Senior Downsizing Tips
CHerish the Memory, Not the Stuff: 5 Ways to Purge With Less Pain
You know the old adage, two things you can count on in life are death and taxes? Well, they forgot one. You can also count on “stuff”. Acquiring it, storing it, moving it, dusting it, the list goes on. At some point, it gets too much and it’s time to “thin the herd” to keep…
Read More5 Common Downsizing Mistakes Seniors Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Are you thinking about downsizing in the future but too overwhelmed by the process? It doesn’t have to be that way if you know the most common downsizing mistakes to avoid. For most seniors, just thinking about a downsizing move is enough to put fear and dread into their hearts. Maybe you’ve heard horror stories…
Read MoreHow Seniors Can Simplify Downsizing for a Long-Distance Move
Are you planning a downsizing move? Making hard decisions about what to take out of a house full of cherished memories is bad enough, but what if you’re also moving long-distance? That aspect alone brings unique challenges to consider when creating any transition plan. What can you, or a loved one who’s downsizing, do to…
Read MoreFrom Fear to Freedom: 6 Ways to Support Seniors in Major Life Changes
What would come to mind if I asked you what you felt were the top 3 sources of fear or anxiety that seniors face most often during a significant life transition? Most people I’ve talked with in my senior downsizing practice say it’s being faced with the uncertainty of what’s ahead. Maybe they have to…
Read MoreDownsizing? 8 Pack Day Strategies to Ease a Senior’s Stress
Downsizing? You’re about to learn 8 pack day strategies to ease a senior’s stress and still be productive. Pack days can be stressful in a downsizing move. One of the things I’ve heard most from clients over the years is that they feel overwhelmed with the number of details a well-planned move requires. They also…
Read More13 Do’s and Don’ts for Compassionate Communication with a Memory-Impaired Client
Senior downsizing or home-organizing professionals who have worked with memory-impaired individuals during transition know how difficult it is for their clients to cope with a quickly changing environment. How you communicate with them is critical to a successful process. In today’s article, I share the 13 communication dos and don’ts that can help you better…
Read MoreWhy an Estate Sale Might Not Be Your Best Downsizing Disposal Option
If you’re downsizing, or helping someone who is, pay close attention to what I’m about to share: an estate sale might not be your best downsizing disposal option. Most downsizers have heard of estate sales and their luring appeal. They’ve probably been told it’s one of the easiest ways to dispose of a large volume…
Read MoreDownsizing? 8 Ways to Dispose of an Unwanted Piano
Downsizing and would like to know 8 ways to dispose of an unwanted piano? It can be difficult to accommodate even the smaller versions of a piano in a condominium or apartment, so they are frequently first on the list of items to get rid of. In recent years, the demand for pianos has significantly…
Read MoreDownsizing But Can’t Let Go of Your Stuff? Why We Resist
We’ve all been there. Faced with either the necessity or practicality of letting go of items we’ve acquired during our lives can bring a person to the point of panic. Many people think it’s only our older population that resists letting go of items, particularly when it’s done in tandem with a major life change,…
Read MoreConquering the Space Debate: Downsizing Tips for Couples with Different Priorities
What do you do if you’re downsizing to a much smaller space and your partner has different priorities for that “extra room”? It’s a common challenge for couples who are used to having their own private space in a larger home for things like hobbies, an office, or other recreational pursuits. It can be an…
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