boxes or bins with an emphasis on smaller sizes to make lifting and moving easier, and tools like packing tape, markers for labeling, scissors, and packing materials like bubble wrap and newspaper.
As soon as possible, begin packing the least essential items that will be making the move like books, mementos and keepsakes, extra linens and towels and seasonal items like Christmas decorations. Try to keep items in each box limited to one room and mark boxes accordingly. Designate an area like a spare bedroom to store packed containers with the heavier boxes on the bottom. Also be sure to label fragile items as such so movers know they need to be handled with extra care.
For valuable items like art, jewelry and collections, it may be best to move them yourself so they never leave your possession or store them in a safe deposit box or with a trusted friend or relative until after the move is complete. For more great ideas for an easy and hassle-free move, read the realsimple.com article, “18 Moving and Packing Tips for Your Smoothest Move Yet.”
Tip #4 – Vet movers carefully
Whether moving across town, the state or the country, hiring a moving company is often a good idea for seniors. So one of the essential downsizing tips is to carefully vet movers to avoid any of the many unfortunate scenarios described in the realtor.com article, “5 Worst Moving Company Reviews Ever (and What We Learned).”
Among the many tools at hand are online comparisons like those in the move.org article, “The Best Long-Distance Moving Companies of 2023,” or for shorter moves, try the forbes.com article, “How To Find The Best Short Distance Movers Of 2023.” Another excellent source is the consumereports.org article, “How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company,” that advises checking with the Bretter Business Bureau and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety administration, or cut to the chase by using the American Moving & Storage Association’s ProMover Program directory.
Tip #5 Keep necessities close by
To ensure you can find daily necessities during a move, one of the top downsizing tips is to keep a carry-on bag for personal toiletries like a toothbrush, contacts and solution, soap and shampoo, all medications, toilet paper and paper towel, and equipment like computers, iPads and tablets, e-readers, and other fragile electronics and their chargers. It is also a good idea to have a first-aid kit handy as well as a flashlight and an extra box cutter for unpacking. If your move includes a pet also be sure to keep food and a bowl on hand as well as a leash or other equipment you will need.
These downsizing tips can really help make the whole process easier and once you reach your destination it’s sure to pay off. Find out how Sonrisa Senior Living can make your move one you won’t regret: contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour of our beautiful neighborhood!
Download our Active Adult Decision Guide for helpful advice on making the right retirement living decision for you.
