Senior Spotlight: 5 Things To Know About Downsizing In 2023 (Part 2)

If you stopped by our Senior Spotlight, then you know that we kicked-off the first of a two-part feature on ‘5 Things To Know About Downsizing.’ This week we wanted to continue by sharing numbers four and five, as well as list some helpful resources. 

Last week we talked about downsizing sooner rather than later, that younger people are living with less too and that there are professionals who can help. This week we bring you to considerations #4 and #5…

#4: Getting rid of stuff will not be free. While we all have dreams of selling all of our old stuff and making a profit, the reality is it may cost more to remove items from your home than you think. Garage sales can be a lot of work for very little return (sometimes a few hundred dollars for thousands of dollars of items!), and many donation places have stringent requirements on the size and types of items they will take. Some cities offer limited large item junk pick-up and some household hazardous waste removal. In many cases you may have to hire a professional to take the majority of unwanted items, so be sure to budget for junk hauling and moving services as needed. 

#5: The emotional labor will be as hard as the physical labor. It’s not just about going through the stuff and deciding what to do with it – you may find many memories evoked along the way. You may find much joy in items you discover again, sadness of times gone by or guilt over not being able to keep it all. You may also face disappointment if your loved ones do not want to take the things you thought they would love and appreciate. If you can have a friend or professional support you, it can help to have an objective perspective and a reliable support system. 

We share these 5 things to know about downsizing not to discourage you – but to empower you! There are countless tips and videos online that can help you with the process, and also an industry of professionals that can help. We believe you can set yourself up for success best if you know what to expect – which is why we encourage you to start early, don’t wait until you have to move, allow yourself time to take breaks and adjust your strategy and to line up support whether it be personal, professional or both.

You can do this and there are MANY benefits – we have seen it countless times over the years. With realistic expectations and the right resources, you can thrive with less stuff and more worry-free years ahead!

RESOURCES: 

Find & Hire Certified Support: https://www.nasmm.org/ 

How to Cope With Downsizing Your Home: https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2019/coping-with-downsizing.html 

Downsizing Tips for Seniors: https://www.seniorliving.org/housing/downsizing/

A Senior Move Manager's Personal Lessons in Downsizing: https://www.nextavenue.org/downsizing-squint/ 

Downsizing a Home: A Checklist for Caregivers: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/downsizing-home-checklist-caregivers/ 

Warmest regards,

Bobbi

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com


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