Organizer's Guide to Senior Downsizing
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Helping seniors move is one of the most rewarding and at the same time, humbling experiences for me. I have a lot of empathy for people that have lived many years in one home, raised families and have memories of happy times and sad times. I can put myself in the shoes of these people and I think that’s what makes me good at what I do.
My Personal Perspective
Back in 1995 when my amazing mom passed away, my father asked me if I wanted to move back into the family home with him. Since I had been out on my own for many years, this was not an easy decision. My mom and dad’s home had one small bathroom and a powder room! I built a mother-in-law style suite and lived with my dad for the next 17 years. Over the years, I saw changes that naturally happen with age and my dad and I adapted to those changes. Some of those changes for him were harder to accept, but he always had a good attitude. I noticed that for myself I needed to have patience, kindness and most importantly, a sense of humor. My dad and I would laugh at the funny and normal stuff that would come up. Moving back home allowed me to have pets again and my dad LOVED having the dogs and cats around!
Packing with Heart
Having experienced this in my own life, I’m able to help seniors that need to downsize with empathy and heart. This process isn’t just about relocating; it’s about closing one chapter and opening another. There are a mix of emotions involved – nostalgia, excitement, sadness, loss and most importantly hope. In most cases, many of the items in the home are filled with memories. From the dining room table where the family gathered to eat and discuss the latest news to a favorite reclining chair that held a napping dad. Some rooms are nostalgic for the grandkids who grew up there. All these spaces hold deep emotional significance. I feel it’s a privilege to assist in this journey and understanding the emotional landscape is key. Acknowledging this attachment is the first step in offering genuine support.
Practicing Empathy
Empathy goes beyond understanding; it’s about connecting with the emotions of those we help. Here are some ways to practice empathy in this context
Listening: Allow people to share their stories and memories. Listening without judgement or impatience shows respect and validates their feelings. All the while keeping them focused so as to not spend too much time reminiscing.
Patience: Downsizing is a gradual process. Seniors may need more time to decide what to keep and what to let go of.
Compassionate Communication: Use kind and reassuring words. Acknowledge the difficulty of the process and offer constant support. Phrases like “Take your time,” “I know this is hard,” and “I’m here to help” can make all the difference.
Downsizing Organizing Strategies
When a client agrees to work with me, I lay out a plan so they always know what to expect. Some of the strategies to consider:
Start early: If time allows, encourage the person to start the downsizing process well before the move. Consider having a timeline for each room. This will relieve stress and fear that we won't get done before the move date.
Prioritize: Identify the most important items to keep. I’m a very sentimental person so I can wholeheartedly understand when sentimental items are in question to keep or not keep. My thinking is: if there is a home for it in the new space, take it with you. If there are many sentimental items, I’ll discuss it with my client and try to figure out what to let go of and what can stay.
Simplify: When going through the purging process, I will suggest donating, selling, or giving away items that are no longer needed. This can lighten the load and give new life to possessions.
At the core of helping seniors downsize and move is a genuine desire to ease their transition and honor their life’s journey. It’s about recognizing the courage it takes to embrace change and offering unwavering support through each step. When approached with empathy and heart, downsizing can become a positive experience, paving the way for new beginnings and memories in a new space.
Help From a Distance
Many times, the children of parents who don’t live nearby or live in another city or state will contact me, inquiring about how to assist them in moving their parent/parents.
If you have a loved one, or close family friend that needs assistance with downsizing, packing, and moving, rest assured I’m going to treat them as if they are my own family member or friend. A crucial aspect of my role as a professional organizer is being attuned to the needs of my clients. This means actively listening and observing. When I step into the homes and lives of individuals during times of transition, I become more than just an organizer; I become a caregiver in many ways. When organizing for seniors or individuals who require special care, I am not just managing their belongings; I am also watching over someone’s loved one. This responsibility demands a high level of attentiveness, compassion and experience. I’ll ensure their environment is safe, comfortable, and conducive to their well-being.
My experience, both personal and professional allows me to fully understand and appreciate the full realm of emotions and needs your loved one will most likely experience.
Moving Hearts
As I help seniors navigate this significant life change, I remember that my role is not just about moving boxes but about moving hearts. By doing so, I can help to transform what might be a challenging time into a meaningful and hopeful new chapter.
Do you or a family member need help preparing to downsize? I can put my decluttering and organizing expertise to work for you! Schedule your free consultation today and let’s see how I can help you find the joy in your space again.
