As we journey through life, our needs and priorities often evolve. For many seniors, downsizing from a large family home to a more manageable living space becomes a practical and liberating decision, especially when considering retirement living options. Making this move can also feel a bit overwhelming.
At Resort Lifestyle Communities, we understand the significance of this transition and are here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. Many of our communities collaborate with local downsizing specialists who are available to assist residents in making their move as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Drawing upon our expertise, we have gathered some of our best advice to share with you. We hope these essential tips will help you navigate the downsizing journey and embrace the next chapter of your life with confidence.
Tips for Moving Ahead
- Start Early: Procrastination is often the enemy of downsizing. Begin decluttering and organizing your belongings well in advance of your move. Sorting through a lifetime of possessions takes time, so give yourself ample opportunity to make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, or pass on to loved ones.
- Prioritize Necessities: Focus on keeping items that are essential or hold significant sentimental value. Let go of duplicates, outdated belongings, and items you haven't used in years. This process will help streamline your possessions and make the transition to a smaller space more manageable.
- Downsize Furniture: Assess your current furniture and determine what pieces will fit comfortably in your new home. Consider downsizing to smaller-scale furniture that is more appropriate for your downsized living space. Opt for multi-functional pieces, such as a dining table with built-in storage or a sofa bed for accommodating guests. If you’re moving to RLC, we have guest suites available as well as spaces for the grandkids to play, so be sure to look into these types of amenities to help you decide on what furniture you will or won’t need in your new home!
- Digitize Memories: To save space, consider digitizing photos, albums, and documents instead of keeping physical copies. Scan old photographs, letters, and important documents to create digital copies that can be stored on your computer or in the cloud. This allows you to preserve cherished memories without cluttering your new home. This is a helpful article on how to scan images in bulk.
- Maximize Closet Space: Closets tend to be limited in smaller homes or apartments, so maximize their efficiency by organizing and decluttering your wardrobe. Donate or sell clothing and accessories that no longer fit your style or lifestyle. Invest in closet organizers, hangers, and storage bins to make the most of the available space.
- Streamline Kitchen Essentials: Pare down your kitchen supplies to the essentials you use regularly. Donate or sell duplicate or rarely used items, such as excess cookware, gadgets, and appliances. Invest in space-saving kitchen organizers, such as stackable containers and cabinet organizers, to maximize storage space in your new kitchen.
What’s exciting about moving to RLC is that while you will have a full kitchen to make special goodies or favorite recipes, all of your meals and many delicious snacks are included in our all-inclusive pricing. Our signature Freedom Dining program is our most talked-about amenity among our residents. If this sounds interesting, we’d love to have you stop by and enjoy a complimentary meal. Find a location near you to schedule your visit!
- Embrace New Experiences: During the downsizing process, it can help to focus on the experiences you will be gaining instead of the things you are giving up. Explore all of the positive benefits of downsizing, such as reduced maintenance responsibilities, access to amenities, and opportunities for socialization. Embrace the chance to explore new hobbies and interests that were previously overshadowed by the demands of maintaining a larger home. Moving into retirement provides a unique opportunity for many enriching experiences ahead.
When is the right time to downsize?
Many residents at RLC express a common sentiment: they wish they had made the decision sooner! Rather than waiting for circumstances to dictate a hurried move, take the opportunity to plan and shape your future on your own terms. Proactive downsizing allows you to embrace the advantages of retirement living sooner, enabling you to embark on the fulfilling lifestyle you truly deserve.
We wish you the best with your move. If you’re still deciding on your next step, we’d be honored to have you live at RLC. Our dedicated team and network of downsizing partners are here to provide support and guidance along the way. If you’d like to find out which local companies we work with or tour one of our communities, find the RLC location near you and reach out at any time.
