Homes are of great value throughout our lives, and we build countless memories and traditions inside them. But, as we age, our lives and needs change, and many older people choose to downsize their living spaces. This can mean many things, including moving somewhere else or merely re-organizing the home. While letting go of the family home can be a bittersweet process, it leads to greater peace and tranquility.
When to Downsize
There may be some early signs that it’s time to downsize. Being on the lookout for these signs is a good idea since downsizing is a process that should best be started up well in advance. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Cost
The cost of living has gone up significantly in recent months and years, so if the cost for an older adult to remain in their current home is too high, it may be time to consider a move to somewhere more affordable. It’s also important to remember that houses need maintenance. If an older adult cannot maintain a larger home, they should consider a cozy and equally comfortable smaller living space. This is especially important to consider as aging decreases physical ability to do household tasks and yard work.
Environment
Clutter accumulates over the years and can become a safety hazard and may call for downsizing through decluttering. Outside of the home, the area the house is in may have changed, which could disrupt the lifestyle of an older person. Similarly, the weather in certain regions could harm an older person’s health.
Social Life
One of the largest issues surrounding aging is feeling isolated, and an empty home far from family might contribute to that. If an older adult doesn’t feel as connected to their community as they used to be and isn’t close to family and friends, moving closer to them will help.
If any of these concerns seem relatable, it could be time to downsize.
How to Downsize
Downsizing is sm involved process that can be simplified with a few simple steps.
- Before starting, consider individualized needs. This results in a comfortable and happy restart that will also ease any emotional burden.
- Start planning well in advance. This makes downsizing less stressful for both an older adult and their loved ones.
- Have a timeline and a plan. Decide whether or not and where to move, then create a timeline with easily achievable goals to break the process down into manageable parts.
- Gift and donate items. Giving household items that are no longer used to those in need will decrease the amount of things that need to be moved and can bring older adults closer to their loved ones.
- Digitize any photos, journals, or other essential documents. Preserving these crucial memories in advance is an excellent way to avoid losing them amidst the hustle and bustle of downsizing.
Depending on the needs of each individual, downsizing will look different. However, it’s important to remember that no matter what, the end goal of downsizing is to help them stay comfortable as they age. Keeping open communication with them will make the process easier for everyone involved.
