Are All Of Your Things Preventing You From Moving Forward?

Many families I talk with mention that a barrier to their loved ones considering downsizing or a move to an independent or assisted living community is what to do with all the items that have accumulated over the years in their homes. These items can’t all come along with mom or dad to their next home.

Processing how, where and when to begin this task can be daunting. The perfect scenario would be for everyone’s children and grandchildren to show up and take what they want, leaving an empty house. Unfortunately, this is a rare occurrence. These family members usually already have a house full of things themselves and can’t take on more. Styles and tastes change over time, and a “less is more” or “minimalist” attitude is a current trend — both factors contribute to a situation where no one wants or needs their parent or grandparent’s things.

Unless a friend or family member is available and willing to take on this project, I always encourage utilizing resources that are available locally. These resources include professionals who handle organizing, estate sales, moving, packing and unpacking, and assistance with determining what things should be included in the move and what should be donated, recycled or disposed of in some other way. These resources can also facilitate these items being delivered to a donation center, landfill or other location.

It is understandable that going through a lifetime of knickknacks, mementos and household objects is not an overnight process. However, this task also should not prevent someone from moving on to a safer or more engaging environment in a timely fashion. Some families opt to move their loved one, taking the items they want and that fit into their new environment, while leaving behind what is to be dealt with later, potentially over some amount of time to make it more manageable.

Starting early is key in these situations as they require patience and compassion for the loved ones who are parting with their items. Although some of these items may not have been used for a while, they do evoke feelings. Reminiscing while going through cupboards and closets can take time. Rushing someone usually never goes over well and may create negative feelings associated with the move.

One way to get started would be to initiate a clean-out at a change of season. As warm weather clothes are being swapped out for cold weather ones, that is a great time to take care of a few closets or drawers. As the holidays approach, a review of what decorations are being used and what could be donated would be ideal. Visitors coming into town is also a great way to initiate a purge of linens and bedding.

These opportunities may mean engaging with the previously mentioned professionals well ahead of a planned move. Even if a move is still just in the discussion phase, it doesn’t hurt to get ahead of the inevitable task that will be a factor at some point in the future. As the saying goes, there’s no time to start like the present!

Learn about the services for seniors provided by Assisted Living Locators of Annapolis at www.assistedlivinglocators.com/care-advisor/annapolis or by calling 410-507-4490.