Downsizing Tips for Moving into Your Senior Apartment

Thinking about moving to a senior living community? Does looking around at all the memories, collectibles, and other items you’ve amassed throughout your life make you anxious at the sheer amount of work it’ll take to downsize? Don’t worry. You’re not alone, and our 10 simple downsizing tips can help.

Moving Advice for Seniors Interested in Downsizing

Why does the word “downsizing” fill us with such dread? Sure, moving from your home into a new senior apartment means you’ll have to make some decisions, but it also means you’ll no longer be tied down by the weight of so many possessions. You’ll be free to enjoy all the amazing amenities, activities and services right outside your door at your new community. In fact, that’s the beauty of moving into a senior living community. Everything you need is already there. No mess. No maintenance. Nothing to hold you back from living your best life.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start Downsizing

1. Do you have people over a lot?

If you’re no longer hosting events or family gatherings and it’s been awhile since you’ve entertained more than a friend or two, you might be ready to downsize.

2. Are you feeling a bit isolated lately?

Once upon a time, the American Dream meant owning a home and consuming as much as possible. Eventually, property becomes more work than it’s worth and stuff just gets in the way, keeping us from getting out and being with those who matter most. If that’s how you’re feeling, you might be ready to downsize.

3. Do you enjoy the upkeep on your house, your lawn, your garden?

Maybe you’re the kind of person who looks forward to mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, painting your house. But if you’re not, downsizing to a maintenance-free senior apartment is a great way to free yourself from constant household chores.

4. Is your home filled with rooms you no longer use, except perhaps to store things you also no longer use?

Kick that clutter to the curb, rightsize your life, and move into a senior living community where you have no worries except how you’ll enjoy yourself and live life on your terms today, tomorrow, and the next day.

10 Downsizing Tips to Make Your Move to Senior living a Smooth Transition

1. Start early.

If you’ve read other downsizing tips, you’ll know this is a big one. Too many of us wait until the last minute. Save yourself the grief and get started at least a couple of months before your move.

2. Make a plan.

Is there anything as wonderful as a well-crafted list? Save yourself the anxiety of last-minute decisions and quit thinking about everything that must be done. Write it down, then just complete one task at a time.

3. Put a clock on yourself.

Timelines keep you focused and can help you avoid the stress of making a move. Work backward from your move-in date and divide tasks into manageable timelines.

4. Start small.

Pack your sentimental and rarely used items first. As you go through them, decide what you want to save, what you’d like to give to family or friends, and what can be donated or sold.

5. If you like it, take a picture.

Are there setups in your house that you absolutely love? Furniture that goes together, décor that fills you with comfort? Take a picture of these spaces so you can recreate them in your new place.

6. Adopt the “one year” rule.

Are there things in your house you haven’t used in a year or more? If you have trouble deciding whether to keep an item or not, think about if you’ve used it within the last year. If you haven’t, you probably won’t within the next one either, so get rid of it.

7. Organize items into Yes and No piles.

Avoid the Maybe pile at all costs. It helps to go with your first instinct as you place items in piles. And remember, an item in the No pile just means it isn’t going with you. You can pass it on to loved ones or donate it so it will bring joy to others as it has to you.

8. Donate things you don’t need.

You’ll be surprised at how good it feels to give your household items to people who can truly use them and who will cherish them as you have. It’s a great way to pay it forward.

9. Discard the duplicates.

Have multiples of the same item? Keep one for yourself and get rid of the rest. Remember, clutter holds you back. Your goal is to move forward!

10. Lay out your new floor plan.

Once you’ve downsized, take a moment to celebrate. Then use the photos of the setups you like to map out the layout of your new senior apartment. You’re ready to move!

We hope these downsizing tips have been helpful. If you’ve decided to make the move to senior living, check out Summit Vista, Utah’s first Life Plan Community. Our new independent living building, Spruce Grove, will be opening in June. We offer several beautiful one- and two-bedroom floor plans. To learn more or to schedule a tour, contact us today.