downsizing checklist for seniors
Schedule appointments and refill prescriptions. Downsizing for seniors is going to take more care and preparation. You can print it and keep it in your moving binder, or you can just use it for reference online. Congratulations on your decision. Victoria Dryden is part of the team at Classic Moves, a full relocation management service, assisting seniors in downsizing or relocating into retirement or aged care. Assign a friend or family member to go to the property ahead of everyone else to let the movers in and supervise them as they start bringing everything in. Senior Mover & Downsizing Services Checklist. Loading more reasons why where you live matters.... You’ve made the big decision and are now ready to move to your new home. It can quickly become paralyzing if you don’t approach it in manageable steps and avoid potential pitfalls. Be sure to ask your adult children or caregiver to help you, and be sure to have a few laughs along the way. Downsizing for the senior in your life (or rightsizing, as we like to call it) can be a huge, overwhelming task. Five Tips and Tricks: The Ultimate Checklist for Seniors Downsizing 1. Most of us have a stash of paperwork in our homes, but it’s not always organized. 1. Downsizing can be a positive and freeing experience and you don’t have to do it alone. Create a Floor Plan. This will make unpacking ten times easier. Update address with other businesses and agencies. This checklist from Life Storage is packed with downsizing tips for seniors that will benefit everyone while minimizing stress and maximizing productivity. Creating lists can help you visualize everything you need to do in the process of downsizing. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish, and check out our cookie policy for more information. Step 3: Sort Out Unneeded Items. If you are considering downsizing your home (either for yourself or an elderly loved one), you can make the process easier with this checklist. Below are some steps that can help you minimize the stress of downsizing. Finally, having a garage sale can be a great way to get rid of items that still have value. Downsizing can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. ❑ Schedule utility disconnects. [x]What to save: ❑ Names, contact information, and brief descriptions of your doctors, attorneys, accountants, bankers, brokers and insurance agents ❑ Personal assets, including savings accounts, pension or retirement plan income; CDs; stocks; bonds; insurance policies; titles to cars, boats, homes, etc. Moving day checklist ❑ Have someone assigned to meet the movers at your new residence. The easiest way to complete this stage is by going through one room at a time. Establish an achievable timeline and lay the groundwork for a successful move. Whether you’re packing up your own home or helping an elderly parent, you’ll likely need help with this stage. With everything pre-labeled, moving will be easy and fairly straight forward. Whether you’re moving to a new community, a more manageable property, or into your adult child’s home, sorting through all of your possessions can feel like an overwhelming task. Driver’s license and vehicle registration, Locate important paperwork and organize it. This link will open in a new window. They take the stress out of moving. Pick up a couple of these, For example, maybe you relate to the more extreme decluttering philosophies of. Downsizing is a process through which you can refocus on your values, share your generosity with loved ones, and actively create a future you look forward to. To avoid putting yourself under extreme deadline pressure, start taking steps as early as one year to six months out from your intended move. This might include pieces of furniture or clothing, as well as kitchen appliances you won’t need or have room for in the new house. If you want more help navigating the demands of the downsizing process, you can check out our Downsizing Checklist below. Use a downsizing checklist to plan every stage of the process; from the pre-move stage and arranging paperwork, to sorting your things and packing, and finally, moving day. You can print it and keep it in your moving binder, or you can just use it for reference online. Be sure they have a key, and be sure the community manager is expecting you. These pre-made checklists for seniors downsizing can be used to make swift progress. First, place important information in a safe deposit box or fireproof... … Continue packing Pack suitcases with clothes and personal items Separate daily necessities for quick, easy access to them in the new home Make sure all prescriptions are filled Take pictures of furniture and note any damages on an inventory sheet Now is a good time to finally go through that pile of documents, save what needs to be saved, and shred what needs to be thrown out. Work backward from the day you want to be completely moved in. Label your boxes according to what’s inside and where they’ll be in the house. ❑ Moving companies can supply specialized containers, e.g., wardrobe boxes, so you can leave clothes on hangers or properly protect your flat-screen TV. Next is one of the most potentially strenuous steps in the moving process: packing everything up. But just as important is managing your physical and mental health throughout the process. Arrange a date for that to happen. Work as quickly as you can to make you new home feel comfortable, © 2021 American Seniors Housing Association. ❑ Welcome others to help with packing chores: family members, friends, the move specialist or moving company. If you’re going to have a large charity donation (lots of small items or several pieces of furniture), it’s a good idea to see if your local charity provides pick-up services. Financial Institutions ❑ Credit reporting systems ❑ Banks ❑ Investment broker ❑ Insurance companies ❑ Lenders, Government ❑ Department of Revenue (IRS) ❑ Department of Motor Vehicles ❑ Business license office (for small or home businesses) ❑ US Post Office, Memberships ❑ Professional associations ❑ Publications, subscriptions ❑ Civic organizations ❑ House of worship ❑ Health club ❑ Social or country clubs, Service Providers ❑ Accountant ❑ Attorney ❑ Cleaning service ❑ Lawn care/landscaper ❑ Physicians ❑ Veterinarian. Establish a sorting system. Label this container. Checklist for Downsizing and Moving Downsizing and moving guide. Before you downsize, though, it’s important to consider the financial implications of such a major shift. “Downsizing a home: a checklist for caregivers.”, www.caregiver.org/downsizing-home-checklist-caregivers, Landau, Ian. A helpful tip is... 2. Senior Moving Checklist Begin packing necessities Confirm movers (date, time, pricing, number of personnel on hand, etc.) Senior movers, senior downsizing services, professional organizers, and family or friends can help with downsizing into a smaller living space or moving into an assisted living facility. With appropriate planning, organization, and help from friends and family, you can navigate a hassle-free transition with ease. It’s not easy to figure out which items to bring with you to a smaller house or apartment. How will you finance it If you’re facing the challenge of downsizing, or you’re helping a senior through the process of downsizing, the checklist below can help you prioritize and get started. If your finances allow for hiring outside help, consider bringing on professional movers. It’s a good idea to set aside a whole notebook specifically for the move. ❑ Start cleaning out the pantry and deep freeze — remembering to reduce cleaning supplies, too. They should include kitchen necessities and toiletries, as well as some clothes, bedding, scissors, and a flashlight. Read our guide on how to organize your day for success. . to prepare for a move, downsizing is a daunting task. Whether you’re the one downsizing, or you’re helping clean out an elderly parent’s home to prepare for a move, downsizing is a daunting task. Set aside a special box (it should be a different type of container than your regular moving boxes) for items you need easy access to during the move. And downsizing can be even more difficult. Find this Pin and more on #Downsizing :: #EmptyNest & #Seniorsby Truorder Creative Organizing Solutions. 1. Get someone to help if you can. The first step is to have an honest conversation about why downsizing is a necessary next step for the senior in question. Here are some steps to consider. Instagram. Accept, If you’re facing the challenge of downsizing, or you’re helping a senior through the. Evaluate and process the reason for senior downsizing. Facebook. If you’re not sure what to sell and what not to sell at a garage sale, Create a stash of items you need during the move, Check over your contract with the moving company, Assign someone to meet movers at the property, Whether you’re the one downsizing, or you’re helping. Organize critical documents. ❑ Create a moving binder that includes key contacts, estimates, receipts, and an inventory of what you’re taking with you. over the highly-popularized Marie Kondo method. Second, scan vital documents and store them online. Congratulations on your decision. Here are some downsizing tips for seniors that will help you approach this in a simple and stress-free way: Start Early. What about a resting spot? ❑ Ask a neighbor about watching for mail that might come after your move. Roughly 51 percent of retirees ages 50 and over move into smaller homes after but many older adults don't want to move. Downsizing Home Checklist | Checklist for Senior Home Downsizing. Whether you have hired help or not, labeled boxes will streamline the process of moving in and unpacking. ❑ Pictures or videos of your personal possessions — including approximate values of treasured possessions can be helpful in the event of an insurance claim ❑ List of any personal liabilities ❑ Copies of federal and state income tax returns from the past five years ❑ List and account numbers of checking accounts, savings accounts and credit cards ❑ Social Security and Medicare cards, passport, and birth certificate ❑ Trusts, wills, and any codicils or amendments, including durable power of attorney and advance directives ❑ A letter addressing any personal issues (e.g., your preferences for any end-of-life desires such as burial or cremation, any personal comments to friends or family). Downsizing can be overwhelming for seniors, both physically and mentally, so keep a steady pace but don’t overdo it. This downsizing checklist should give you a starting place, and working with a specialist or agent can provide the rest of the support your move requires. ❑ Schedule your post-move-out cleaning services ❑ Be sure you have a written contract from the moving company and clear idea of coverage for lost or damaged possessions. The first step is to have an honest conversation about why downsizing is a necessary next step for the senior in question. Step one: Figure out how you’re going to sort through your possessions. This will allow you to plan where you want to put all of your furniture. Since every situation is different, select the areas that apply to you, and add your own notes in the spaces provided below. This guide contains downsizing checklists for seniors and... Paperwork checklist. Evaluate and process the reason for senior downsizing. You will need to take into account where the real estate market is in the property cycle, taxes, and the logistics of organising your move. For example, you might dedicate two to three hours each day to decluttering and organizing for the move, while the rest of the day is reserved for normal daily activities and socialization. Finally, having a garage sale can be a great way to get rid of items that still have value. They will also need to declutter their homes, as well as make other preparations before they downsize and move into their new dwelling. Twitter. Relocating has many crucial steps, and thinking of the event as one huge task can be daunting. Pack other important items that you’ll keep with you during the move: new lease or residence contract, keys, medications, legal documents, checkbook, cell phone, address book, first-aid kit. This checklist is packed with downsizing tips for seniors that will benefit everyone while minimizing stress and maximizing productivity. The cash is great for ordering a delivered dinner that night because moving always seems to take longer than we expect.