One of the most difficult parts of moving to a smaller space can be discarding possessions. “Change is not going to be so easy for people who have been living in their home for decades, especially if they’re elders,” says Linda Samuels, a certified professional organizer who has worked with seniors for many years. Being sensitive to the emotions involved with downsizing can make the process easier for both aging parents and their families.

The first step in easing that process is for adult children to understand and accept the way their parents are feeling.  This could include anger, sadness, relief, joy or ambivalence. Everything that is looked at and touched is a memory,  so those memories are going to conjure up all kinds of emotions, the entire spectrum. Being patient and accepting of the feelings that surface will create a more positive environment.

 

Sometimes the telling and the listening is enough to be able to let go or identify what they want to take with them. Emotional attachments to objects can make elders resistant to discarding them. One way to ease the transition is if the objects are going to a person or place that the elder feels comfortable with — one that has meaning and perhaps provides opportunity to leave a legacy. This could be giving cherished items to family members, close friends or a meaningful charity. If they know that these things are going on to someone that will treasure them, it can make that letting go feel good instead of sad.

 

Another way to make parting with belongings easier is simply taking the time to listen. Possessions bring back memories, and letting your parents tell their stories can bring them peace of mind when downsizing. Sometimes the telling and the listening is enough to be able to let go or identify what they want to take with them.   Taking photographs of the objects or videotaping your parents’ stories can help them feel like their memories can live on.

Samuels also advises adult children to take care of themselves during the process. Downsizing can take an emotional toll on anyone, and having a support system in place can make the experience more positive for everyone involved.

 

Senior Move Managers® have extensive, practical knowledge about the costs, quality and availability of various local community resources. Additionally, Senior Move Managers® frequently assist individuals who choose to stay in their own homes, but simply require expert organizational skills and solid knowledge of "aging in place" concepts to help them achieve their goal of ... not moving anywhere, but improving quality of life!

 

Here are some helpful questions to ask when you are considering hiring a Senior Move Manager.

 

• How long have you been providing senior move management services?

• Have you participated in any formal training?

• Are you fully insured for liability and workers' compensation?

• Do you charge by the hour or by project? (NASMM recommends fees should be

provided in writing to the

consumer or responsible party priorto providing services.)

• Will you provide a written contract?

• Can you provide references?

• Are you a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM)?

• Do you over customized floor plans?

• Do you provide organizing, sorting and downsizing services?

• Do you arrange for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auction,

estate sale, buy-out, consignment, donation, or a combination?

• Do you interview, schedule and oversee movers?

• How is the billing arranged for the movers?

• Do you pack or do you hire a moving company to perform the packing? (If the Senior

Move Manager indicates they pack, make sure they have the appropriate insurance

to cover any damages.)

• Do you completely unpack and set up the new home? (These services include

unpacking everything, hanging

pictures, draperies, installing electronics, etc.)

• Will you handle the transfer of my utilities, mailing address etc?