Planning to move into a new home is never an easy process, but there are ways to make the process easier. There are multiple tips for seniors to downsize and declutter effectively and move into a senior living community to enjoy their retirement.
At Parkway Place, we welcome Texas seniors who are looking to make the most out of their retirement. We have spacious floorplans and comprehensive care programs that can include medication management, assistance with daily living needs, and many social activities and events. While touring the facility, we can give you several downsizing tips for seniors to help prepare you for your move.
To discuss our senior living options in person while touring our location, call 281.305.1846 today to speak with our friendly team.
Knowing When It’s Time for Senior Living
While most senior living communities take seniors over 65, the typical age for most senior adults to enter a senior living community is in their 70s and 80s, with some seniors waiting until their 90s to join.
If you are looking into how to downsize in retirement, you may have noticed that your parents or loved ones are having more trouble doing everyday tasks. You may notice they are having trouble with housekeeping and laundry, or they are eating less healthier foods because it is easier. These are signs that it is time to think about moving into senior living.
Other signs that it’s time for senior living include:
- They have trouble doing household chores and tasks
- They forget to take medications on time or in the correct dosage
- Their hygiene is neglected
- You are constantly worried about their safety
- They live alone and are isolated
- They want to sell their homes and live in a community with other seniors
In many cases, senior adults may decide to move into a senior living community while they are active and healthy. Senior living has independent living programs where seniors are free to come and go as they like while being close to friends, peers, social events, and quality medical care.
Tips for Seniors to Downsize and Declutter
Deciding to move into a senior living community is a simple process if you plan ahead and follow a senior downsizing checklist. If you do not have a checklist, here are some tips for seniors to downsize and declutter before moving into senior living:
Create a Plan of Action
Having a plan of action is always a good idea when considering moving into senior living. Creating a plan will detail the steps you need to take, like deciding to put your home up for sale, which items you want to give to your family, and hosting a garage sale to sell your items.
Decluttering Your Space
Go through each room of your house and decide which items you want to keep and which items you can give away or sell. This is a good time to decide if you want to give items to the family, such as family heirlooms, antique furniture, paintings, and other items that hold sentimental value.
Ask for Help
Planning to move is a major feat, and you should never do it alone. Ask family and friends to help with cleaning and decluttering to prepare your home to sell. You can also decide which items you want to take with you, like favorite pillows and blankets, clothing, dishes and dining wear, furniture, and other knickknacks.
Selling Your Home
Selling your home is a great way to fund your retirement. You will want to hire a real estate agent who will handle all of the paperwork for you, as well as schedule home tours and open houses. You can use the funds from the sale to partially or fully pay for your retirement.
Decluttering Checklist
This checklist may help your process:
- Begin decluttering as soon as possible to give yourself enough time to carefully go through each room.
- Have family and friends help you with the process, as it can be overwhelming to do alone.
- Start in one room and work your way through each area systematically.
- Create piles for items you want to keep, give away, or sell.
- Consider sentimental value when deciding which items to keep or give away.
- Donate gently used items to charity organizations if they cannot be sold or given to family members.
- Hold a garage sale or use online selling platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to sell unwanted items.
- Consult with a real estate agent when selling your home and consider using the funds towards retirement living expenses.
- Keep important documents organized and easily accessible, such as medical records, insurance policies, and financial documents.
- Remember to take breaks throughout the decluttering process and stay positive about your new retirement journey in a senior living community.
At Parkway Place, we understand that downsizing and decluttering can be an emotional process for seniors. That’s why our team is here to provide support and advice during this transition.
Come Visit Parkway Place Today to Go Over All of Our Senior Living Options
Parkway Place is a full-service, luxury senior living community located in Houston, TX, that welcomes seniors to experience a rewarding retirement with us. We have several care programs available, including independent and assisted living programs, memory care programs, respite care, and short and long-term rehabilitation care. Each program is tailored to each resident and will include everything you need to live a comfortable and peaceful retirement.
To learn more about how to downsize in retirement, fill out our online form or call 281.305.1846 today to schedule a tour of your new home.