You\u2019re moving to a place that\u2019s right for you right now\u2014a place that will give you the freedom to spend your time the way you want to without having to worry about maintaining space you don\u2019t need. However, there\u2019s one thing standing between you and your freedom: a house full of stuff.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a senior citizen, downsizing to a smaller home<\/a> may seem daunting at first. With this guide, though, you\u2019ll be able to sort your belongings and keep what matters most with ease. To downsize<\/a> with minimal stress, you\u2019ll need to:<\/p>\n This is isn\u2019t always possible, but the more time you give yourself, the easier (both emotionally and physically) a move will be. In fact, from the moment you first start thinking about downsizing, it\u2019s time to take action<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re like most of us, you may have decades worth of stuff packed away in your house. Giving yourself adequate time will allow you to make decisions without feeling the pressure of a looming deadline.<\/p>\n Downsizing as a senior is a big project. Break it into chunks by tackling one room at a time. Spend an hour a day working on that room until you\u2019re done. If you feel nervous, start with an easy room like a guest bedroom. If you feel ambitious, go ahead and dive into your office or attic.<\/p>\n In each room you work in, set up a folding table and chair, along with all the supplies you need, including boxes, trash bags, packing tape, and markers. You\u2019ll be separating items into four categories: move, donate, keep for family members, or trash.<\/p>\n Collect all your old photos in one place and then come up with a plan to preserve them without taking up tons of space. Consider choosing your favorites and using a service such as Shutterfly to have memory books made. The rest can be saved digitally or on DVDs or, if there aren\u2019t too many, simply stored in a box.<\/p>\n If you have a lot of larger, high-value items to get rid of, consider hiring someone to help you host an estate sale. Yes, they\u2019ll take a cut of the profits, but they\u2019ll also catalog your items, attract people to your auction, and take care of all the paperwork. If, however, you\u2019re looking just to unload a few old couches, some clothing, and more ordinary items, consider hosting your own garage sale.<\/p>\n You may have art or antiques you want your children to have. Maybe you\u2019ve been saving favorite books or toys from their childhood to give to them. Despite all your efforts and good intentions, they simply may not want these things.<\/p>\n Instead of assuming that your kids will want anything, ask them first. Don\u2019t be offended if they turn you down. They\u2019re not rejecting you or family memories; they\u2019re simply saying they don\u2019t have a use for those particular items.<\/p>\n A self storage unit could be the bridge you need to transition into your new home. Maybe you have artwork or collectibles you need time to sell, or maybe you\u2019re just having a hard time parting with certain possessions. If that\u2019s the case, give yourself a deadline of six months or even a year. If you haven\u2019t used something in that time period, you\u2019ll know it\u2019s OK to let it go.<\/p>\n At StorageMart, we offer affordable self storage units<\/strong><\/a> that can be rented on a month-by-month basis and are clean and well-lit. Check out our storage unit size guide<\/strong><\/a> or rent a unit online today<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Downsizing takes effort, but the end result is more time\u2014and freedom\u2014to enjoy what\u2019s really important to you.<\/p>\n Updated February 10, 2020<\/em><\/p>\n\n
A Senior\u2019s Guide to Downsizing<\/h2>\n
Plan Ahead<\/h3>\n
Go Room by Room<\/h3>\n
Set up a Sorting Table<\/h3>\n
Preserve Your Precious Memories<\/h3>\n
Hire an Estate Sale Pro or Have a Garage Sale<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t Take the Purging Process Personally<\/h3>\n
Consider Self Storage to Keep Your Belongings Protected<\/h2>\n