The need to downsize as we age is no secret. The home environment quickly becomes too much to manage, and tasks like housekeeping, yard maintenance, or trash removal become a burden. Family caregivers shoulder many of the responsibilities their loved ones can no longer manage, especially for those living alone or with dementia. Visits become task-oriented, and for many families, relationships are strained.

Thankfully, downsizing to an assisted living community offers numerous advantages that can enhance the lives of older adults, offering relief and respite for seniors and their caregivers. But downsizing for a move is no easy task, even when the lifestyle change is highly worthwhile. For some, downsizing is overwhelming enough to delay a much-needed move altogether, potentially compromising a loved one’s health, safety, and independence.

If you or your loved one can benefit from a senior living move but need assistance in the downsizing department, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll share five downsizing tips to help you get started and ensure your move is successful. From starting small to rightsizing your space, to asking for help and handling all the emotions, you can shrug off the downsizing dread and feel well-prepared to move when the time is right—and not when it’s too late.

5 Downsizing Tips to Help You Get Started

We would all love to wave a magic wand and see the job accomplished, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, but with our five tips below, you’ll be on your way to checking the most challenging downsizing task of all—getting started—off your to-do list.

1. Tour an Assisted Living Community First

Visiting a community before you begin downsizing provides valuable direction for your move. It can also connect you and your loved one to a senior living expert you can lean on for referrals, resources, and services. Senior living counselors are well-connected with other professionals who provide downsizing services and support to seniors and their families. Whether you’re looking for a relocation specialist, a moving company, a realtor, or an attorney, you’ll have plenty of recommendations and resources for a successful transition.

Additionally, after viewing a community’s living options and exploring shared resident spaces, you’ll have a great vision of how you might want to downsize. You can review the community’s floor plan options and utilize any customized checklists or guides they offer.

2. Start Small

Start small to make the downsizing process manageable. Work with your loved one to determine who can best manage the process, considering their mobility, stamina, and overall independence. Some seniors prefer to know and see everything as they downsize. Others find the process too overwhelming and prefer to have family members or friends make decisions.

Making a list and working through one room at a time is a strategy that allows seniors and families to identify their most-loved belongings and consider the most practical pieces to take to their new home. This process minimizes the scope of the overall project and encourages an organized approach.

Prepare a room or a section of your home for sorting as you work through your to-do list. Set aside items for your new home and items for family and friends, donating, disposing of, and giving away. Any items you’re not ready to decide about can be placed in a holding space until you feel emotionally prepared to make a mindful decision.

3. Recruit the Professionals

If downsizing still feels insurmountable, consider recruiting a professional! With the heavy lifting managed by the experts, you and your loved ones can support each other through the emotional transition of downsizing without the stress, frustration, and effort.

Imagine having the support of a senior transition specialist who can guide you in deciding what to bring to your new home, or a relocation service that can oversee the hard work of packing, transporting, and cleanup. With services that include moving assistance, packing and resettling, decluttering, home cleanouts, space planning, and junk removal, professional help may be the ideal option for seniors and families facing downsizing dread.

4. Get Familiar with Your New Space & Community

As you work through areas of your home, think about what to set aside for your move. Get familiar with your new space and community. Before making decisions about furniture, storage, and décor, review a copy of the floor plan for your new residence and inquire about measurements and any special requirements. Arrange a model apartment on paper using the floor plan as your guide to create a first draft for your new living space.

One of the most important things to remember is that, as an assisted living resident, you’ll have access to shared spaces, gathering areas, community rooms, and other beautiful amenities that will become part of your home. This means you can take a less-is-more approach when styling your apartment. To keep your new environment calm and clutter-free, personalize your space with items that hold meaning and only the most necessary essentials.

As you get to know the community’s layout and amenities, you’ll discover places you love: a cozy sitting area, an outdoor walking trail, a quiet library corner, or a bustling bar or bistro. These spots will become your go-to locations and part of your new daily routine. With time, you’ll also learn the community’s routine and find events, programs, outings, and a schedule of offerings that appeal to you. Don’t be afraid to explore the community and see where people like to gather or what time is best for meeting and connecting with others.

5. Acknowledge Feelings of Uncertainty

All tasks aside, downsizing can bring many emotions and challenges. Among them are feelings of uncertainty when moving to a new environment, with new surroundings, routine, and neighbors. It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and be realistic about the transition as you downsize and move. Be patient with yourself and remember that as you settle into your new home, you will begin to feel more relaxed.

New residents and their families often experience a bit of a whirlwind during their assisted living move. But in just a short time, residents begin to make friends, enjoy task-free family visits, and reap the many benefits of assisted living’s maintenance-free lifestyle, making it all feel worthwhile.

• To help you or your senior loved one get familiar with community life, talk to other residents and families to learn about their experiences. You’ll likely gain valuable recommendations after hearing about what worked well for them or what they might have done differently.
• Invite family members, friends, and even fellow residents and community staff into your new space to visit. Hosting an “open house” can allow a new resident the opportunity to meet several new neighbors and show off their new home to family members. The unique décor in each individual’s apartment becomes a quick conversation starter and helps to foster connections and relationships.
• Don’t shy away from leaving your new space and venturing into the community as soon as possible. Staying involved in community life and being social and active are powerful practices for maintaining independence, a healthy mindset, and a positive approach to aging. Take advantage of the many services, amenities, and benefits assisted living has to offer.

Downsize and Thrive

Despite the time and effort, downsizing to a senior living community can yield powerful benefits for older adults. The opportunity to enjoy a safe home environment, foster essential connections, and access a network of onsite support and services are just a few examples. Additionally, with staff members trained to provide compassionate care, professional expertise, and exceptional customer service, community teams are ready to assist residents and their families with the resources and information they need from day one.

When concerns or questions arise (and they will), rely on family, friends, and trusted resources, like a senior care counselor, to provide the next steps. With time, you can look forward to a successful transition and open the door to an exciting next chapter.

Questions about assisted living?

To learn more about timing your assisted living move, connect with a Stoney Brook team member or check out our free resources! Subscribe to our blog or schedule a tour at one of our assisted living and memory care communities in the Central Texas area. See why residents and their families enjoy peace of mind in the safe, supportive, and welcoming home environments at our  Stoney Brook communities.