Start Planning Early

Packing up a home where you’ve lived for many years is a formidable task. It’s likely to stretch you physically and emotionally. Like many seniors, you’ll most likely have filled your home with precious memories, furniture and possessions. Parting with some of these possessions is a difficult but crucial process that will help you enjoy the next stage of your life. Depending on your situation, it’s wise to start planning at least 3 months before your move. This will give you time to plan what to take with you and what you need to pass on to others.          

Work Out How Much Space You Will Have

As a first step, obtain the floor plan of your new apartment so you can understand its layout and the amount of space you’ll have. Check that the plan is the same as the actual apartment unit; there may be subtle differences. If possible, visit your new apartment and spend some time there imagining how to furnish it.

Decide What Furniture Comfortably Fits Into the New Apartment

You’ll naturally want to keep your favorite furniture, so see what fits. It’s best to measure large items to see if they'll work comfortably in your retirement apartment. One way to do this is to print the floor plan and make small cutouts to scale of your bed, cabinets and other items of furniture, then place them on the floor plan.

Consider Multipurpose Furniture

Larger items such as dressers, easy chairs and couches may be too large for your retirement living area. If so, there are many creative ways to save space. For example, a love seat uses a lot less space than a large couch. Also, consider dual-purpose solutions such as a bed with built-in drawers or an ottoman that serves as a footrest and provides storage space.

Decorating Your Apartment

Make your independent or assisted living apartment feel like home with smart decorating ideas. Use the wall spaces in the apartment for your favorite family pictures and artwork. Also consider where to display important ornaments, furniture and heirlooms.

Remember Personal Possessions

Apart from furniture, think about your personal possessions. Decide how much clothing you can keep in your closet and where you'll keep your jewelry, cosmetics and other important items.

Hobbies

Maintaining an interest in hobbies is a crucial part of growing older. Find out if there’s a hobby or craft area in your new home where you can continue to work on projects. Allow space in your apartment for a table or desk for in-home projects such as art or crafting.

Parting With Treasured Family Furniture

Possibly the hardest part of downsizing is deciding what to do with the pieces of furniture that have special meaning to you. These represent important memories, so take your time to sift through them as you decide what you can keep and what must go. This process will help you come to terms with letting go of what you can’t keep.

Clearing Out Furniture

Here are some ideas to help you dispose of the furniture you no longer need as a senior.

Family and Friends

When possible, pass your most precious furniture pieces on to other members of your family. But don’t be disappointed if there’s little interest. Young people have different ideas of what furniture they like, and they may have little use for family heirlooms. Also consider friends who may like special or high-quality pieces of furniture.

Auction

If you have expensive furniture and artwork, you may be able to get decent prices from an auction house specializing in antiques and art.

Selling Furniture

Other ways to sell furniture include through a garage sale, thrift shops, Facebook Marketplace and eBay.

Charitable Donations

Charities always welcome donations of clothing, books and furniture. There are numerous charities and homeless centers to consider. Many will come and collect items from your home.

Dumpster

Most households accumulate old and threadbare furniture over time, such as worn-out or broken chairs and tables. Renting a dumpster is often the easiest way to dispose of items that are no longer useful.

Furniture Removal Considerations

Before moving, pack your fragile pieces of furniture and artwork securely into boxes. This way, you’ll know what’s in each box and where it should go. Remember your limitations as a senior and plan the loading, transportation and unloading of your belongings carefully. Be careful not to overstress yourself. You’ll have gone through an exhausting process of packing already, so the best solution may be to choose a moving company to transport your furniture to The Gardens at ViewPointe. Alternatively, consider renting a U-Haul truck or trailer, but make certain you have sufficient help to do the heavy lifting.

Planning Downsizing Early Means Less Stress

For many seniors, the move from their own home into a retirement community can be stressful. By starting early, you give yourself time to decide what you can keep and find good homes for what you no longer need.

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