Making the transition to senior living can be a big adjustment for seniors. Not only does it involve acclimating to a new environment, but there’s usually a significant reduction in space as well. Thus, downsizing becomes necessary to ensure optimal comfort and safety. Here are some tips to help make this process less stressful for your loved one. 

How to Downsize Before Moving Into a Senior Living Community

1. Make a Plan

Going through possessions that have been collected over several decades can be a time-consuming and overwhelming task. Having a plan of action in place before getting started will make it easier to stay organized and focused. Begin by defining your loved one’s goals to ensure everyone is in agreement on what downsizing entails, and set specific deadlines for when each area of the house should be completed.  

2. Handle One Room at a Time

The idea of downsizing an entire home is often daunting. To make the job more manageable, the best strategy is to take on one room at a time. You may wish to start in the bathroom or kitchen, as these tend to have items with the least emotional attachment, making them easier to get through. After cleaning out junk drawers and disposing of expired medications and toiletries, begin creating separate piles to keep, throw away, donate, and sell. 

3. Keep the New Floor Plan in Mind 

Since your loved one is likely to have less space in an assisted living community, it’s important to consider the type of floor plan they’ll be moving into. Be sure to request the square footage and layout design so you can take accurate measurements and determine which furniture and household items will fit. This will help you plan accordingly and eliminate entire rooms that won’t be in their new home. 

4. Make It a Positive Experience 

Downsizing often means letting go of items that hold a great deal of sentimental value. This can be very difficult for your loved one, so it’s important to help them maintain a positive outlook on the experience and their future. Put emphasis on how this move will improve their quality of life, and avoid getting overly emotional in front of them. Make sure they feel supported, and be understanding if they ask to take a break or need extra time when deciding what to do with certain items.  

If you have a loved one who is ready to move into a Senior Living community, consider the options Longhorn Village in Austin, TX. This senior housing community offers a wide range of desirable amenities, as well as qualified staff to provide a helping hand with everyday tasks. Residents enjoy access to high-quality health care and a robust selection of activities that promote a happy and fulfilling lifestyle. Call (512) 382-4680 to schedule a visit, or find out more about their services online.