Taking the Stress out of Downsizing

Moving is one of the top five most stressful events in life — and it’s even more gut-wrenching when the move involves downsizing for seniors. That’s because it’s a difficult and often overwhelming job, both physically and emotionally. Luckily, there are steps you can take to beat both kinds of stress — and it starts with focusing on why you’re downsizing in the first place.

Why Downsize Your Home?

You’ve been taking care of your home and your yard for years —  The question is if that’s really how you want to spend your days.

One of the biggest benefits of downsizing for seniors is the time — and also money — it frees up to try to launch new adventures and meet new people. Would you rather shovel your driveway or sit inside by the fireplace with a good book? What’s more fun: dusting your 3,000-square-foot house or heading to a farmer’s market to find something fresh to make for dinner?

Then there are the other benefits of downsizing for seniors. If you’re moving to an active senior living community like Monroe Village, for example, you’ll be living just a few steps from amenities like a heated indoor swimming pool, a day spa, great dining options, and inviting spots to relax and watch the world go by, both indoors and outdoors. Plus, there are plenty of activities and events offered each month.

Staying Ahead of the Physical Stress of Moving

You need to have a plan before packing a single thing — and it starts with giving yourself enough time. Downsizing is hard. Downsizing in a rush is exponentially harder. 

Start by identifying the items you love and absolutely must keep, which you can then carefully pack up and put aside. Next, gather the items you’re planning on giving to loved ones. Finally — and this should be the easiest part — go through your belongings and get rid of anything that’s broken, ruined, obsolete (that old VCR player), or that you have duplicates of. You’re now ready to tackle the rest of the job.

Make a schedule for yourself that details when you’re going to sort through each room in your house. Whether you commit to one room a day or one room a month, make sure you keep to your schedule. Some people like to start with the hardest room in the house while others prefer to build their confidence by tackling a less-challenging room first.

Whatever your approach is, you’ll want to group items into piles that you will pack, donate, or discard. Some people add a fourth classification — a “maybe” pile — but that’s just putting work off for later. Be decisive and handle items the first time you come across them. If necessary, recruit a friend or family member to help keep you on track.  

What’s the biggest factor in how smoothly your move will go? The effort you put into packing up your old home. That’s why it’s so critical to take the time to ensure everything is labeled properly. In big, bold print, label each box with the room where movers should put it. Next, specify what’s in each box. Finally, number each box and record those numbers on a packing list so that if anything goes missing, you’ll know what it is. 

Don’t forget to pack one box of things you’ll want to find quickly on your first night in your new home, including toiletries, medicine, and things you just can’t do without. That means both practical items like phone chargers, as well as things that will help you feel comfortable, like a favorite blanket or pair of slippers.  

Handling the Emotional Stress of Moving

There’s a pattern that often emerges when people are faced with a major life change. Most people’s initial reaction is to focus on what’s difficult about the change — and that’s where a lot of us get stuck in a negative cycle. But if you can shift your mindset to focus on the positives of your new situation, you’ll transform your anxiety into a sense of pleasant anticipation.

Still, staying positive throughout your entire move can be challenging, especially when you close your front door for the last time. If you find yourself struggling, remember that it’s normal but also remember that how you think dictates how you will feel — and put in the effort to focus on the positive. Maybe you do that by making a list of the benefits of downsizing for seniors. You might also find it helpful to talk to a good friend who has already successfully downsized — and draw encouragement from their experience.

Remember, too, that new beginnings are an opportunity to rethink what you want your life — and your home — to look like. It could be that it’s time to swap out your old comforter for a new duvet in an eye-catching pattern. Or maybe you’re ready to embrace a new, active lifestyle that has you trading in time once spent cleaning a big house for long, morning walks. If you’re making the move to an active senior living community, take a look at their activities calendar and make a list of new things you’d like to try after you’ve moved in.

Think of it this way: You might not miss your backyard if your new home has a community garden where you can work in tandem with others. You might not long for your old neighborhood if you have the chance to meet new friends watching movies or football games together at night. 

In the words of well-known motivational speaker Dale Carnegie, remember that “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” 

Life After Downsizing For Seniors at Monroe Village

Monroe Village is an all-inclusive Life Plan Community in New Jersey focused on a healthy and active lifestyle. With events and amenities offered through LivWell, our holistic wellness program, you can boost your health while being a part of a vibrant community. Our heated indoor pool, fitness center, walking paths, and healthy onsite dining options make it easy to reach your goals while enjoying everyday life. Check out our activities to see the many options each day brings from pickleball games and balance classes to movie nights and wine tastings. Contact us today to learn more.