As we age, there are many benefits to downsizing. There’s not only less space to maintain, but also more ways to enjoy a carefree life. And, when you live in an all-inclusive retirement community like RLC, it gets even better. You have countless social activities, delicious dining options, freedom from chores, and many financial benefits to look forward to.It’s also understandable to feel emotional about your move. If you’ve lived in your home for many years, you’ve made memories, perhaps raised a family, and gained friendships with neighbors along the way. What might be comforting to know is that all of our residents have been in your shoes, and they’ve had similar feelings. People decide to move for various reasons, yet one of the most common things we hear is, “I wish I would have done this sooner!” As residents experienced the process of organizing, moving, and getting settled in, they realized downsizing had fewer downsides than they thought.With the right resources and thoughtful steps, transitioning to a new situation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, for many, it can be a liberating experience to look through memories, decide which items bring you joy, and carry the most treasured things with you into your new adventure.
Here are five tips to help you get started on that journey:1. Organize: A good way to begin is to assess and organize what you have. Make decisions to keep, toss or store. As you go through each room, try the “touch once” process to help things go a little smoother. Touch an item one time, then decide where it gets sorted. 2. Record: If you love how your current home is set up, take lots of photos! This can help you recreate familiar spaces as you unpack your things, hang precious photos, and display favorite dishes. Plus, having photos can be fun to share with new friends you meet.
3. Share: Having a hard time tossing perfectly good items? Consider donating to those in need. And, if you have special items that won’t fit in your new home or you don’t want to put in storage, why not give them to family members or close friends? They will cherish the gift – and your thoughtfulness. It’s even fun to pass along a story about the things you’re sharing.
4. Research: As you’re deciding on what furniture to keep, it helps to research where you’re headed. Get measurements of your new space and check on any “extras” that are available to you. Doing your homework will ensure your new home works. It can also provide added peace of mind when it comes time to move.
5. Rightsize: Check the storage space in your new home to see how much room you’ll have for things like holiday decorations or special items you’re not ready to giveaway. This information can help you further organize those “toss, keep and store” piles and make your move go much smoother.
Hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration. You can download our full list of eight tips below. And, if you ever have questions about transitioning from your home or want to know what life is like at a Resort Lifestyle Community,
please give us a call. We’d love to meet you.
