downsizing tips for seniors

5 Downsizing Tips for Seniors

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Downsizing is an emotional challenge for some seniors while to others, it’s a joy – it all depends on preparation. Most seniors enjoy more free time by moving to a smaller house that requires less upkeep. These are the seniors who are open to the idea of downsizing. Before the time comes, it’s important for seniors to sit and discuss downsizing options with their family or friends. Here are a few downsizing tips for seniors:

Downsizing Tip 1: Plan ahead

Planning is the essential component of downsizing for seniors. The conversation around downsizing should start as early as possible. Let the senior know you respect their freedom of choice. Discuss with them why they should consider moving, where they will be moving to and the moving budget. Compare the costs of moving to the new space and all the pros of the new space compared to the current space.

Downsizing Tip 2: Start small

Start sorting out things as early as possible and start with the smaller rooms. Sort all the things you want to get rid of room by room. Starting with the smaller rooms first may be less overwhelming than diving into the bigger ones first.

For this, start early and start getting rid of things one by one. You can start donating what you don’t need or selling them as early as the decision to move is made.

downsizing tips for seniors

Downsizing Tip 3: Eliminate the rooms absent in the new home

Before you even start donating things, make sure you eliminate the things in the rooms that you don’t have in the new house. Some of these rooms house important items that you just can’t get rid of. Relocate these to other rooms in the new space and donate, sell, or toss the others you don’t need.

Downsizing Tip 4: Declutter

When it comes to moving, getting rid of what you don’t use isn’t an option. Make two piles, the yes and no piles – but no ‘maybes’. Otherwise, you will find yourself with a maybe pile that is bigger than the other two. Take a good look at every item in the house and if it’s not something you use regularly, that’s a no and if you use it regularly, it’s a yes.

Downsizing Tip 5: Consider legacy gifts

Seniors have a hard time letting go of some things. There will be items that the senior can’t or won’t let go of, and that’s alright. The antiques and other sentimental items don’t have to go as long as they don’t impede the move. Let the senior decide on what to do with the sentimental items that won’t fit in the new home. Most prefer giving these special items to family as a sign of gratitude. Just always ensure that they know they have a voice in the move.

Downsizing for seniors isn’t easy but if you have a plan and clear communication, moving can be a smooth and peaceful transition. Remember not to force anything, simply suggest and wait for them to make a choice.

If ClutterBGone can be of any assistance in your transition process, reach out to us here! Sometimes just a little extra support and guidance is all you need.

elderly parents moving

How to Talk to Your Elderly Parents About Downsizing

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Talking to your elderly parents about downsizing is one of the most challenging things. For the talk to yield positive fruits, you have to be cautious and steer the conversation in a subtle manner. The move might seem practical for the senior, but the thought of moving can provoke strong emotions. As the responsible party, you have to make the senior understand why this is in their best interest and why it has to be done which is challenging but not impossible.

Start the discussion as early as possible

How do your parents or the seniors in your life imagine their future? Before the move is immediately necessary, begin talking to them about other options to make the transition easier. Make sure you discuss the topic multiple times and show them the pros and not the cons of moving. This way, arriving at a decision you are both comfortable with is easier. Bring up a neighbour or an old friend who has downsized and talk to the senior about the advantages of the move.

Let the senior stay in control

Before you can figure out what to tell your elderly parents, listen to them first. Downsizing is emotional as it makes the seniors feel like they are losing control over their lives. State one fact before anything else that the decision to downsize is ultimately theirs and you are here to provide support and make suggestions. Never impose but instead, ask gentle questions about the current living situation and let them know how downsizing can help them improve and live a happier life.

elderly parents moving

Air your concerns

Most seniors respond best if you are open and honest. Instead of imposing, making choices, or controlling them, share your worries about their living conditions. Most of our elderly parents don’t like it when their children worry so much about them. For this reason, they won’t be defensive or feel upset if you express your fears and the desire for them to be safe and happy.

Downsizing is a sensitive topic for the elderly and it needs a subtle approach. Make plans with your parents if you want a smooth transition and figure out their idea of downsizing. Get to understand what is sensitive about it and how to best approach that. Elderly parents feel attached to their homes and that bond can be hard to break. Do it bit by bit and in a considerate manner and let the elderly parent feel in control at all times. Let them feel their decision is respected and appreciated.

If at any time you need a little extra help and support, we are just a call away to help with all your downsizing needs!

downsizing tips for seniors

A Downsizing Checklist for Caregivers

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Moving is a challenge for everyone and is one of the high-stress life events in life. It becomes tougher when you are a caregiver and have to move a senior. Most people find themselves in a crisis where you have to move the senior in a limited amount of time. Planning time is minimal, and you need to have everything in order before making a move. Here is a downsizing checklist for caregivers.

Plan Ahead

This applies if you have time, and the senior is willing to move as this sometimes becomes a challenge and eats into the available time. The move is now imminent, and there is no other option. Start decluttering as early as possible. Take everything into consideration and determine what to give away, sell, or throw away. Clean the house and organize in stages and make sure to measure the furniture. You need to know if the furniture fits the downsized house you are moving into. Set a moving date and check with family and friends for a moving company recommendation.

Start Packing

You now have what is moving with your senior and what goes away. Organize everything you have in boxes and assign different boxes for essential items to avoid confusion. It also helps in knowing what goes to which room and so forth.

Identify the critical and fragile items and separate them from the rest and make sure their boxes are well marked as FRAGILE, so the movers handle the boxes with care. If packing is posing a challenge, get family or friends to help.

Moving

You know what is going and what goes away, so you have a good idea of the transport you need. If you are using friends or family members, communicate with them. Also, make sure you have all the necessary gear and muscle to help you move.

If you are using a moving company, the contracts should be in order and in writing too.

downsizing checklist for seniors

Settling In

When downsizing for caregivers, the challenge posed to the caregiver is helping the older person settle in. You have moved in, and the unpacking starts. After you are done, it’s up to the caregiver to update the senior’s addresses in all relevant institutions. Don’t leave the senior assuming all is well; check in regularly after the move and make sure they are happy and thriving in the new community.

The reason why your seniors need a smaller home is not as important as their safety and happiness. Take comfort in knowing the senior is cared for and happy after the move. If ever you need a little extra support in the downsizing process, don’t hesitate to reach out!

downsizing seniors

How To Help Our Seniors With Downsizing

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People have different responses to getting old but one thing we can be sure of is that ageing is inevitable. When people get to the age where they are regarded as senior citizens, one of the problems they face is moving and downsizing and making difficult choices of what to keep and what to let go. This period is usually very emotional for some, however can be something to look forward to and become excited about.

Here are a few steps to consider when helping a senior downsize.

Consider Their New Home

Downsizing usually involves moving into a smaller and more manageable environment and the new space is the first thing that must be considered. Ideally, it is not a process that should be rushed. You have to check out their your new home’s space – the floor plan, the kind of environment and community that is being entered into.  Is your senior downsizing into a nursing home or assisted living facility? Are they moving in with friends or family, a retirement community, or are they buying or renting a smaller house or condo?

The Seniors Guide To Downsizing

Take An Inventory Of Their Current Home

The next step usually involves taking an inventory of items in different parts of their current home. It is advisable to start from the part of the house with the biggest items or the area of the house that has the most stuff.

While doing this, you will be able to identify different categories that items might fall under e.g. Regularly used objects, sparsely used objects and high-value objects. Every room in their house must be checked so you don’t miss anything important – ensuring everything is well-organized when moving and they don’t end up with items they don’t need in their new space.

Do They Need It?

De-cluttering is a very important step in the downsizing of your seniors. You have to ask yourself certain questions as you pack-up and box items like:

  • Do they need this item? Is it used regularly?
  • Will the item fit into their new space easily?
  • Is the item of high-value financially?
  • Do they have multiple versions of the item?
  • Does the item limit their mobility or accessibility in their new space?
  • Do they love it?

Answers to such questions are usually difficult but very necessary when planning their move.

Find Innovative Ways To Take Care Of Disposed Items

You’ve sat with your senior and have decided what belongings will make the move and which ones won’t. When disposing of the items that won’t be moved with them,  you need to decide what to do with them. You can have the items donated to charity or given to friends or family members that may find the items valuable. Another option is to have an auction or sale especially when some of the items are still valuable and would be able to generate some needed income. When downsizing, it is important to always get rid of old and harmful items that can’t be repaired no matter how much sentimental value they carry – you don’t want to keep harmful objects in their new environment as your senior approaches their golden years.

As we mentioned above, this process can be emotionally draining for some so it best be done with the help of loved ones, family or friends. However, if it gets too difficult, you can always consult with us. We love assisting our seniors!

Successful Transitions to Assisted Living

Steps for Successful Transitions to Assisted Living

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Making the decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility is often very difficult for all who are involved. Every situation is unique, some people recognize that they are ready to downsize and significantly reduce their domestic responsibilities while others may be extremely resistant to the very thought that they even consider leaving their home and their independence for a facility. Whichever circumstance that you find yourself in with your elderly relative, there are ways to make the transition easier for all involved.

Step 1 Transition to Assisted Living: Communication

It is very important to develop and maintain open lines of communication. If your relative is reluctant to move speak to them gently, with care and understanding. Let them know that their feelings are valid and offer reassurance that this does not mean a loss of independence – as this is typically the greatest fear. Point out all the things that they will no longer have to be responsible for such as taking the garbage out, mowing the lawn or keeping house. Help them to see that this leaves them free to fully explore their interests and activities at their leisure.

Successful Transitions to Assisted Living

Step 2 Transition to Assisted Living: Visit the Facility

Visit the facility well in advance of the move. Meet the staff and other residents – take a tour and become familiar with all the activities that are scheduled for your relative to participate in. Many facilities will allow and encourage your relative to join activities of their interest before the move has been finalized as a means to increasing familiarity and comfort in the decision.

Step 3 Transition to Assisted Living: Plan and Execute

A move such as this takes a lot of planning. Ensuring that your relative is involved in all decisions will help them to feel that they do in fact remain in control of their lives. Seek help from other family members or engage a professional who specializes in assisting families and their elderly relatives in transition. Make a plan together and ensure that you offer validation that it is a difficult transition and that while there are changes and some losses there are many gains as well.

Certainly these transitions are emotional. They represent significant milestones in the lives of all who are involved. Communicating with love and care goes a long way towards easing everybody’s feelings on the matter. Making informed decisions together with your loved one allows them to retain control and independence. Meticulous planning for the move and enlisting as much positive support as possible also contributes to a positive experience for all.

If you find you need support, we can work side by side with you or your parents and assist in de-cluttering, sorting and paring down possessions and help to create and preserve a legacy of treasures and memories that will never be forgotten. We’ll provide the knowledge and decision-making support to organize the home for sale if needed as well. With patience and guided assistance we help find new homes for unwanted and unused items through sales, donations and recycling, and ensure that vital documents and papers are in order and available for quick and easy access. Reach out!

 

 

 

tips for helping the elderly move

Tips For Helping the Elderly Move

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Making the decision to move an elderly family member out of their home is difficult but is more often than not necessary for reasons of health and safety. Below you will find important tips for a smooth transition.

Tip 1 Helping The Elderly Move: Communication

This is by far the most important point in the beginning. Open and honest communication about why the move is necessary and brainstorm together what will work best. Always bearing in mind that your relative is likely to have very mixed emotions about moving. Validating their emotions is important. Be understanding and really listen to their desires. Together, set up a concise plan.

Tips for helping the elderly move

Tip 2 Helping The Elderly Move: Enlist Support

Reach out to other family members to help with the move, the more the merrier as they say. Also consider the support of a professional organizer. They are skilled in this type of situation and have a lot to offer in terms of advice as well as strategies for an easier transition.

Tip 3 Helping The Elderly Move: Clean and Organize

As you begin to sort and pack be sure to clean the items before storing or taking them to the new home. Some items will be harder to part with than others, this is true of anybody but for someone who may have a lifetime of memories in their home it is daunting. Listen with patience to the stories the items have and offer reassurance that things that are not going with then will be well looked after.

Tip 4 Helping The Elderly Move: Be Aware of Emotions

You’ve planned, you’ve packed and moving day has arrived. Be aware of the emotional state of your elderly family member and understand that it will be a difficult day. If your elderly relative is moving into an assisted living situation work with the home to plan what the day will look like. Many places will have supports in place for the move, there may be activities for distraction and they may also be paired with a new buddy for the day to introduce them to their new surroundings. If possible it may help to arrange furniture as closely as possible as it was in the old home. Ensure that photos are hung and important items are put away.

This is a tough transition for all and it isn’t over the day the move happens. You will want to keep a close eye on your relative over the following months as the emotional fallout can be heavy and overwhelming.

If you are facing the challenge of helping your elderly parents “smart size” into homes that are manageable, often emotional ties to furniture and keepsakes make it difficult and challenging for you and your parents to make decisions. We often hear the question “how do I even begin to sort through my treasured items and memories?” That’s when we can step in. Reach out if you need support.

Downsizing: Steps to take when moving

Downsizing: Steps To Take When Moving

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Downsizing can be quite a stressful operation. It is not only time-consuming but it can be a logistics nightmare, and it might require you to get rid of things that you might have an emotional attachment with.

Our aim is to share some of the most intelligent steps you could take when you’re about to move and downsize.

Plan Ahead

Take time to plan ahead and work out all the details of your move. For example, you can choose the best time to move by carefully considering possible traffic issues, and selecting a time frame that won’t be too stressful for you, in light of work commitments and other things in your calendar.

Get Rid Of Extra Things

As the name might imply, “downsizing” often means that you simply might not be able to enjoy as much space as you used to. Therefore,Downsizing: Steps to take when moving you might need to get rid of some of your belongings. It’s important to really go through your stuff well ahead of your moving date. Some people struggle with the idea of getting rid of some of their belongings, so they often procrastinate, only to panic during the very last stages of their move. As a result, they frantically cherry pick their items and often overlook important things. By sorting through your items in a timely manner, you are going to have plenty of time to determine what matters, and what could be expandable.

For this reason, it is important to take downsizing seriously, and understand what it means. Don’t just move all of your things to a smaller space. This will only cost you time and money. Make sure that you manage your possessions accordingly. Get to know your space, and carefully list your belongings so you have a clearer idea of how much stuff you have.

Get Someone To Help You

Whether its friends, family members, assistants, or a professional organizer – asking for help might be the best way to go in most situations. Moving can be stressful, particularly if you are on your own. The process requires many tasks, including lugging furniture around, moving boxes, cataloging things, packing, unpacking, driving, and so on. Having someone by your side could ease your load significantly. There is no need to get too stressed when you’re downsizing. A helping hand along the way can truly make a difference in your move and help you prevent a lot of unpleasant circumstances.

Downsizing for a move is a service we love providing here at ClutterBGone! Moving into a new space should be fun and exciting. Don’t allow this transition to make you feel stressed or anxious. We can give you back your peace of mind. Call us!

Understanding Why We Accumulate Clutter

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understanding clutter

We are a society that constantly buys items. We need new clothes to keep up with the latest fashions. We love to have the latest in electronics. Our kitchens are full of gadgets that make our lives easier. With our living spaces becoming smaller it’s almost essential to stay organized. Organizing itself can be quite easy. We accumulate, we pare down and sort through and get rid of some of our items but without understanding why we accumulate the clutter you’re doomed to repeat the process.

What is truly important?

Of all your possessions there are only a few that are truly important to you. understanding clutterWe hold onto many items out of sentimentality. Maybe it belonged to a loved one. Perhaps you still hold on to those old high school awards. When was the last time you even looked at them? Will your loved ones want them when you are gone? Choose just a couple of these items and purge the rest. ClutterBGone knows how to make sure those memories are with you without the clutter.

Material items define your success

Keeping up with the Jones’ is a real thing. We clamor for the latest and greatest in all things. Just look at the line ups when a new phone is launched. How about those Boxing Day line ups all to get a great deal? What are these people doing with the things they already have? Obviously, success shouldn’t be measured on what you own but rather what you accomplish, how you achieve your goals and how happy your home life is.

It was too good to pass up

We always run into a bargain or a sale that we believe is just too good to pass up. understanding clutterWow! Eighty percent off something that I may need at some point? Who could pass that up? You should. Even eight percent off is still too much to pay for something you just don’t need. Besides, there will always be a sale at some point. If you truly want to live clutter free, then purchase only what you need and when you need it. Keep in mind that everything you buy requires some maintenance whether it is cleaning, dusting or moving it around and it takes up valuable space too.

Letting go is overwhelming

We see this with a lot of our clients. Just the thought of letting go of something can bring on the sweats and anxiety. They don’t know where to start so just keep putting it off. A professional organizer understands this and works with their clients to reduce the anxiety and work with them at their own pace. You don’t have to do this alone.

ClutterBGone understands the reasons why people accumulate clutter and how hard it can be to declutter and get organized. We understand the psychology behind clutter and work with you, side by side, to get you to an organized and clutter free home. Contact us here to start the process.

Get Organized in 5 Easy Steps

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organize in 5 steps

One evening I was looking up the definition for “organize” in the dictionary. Don’t judge, I’m a professional organizer after all! The definition reads, to arrange in a structured whole, but it was the synonyms for organize that caught my eye : put in order, arrange, sort, categorize, and systemize were just some. It then got me thinking about what we at ClutterBGone use to keep us on track through our process. The acronym “SPACE” is an easy way to remember our steps for a successful organization.

SPACE in our industry stands for Sort, Purge, Assign, Containerize and Evaluate and they’re the 5 steps we use and encourage with all our clients.

Sort

When organizing or downsizing the first step is to sort your belongings by category. organize in 5 stepsIf you were organizing in the kitchen you would sort all your pots, pans, utensils and such to see just how much you had of each. When doing a closet sort your shirts or blouses, dresses, pants, etc. You really don’t know how much you have of something until you see it all laid out in front of you.

Purge

Once the sort is completed the second step is the purge. Don’t confuse purge with getting rid of everything. All you are deciding here is what will stay and what will go. Go can mean donating it to a charity or giving it to a family member or friend. It can mean selling it through various ways or yes, by throwing it out. We find that the purge process is where someone really needs a third party to help. A third party, like a professional organizer, is non-judgemental and can help you make decisions quite a bit quicker.

Assign

Assign is the third step. This step is when you are going to assign a home for your item. You will want to do this based on the layout of the space, the space available and how often you need the item. ClutterBGone has the knowledge, systems and experience to help you make these decisions. You’ll love the systems we leave you with to keep your space organized. And we can usually find space that you just can’t see.

Containerize

Once you have completed the previous steps, you can store the items you have with containers you already own or purchase some new, clear containers to do the job. organize in 5 stepsRemember to store items in containers using the smallest possible container that will house all the items in a particular category. Most professional organizers will carry an inventory of commonly used containers to save time.

Evaluate

The last step is to ensure you review the spaces you have organized and to evaluate if any changes are required on a regular basis. You don’t want to fall back into a disorganized space after all the work that you have put into it.

These are the five steps to go through in order to organize any space. We would love to hear how you make out or better yet, we would love to help you in your next organizing project. Just contact us here.

Decluttering Tips For Hoarders

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declutter tips for hoarders

Do you see signs that indicate you’re a hoarder? Do you know someone that hoards? Hoarders save items that others may find worthless. They collect items to the point where it affects their living and work spaces as well as their relationships with others. To help you avoid some of the challenges that come with hoarding, we have put together this list of tips to declutter when you see signs of hoarding.

Recognize what hoarding is

Although close to 5% of the population display signs of hoarding, I doubt many of you are true hoarders. Hoarding is a disorder that has most recently stemmed away from the relation to OCD and has become a category of mental illness on its own. Most times than none the individual really requires professional help. You may be chronically disorganized and living with clutter but that’s different than being a true hoarder.

Slow and steady

Don’t rush through and get rid of some items that may have value to you or others. declutter tips for hoardersOrganizing and decluttering isn’t a sprint. The clutter in your life didn’t appear overnight. Pick a room or a space that gives you the most grief and start there. Stay with that area until it’s complete. Now stand back and realize what you have accomplished. This will give you added energy to move on to the next space.

Handle it once only

One rule that ClutterBGone follows is, “if you touch it, finish with it”. In other words, once you have picked something up you must determine what it is, what it is used for, when was the last time it was used and more importantly what to do with it. Now you must make the decision to keep it, discard it, sell it or donate it and put it into the respective pile. There is no setting it aside and deciding later. I strongly believe clutter is easily explained as postponed decision. Later seldom comes and later is the reason for the build up of clutter in the first place.

The owner is the boss

When it comes to the final decision, the owner of the item is the ultimate decision maker. If you are helping a friend or family member you can’t make these decisions for them no matter how much you may disagree with them. This will only lead to arguments and the whole process can come to a standstill. You wouldn’t want other people coming into your home and making decisions regarding your possessions.

Pare down multiples

Many people who are disorganized or live with clutter have multiples of the same items. declutter tips for hoardersThey forgot they had it or quickly need it and couldn’t find it, so they run off to the store to purchase another one and now have more than 2 or 3 of the same items. These items are easy to make decisions about. They are the perfect candidates to sell, donate or give away.

Learn about yourself as you go

During this process you may learn a lot about yourself. Are you just chronically disorganized? Perhaps a schedule for monthly maintenance of your space will help. Do you compulsively purchase items to cheer you up or to feel great about that sale item? There are other ways to get that same feeling without sacrificing your space and money. ClutterBGone has helped many of our clients in the same situation you may find yourself in now.

So, if you think you display some signs of hoarding let these tips help you in your decluttering efforts. As always, if you can’t do it alone there are professionals out there to assist you. ClutterBGone has helped many clients throughout the GTA become organized and clutter free and we would be proud to help you. Just contact us here.