![]() Even if you’re fit as a fiddle, things like weather, access, and staircases can all present challenges on moving day that you shouldn’t have to worry about. If you have any health concerns, it’s especially important to prioritize your safety first. We know using a rented truck is the preferred moving method for some people, but for seniors we strongly recommend hiring professional movers. Do donate as much as you can, though, because we all know that it’s best to extend the life of items and keep them out of landfills for as long as possible. You can donate your gently used items to shelters or secondhand stores (we recommend secondhand stores that are run by charities or non-profit organizations), and sort the items you no longer need into garbage and recycling piles. This is the most obvious phase of the downsizing process, but it’s important to mention. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can also create small signs and ask local cafes to put them up if they have a community bulletin board. You can post on your preferred social media to let your network know where and when, make a sign as simple or as funky as you want to put in front of your house - and we recommend a sign for the busiest main street near your home, too - and ask your family and friends to let their extended networks know to stop by. While selling online may be faster to get rid of certain items, we still believe in the power of a good old fashioned yard sale. You may not have the time or interest in listing every single item you want to get rid of, one by one, to sell online. There are plenty of clever storage hacks that can help you optimize your new space to house items you didn’t think you’d have room for! Plan a yard sale Utilize under-the-bed storage containers, extra tall, narrow shelves, collapsible laundry baskets, and cupboard organizers. In-house storage options have gotten creative in the past decade or so, and there are plenty of ways to maximize your storage options to get the most out of your new space. The last thing you want to worry about is mold and mildew in what are often the dampest areas of a house! Get creative with your new space It’s good to keep in mind that in this case, you should be sure to pack your belongings into secure plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. One of your loved ones will likely offer up a portion of their garage, basement, or attic to give you peace of mind about your most cherished possessions. If storage is an expense that you’re not prepared to take on, you can reach out to your family and friends for help. This can include heirlooms that have passed down through generations of your family, or simply the most treasured items you’ve gathered throughout your life that you’re not ready to say goodbye to just yet. Storing your belongings is sort of a downsizing cheat-code - it may not technically count as downsizing, but we understand that there are some items you’ll want to keep that you may not have room to store in your new home. For unique challenges, there are unique solutions, and you have options! Moving your items into storage ![]() We’ve written a lot about downsizing, but downsizing for seniors tends to be uniquely challenging - seniors will normally have accumulated lots of items over the years, and there may be particularly senitmental items that you’re not ready to part with. With 40+ years in the industry, we have a wealth of experience that we’re more than happy to share with our readers. Whether you’re a senior planning a move or the adult child of a senior helping your parent get organized for moving day, keep reading for Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving’s comprehensive guide to planning a move for a senior citizen. In our experience, typically the adult children of seniors will help them plan their move. Seniors may also have to be mindful of health and safety issues that need to be taken into consideration while planning a move. That alone can turn downsizing into a days or even weeks-long process. Compared to a recent college grad, for example, a senior will usually have a large volume of personal items and treasured belongings. Relocating means you may need assistance with downsizing, packing, finding reputable moving companies to book your move with, and planning every other aspect of moving day. Moving can be stressful for anyone, but senior citizens are likely to face unique and difficult obstacles when it comes to planning a move.
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