For people who are preparing to downsize to a senior living community, the mere idea of leaving a home they may have been in for years—or even decades—can be incredibly stressful. How does one take an entire lifetime of memories and move it into an unfamiliar space that's often smaller than their current beloved place? 

At first, downsizing can seem like a task far too big to tackle. It's not as scary as it seems, though. In fact, when it’s all said and done, everyone will feel such an enormous sense of relief; many people wish they downsized sooner! The key is to keep things organized, segmenting tasks and to-dos into smaller steps so the process is easier to digest. 

Here are a few tips to make the transition to a senior living community go a bit smoother:

1. Create a Calendar

Planning is an important part of any moving process, but it’s particularly helpful for seniors who may not have moved in many years. Easily accessible calendars help keep everyone on the same page. Try using a shared calendar online so family members and friends who will be helping have a single channel of communication (even if the person who’s moving isn’t someone who will be utilizing the technology).

Mark moving milestones, including:

• Which days will be used for packing–if you’ll be packing across several days, designate days for each room to enhance productivity
• The official move-in day
• Who's responsible for which tasks
• The goals that must be achieved in order for each task to be successfully completed

2. Make a List of Things Your Loved One Will Need

Before you really dig in and start disposing of things, make a list of must haves.

• Furniture – What pieces of furniture will fit in the new home, and what personal items are a must?
• Blankets and Pillows
• Clothing -- A combination of practical apparel with one or two special occasion pieces usually does the trick.
• Shower Curtain -- This is an often-overlooked essential. The community may provide the shower rod, but residents often need to supply their own curtains.
• Photos and Personal Effects – It’s important to make this new space “home.” Photos, alarm clocks, wall hangings, a TV and radio will give a familiar feel.

3. Label Everything

Sticky notes should be your best friends as you undertake the task of organizing. Focus on five categories: Keep, Throw Away, Donate, Sell and Not Sure. Of course, the "not sure" items will need to be revisited once everything gets underway, but it's good to have a place to put things that are characterized by an ambivalent attitude; this can diffuse arguments and keep the process moving along so no one gets stuck on one particular thing.

Start with the items that are least sentimental, then work your way to the most obvious items. Is your loved one holding onto clothes he or she hasn't worn in many years? Those can probably go into the donate pile. 

Transitioning to life in a senior living community can be difficult for everyone involved, but it’s important to remember you’re not the first family to go through this. When you have the right resources and support, it does get easier.

Need a little help figuring out how to handle downsizing and selling your home, finding reputable moving services and other essential elements that will ease the experience? At 10 Wimington Place, we understand how trying these times can be, but we're here to help. Please download our guide to find hints that will help you throughout the process.